A university student is undertaking a photography project to document the changing landscape of the Holderness coastline.
Josh Marks, 21, a final-year photography student from Worcester, is creating a photobook that combines landscape photography with the stories and memories of residents. The book will form part of his final graduate portfolio, but he hopes to continue the project beyond his degree.
As part of his project, Josh hopes to speak to people in the area who would be interested in speaking to him about their stories of the ever-changing coastline.
Josh said: “I haven’t spoken to many people yet because I’m quite a nervous person, but I’ve learned how serious the erosion is further up the coast. Looking at Google Earth and seeing houses that used to be there but have disappeared, it’s terrifying.”
Josh who aspires to become a Formula 1 photographer, said he was inspired to learn photography when he was a child. He first became interested in the area while studying coastal erosion during his GCSEs.
Josh added: “When I was a kid, my mum’s friend showed me his camera. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I’ve stuck with it ever since – I’ve been shooting for about 12 years now. It’s strange to think I’ve been a photographer for most of my life.
“I remember studying coastal erosion in GCSE geography when I was about 16. Coastline erosion always fascinated me. I used to think I want to go there and photograph that. I’ve always known I wanted to be a photographer. I couldn’t drive back then, so now that I can, I finally have the freedom to come here and explore it properly.”
So far, Josh has been put in touch with several residents with knowledge of the Holderness coastline. He is also seeking historical documents, photographs and personal accounts to include in the final book which he is looking to complete with a graphic designer based in Chicago. While the university submission date is December 18, he says he intends to continue the work long after graduation.
“It’s become a long-term project for me. Even once the book is finished for university, I want to keep coming back and building on it.”
As part of the project Josh is looking for people to photograph, with the deadline being Wednesday, December 3. To contact Josh, email him at [email protected].