Liam Alford Is Chasing Golden

Cornwall based Photographer Liam Alford, shares his passion for both photography and the South West Coast Path.

Why photography?

I studied fine art back in college, and a part of that course included photography and using the darkroom. During that course, I realised how much I enjoyed photography and was always fascinated by seeing my ideas come to life. It wasn't until around five years ago that I started getting really into landscape photography and roaming my local coastline when I got my first digital camera.

What does the South West Coast Path mean to you?

Everything I grew up here, and we were a very outdoors family and were always at the beach or exploring cliffs and caves. It's where I go to relax and forget about things. Watching the sunrise and sunsets is impressive as each one is always different.

Favourite section of the coast path?

Wow, that's a tricky question, isn't it? For me, it would have to be the Gwithian Towans section. Such happy memories, playing along there as a kid and jumping down the giant rolling sand dunes. The path overlooks St Ives bay which is so big and has the best sunsets.

Favourite coast shot?

It has to be a very recent drone shot I took down at Gwithian; actually, the sun had just risen, and it was really hazy with a slight mist in the air. From above, you can see the grandeur of the cliffs. Gwithian beach almost looks unrecognisable.

What advice would you give to people just taking up photography and aim to get good coast shots?

Patience and optimism are your best friends! Arrive early and wait that 10 minutes extra, just in case. Try and go when the sun is low to get the best shadows and the famous 'golden hour.' If you are unsure whether to leave the house or not thinking 'the sun might not even come out, go, worst-case scenario, you get some fresh air, and typically, that's when you get your best shots. I try to include people in my shots to add a sense of scale to my images.

Praa Sands Surfer

What equipment would you recommend to a beginner?

You can get a decent entry-level digital camera now for a few hundred pounds. Search the market and do your research first to find a camera that best suits your intentions. Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Fuji are the leading brands to look out for. Always remember the equipment is only as good as the person behind it. It's not all about how much you spend.

What inspires your shots?

I mainly follow other local photographers on social media pages or photography magazines. I spend a lot of time on google maps searching for potential spots that could work with various sun positions throughout the year. Some days I find myself lacking the motivation to go out and shoot, and then I'll see a great sunset photo somewhere, and that's enough to get me up and gone in minutes.

Do you have any unique stories to share with us?

It wasn't on the path, but while I was surfing, it was a cold spring morning, and myself and one other keen surfer were out at Godrevy and waiting on a set to come through when a pod of 40 or more dolphins suddenly surrounded us. The sun was shining, and it was the most magical thing to experience; we both caught waves at the same time as the dolphins were surfing them too. I'll keep that memory forever.

What are your views on the conservation of the path?

I think it's vital to protect our coastal paths, and organisations such as the National Trust and the South West Coast Path Association do a great job. We are so lucky to be surrounded by coastline. Erosion is a natural problem that is difficult to prevent; however, the coast path's ongoing conservation projects allow us to enjoy it.

Liam Alford

Follow Liam on Instagram @liam_alford_photography