DOMAINS TO DESTINATIONS
Exciting news! After a 60-day wait to transfer my GoDaddy domain to Squarespace (thanks to their T&Cs), malcsphotos.co.uk is finally live! I can't believe it took me this long to build a website, but stepping out of my comfort zone was worth it. While I’ve always enjoyed sharing my photos on Facebook, having my own website is a whole new adventure. I’ve had a few portfolio sites over the years, but they were pretty limiting. Now, with Squarespace, I’m learning new tricks every day, thanks to countless YouTube tutorials.
Speaking of new adventures, I’m thrilled to share that I have a week-long holiday booked in Jersey at the end of September. It’s become a tradition to explore a new place during my birthday week, capturing stunning scenery with my camera. Over the past few years, I’ve visited Swanage, North Devon, and Weymouth, always drawn to the West Coast of the UK. This time, I’m heading to Jersey—still west, but a bit further south and hopefully warmer! I considered the Isle of Wight but figured if I’m catching a ferry, why not go a little further?
From what I’ve heard and seen, Jersey boasts incredible seascapes, and I can’t wait to explore them with my camera and drone (fingers crossed for good weather). I’m also thinking about getting a gimbal for my phone to capture stable video—perfect for YouTube. Who knows, I might even get a mic and make a cameo in my videos!
I’ve pinned a few must-visit spots on the island, but if you know of any hidden gems or lesser-known places, please drop me a message. I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Until then, Stay safe, but stay curious!
Cheers, Malc
A Windy South Downs
Last weekend, I decided to embark on a little reconnaissance mission to the South Downs. There's a particular viewpoint where the rolling hills meet, creating an interesting landscape I just had to capture.
After a bit of Google mapping, I found a parking spot at the beginning of a trail, with what seemed like a short walk to the desired location. However, what Google Maps didn’t show was the elevation. What I thought would be a quick trek turned into a 500-foot climb over three-quarters of a mile. Apparently, that’s considered an “extreme difficulty” hike! My heart rate was pushing 160 bpm, and my legs ached for a few days later.
Eventually, I made it to the summit of Everest—well, the top of the hill—and found the location. The view was absolutely stunning, but wow, was it windy up there! There was no chance of sending the drone up in those conditions.
This spot is definitely a sunrise location. The sun was too strong and harsh by the time I arrived, and considering the driving distance, I’d have to get up at 3:45 AM to catch the sunrise. Let's be honest—that's not going to happen! Maybe later in the year when the sun doesn’t rise at such a ridiculous hour.
Here are a few shots that I took, and a short video mix.
Just A Matter Of Perspective
When photographing animals or children, it’s essential to get down to their level. This might mean bending your knees, crouching, or even lying on the ground if you’re capturing small animals. So, it's best to leave the designer clothes at home for this one!
Why is this so important? It all comes down to perspective. Shooting from above can make children look small and impose a sense of authority. On the other hand, getting down to their eye level makes the photo more relatable and engaging. With animals, being at their level transports you into their world, creating a more immersive and intimate image.
So next time you’re out with your camera, remember to get down and dirty. Your photos will be all the better for it!
I should have done this years ago!
SO, it’s pretty much as the title says “I should have done this years ago”. Well, I have an Adobe portfolio website, but that just sits there as a showcase really and I haven’t updated it in years. Hopefully this Squarespace website will be the start of something new. From showing my best photos, to printing and selling. Time will tell.