Discovering the beauty of rockpools: a chat with Marine & Natural History Photography student Liv Barnett

Falmouth’s natural environment and prime position in Cornwall makes it a source of inspiration to many who have an interest in marine life, surf, and the natural world. One of Falmouth’s beaches, Castle Beach, has an abundance of rockpools that has encouraged current student Liv Barnett to start her own photo series, Microcosm. 

We caught up with Liv to learn more about how Falmouth’s coastal setting has inspired this creative project.  

Can you tell us more about your project, Microcosm? 

It’s been a personal project that focuses on the diverse ecosystem of a single rockpool on Castle Beach in Falmouth. The project explores the often overlooked, yet thriving, world that is a rockpool. It is constantly shifting with the rhythm of the sea, with so much complexity, colour, and diversity of marine life on a micro-scale. Beneath the surface, the vibrant life within the rockpool remains largely untouched by the changing seasons. This gave me the opportunity to capture the beauty of the otherworldly creatures that inhabit the rockpool and find the magic hiding in plain sight.  

It’s a project that has really pushed me technically and creatively. Shooting through all types of weather, often for hours at a time, has meant I've had countless early mornings or late evenings sitting in the pool waiting for the perfect light, the right tide, or that magical moment when something extraordinary reveals itself. Despite the challenges, I have found a deeper connection to my subject matter and to the natural world through this project.