Capturing Change: The Intersection of Portraits and Landscapes in Modern Photography

In a world that constantly evolves, photography offers a unique way to capture moments of change and continuity. The year 2026 brings new perspectives on tradition and progress, especially when we look at figures like Rev Jayne Coxall, a female vicar who embodies modern faith and leadership. Her portrait, taken in the Marble Church on the North Wales coast, connects deeply with the landscape around her. This connection between portrait and place reveals how photography can tell stories about identity, history, and movement through time.

Rev Jayne Coxall in the Marble Church, a symbol of modern faith and tradition

The Changing Role of Vicars in a Modern World

The role of vicars has transformed significantly over recent decades. Female vicars like Rev Jayne Coxall represent a shift in religious leadership that reflects broader social changes. This shift is not just about gender but about how faith communities adapt to a world that is still changing rapidly. The Marble Church, with its rich history and striking architecture, stands as a symbol of tradition. Yet, it also embraces new stories and faces, showing that change and continuity can coexist.

Rev Jayne Coxall’s portrait is part of The Great British Portrait project, which captures individuals who represent the spirit of contemporary Britain. Her image is more than a likeness; it is a statement about progress, resilience, and the blending of old and new.

Breaking Photography Rules to Tell a Story

When revisiting the Marble Church to photograph its exterior, the I chose to break some traditional photography rules. The sky in the landscape image moves dynamically, contrasting with the stillness of the church itself. This choice creates a visual metaphor for progression: the church is a place of rest and reflection, but the world around it keeps moving forward.

This approach challenges the idea that landscapes must always be calm and balanced. Instead, it embraces movement and imperfection to highlight the tension between stability and change. The photograph becomes a narrative tool, connecting the portrait of Rev Jayne Coxall with the broader environment she serves.

The Marble Church with a moving sky symbolizing change and continuity on the North Wales coast

Connecting Portraits and Landscapes

Photography often separates portraits and landscapes into distinct categories. Portraits focus on individuals, their expressions, and their stories. Landscapes capture places, moods, and atmospheres. But when combined thoughtfully, these two genres can deepen the meaning of both.

In this case, the portrait of Rev Jayne Coxall and the landscape of the Marble Church work together to tell a story about faith, history, and progress. The portrait shows a person who stands for change within a tradition. The landscape shows a place that holds history but is surrounded by a world in motion.

This connection invites viewers to reflect on how people and places influence each other. It also reminds us that photography is not just about capturing beauty but about revealing truth and stories.

Practical Tips for Photographers

If you want to explore the intersection of portraits and landscapes in your own work, consider these tips:

• Choose meaningful locations that relate to your subject’s story. The setting should add context and depth to the portrait.

• Experiment with composition by combining stillness and movement. Use elements like clouds, water, or light to introduce dynamic contrasts.

• Break traditional rules when it serves the story. Sometimes unconventional angles or exposures can create stronger emotional impact.

• Think about symbolism in your images. What does the background say about your subject? How does the environment reflect their identity or journey?

• Connect your images in a series or project. Showing portraits alongside landscapes can create a richer narrative than either alone.

  
  

The Power of Photography to Capture Change

The story of Rev Jayne Coxall and the Marble Church reminds us that photography can capture more than just moments. It can capture transitions, tensions, and connections that define our time. By blending portrait and landscape, photographers can create images that speak to both personal and collective experiences.

As the world continues to change, these images become records of how people and places adapt, resist, and grow. They invite us to look closer, think deeper, and appreciate the complexity of modern life.

Photography is a tool for truth, stories, and beauty. When used thoughtfully, it helps us understand the world and our place within it.