Pure Shores
Dorset-based photographer Jasmine Evans shares how her deep connection with nature and passion for photography inspires her to capture the ever-changing beauty of the sea.
We’d love to know your story. Can you give us an introduction to you and your work?
Ever since I was first handed my first camera as a child, I’ve had a passion for photography. My curiosity grew into fascination as I got older, and I found myself increasingly drawn to the beauty of capturing the world around me. This naturally led to studying photography at school and then achieving a master’s degree.
My love for photography grew in tandem with my connection to the outdoors. Growing up near the sea with its vastness and the serene rhythm of the waves has always made me feel calm, despite the ocean’s changing moods. I find that photographing the sea is a meditative experience - it allows me to capture moments of tranquillity that resonate deeply within me. It’s a creative outlet, but it’s more than that too.
What is your biggest inspiration?
My inspirations stem from a few elements - from my connection to nature, from my love for adventure and exploration, from artistic expression.
My biggest inspiration has to be nature - in all my work, I try to get across a sense of natural authenticity
in order to develop deeper connections with the viewer. The sea is inevitable and unstoppable, and its sheer size can evoke a sense of wonder and peace: capturing these moments is my way of preserving that connection, and sharing it with others. It’s easy to lose our connection with the beauty of the nature we’re surrounded by in Dorset, so I’m passionate about
playing my part in restoring that. I’m inspired to push my artistic boundaries and create something that puts a smile on people’s faces.
I find that all aspects of photography have a sense of discovery and thrill which makes each photoshoot unique and exciting, especially when capturing the essence of nature – no two days are the same, and this is something that really inspires me.
Where is your favourite place to shoot locally?
Boscombe Beach is on my doorstep, and it’s one of my favourite places to shoot the sea, especially at sunset. The natural beauty of the golden sands meeting the water, the expansive views across the horizon, the iconic pier, the way the light dances on the water - they all create the perfect setting for capturing seascapes. I can take a photograph one day which is bright, colourful and serene, and go back the next day for something moody and stormy at dusk. Every visit feels like a new experience - there are endless opportunities to explore different moods, colours, and perspectives.
Lastly, what does belonging mean to you?
To me, belonging means connection, acceptance, and being part of something greater than myself. It’s about finding places, people, and experiences where I feel truly understood and valued for who I am.
Rather than just being about fitting in, I feel as though true belonging is being embraced for my unique qualities and contributions. It's the feeling of being rooted, whether in a community, a relationship, or even in a particular moment or place, like when I'm by the sea. The sense of belonging brings comfort, stability, and a sense of purpose, making me feel that I have a place in the world where I truly matter.
This theme also ties into my photography, where I capture moments and places that evoke a sense of belonging, whether it's the familiar embrace of nature, the calming presence of the ocean, or the connection I feel with the world through my lens. Belonging, to me, is about finding those spaces where I can be fully myself, and where my presence contributes to the beauty and harmony of the whole.
Website → jasmineevansphotography.uk
Instagram → @jasmineevans_photography
