After studying geology at Portsmouth University, Revell worked with the British Geological Survey. In 1989 he began to pursue a long interest and preoccupation with photography. During 1989-94 he assisted various commercial photographers, learning to control light and the best ways to execute his photographic ideas.


During 1995 - 99 Giles built a successful photographic business, and consolidated his position in the commercial marketplace. Excited by the potential of advancing computer technology as a creative tool, he rediscovered methods of analysis and ideas first introduced as a geologist, which now drive his photographic projects. He was also awarded two D&AD Silver awards, three Silver and one Gold Association of Photographer’s awards.

The series shown here is the culmination of over two years work alongside a busy commercial schedule, and will be further developed into a major one man show, touring show and museum installation.

These wonderful images are taken on a Scanning Electron Microscope (S.E.M). which magnifies areas of interest much greater than a conventional light microscope. They are used widely in scientific research and industry. The microscope uses an Electron beam rather than light and the images are recorded as micrographs.
The specimens have to be prepared and treated meticulously before they can be viewed with a S.E.M.; one of the final treatments is a coating of gold, which renders the specimen highly conductive. Giles’ images are extraordinary, particularly as the whole specimen is recorded as a montage of negatives. One insect may be made up of seventy-five 6” x 7” negatives recording every surface and edge with as much detail and form as possible. Each negative is scanned into a digital format and carefully merged together, resulting in a seamless image of the specimen. His prints are hand made pigment transfers from a limited edition.