Liam Alford is a self-taught nature and wedding photographer with a passion for capturing the special moments in the world through his lens. In this article, we learn about his journey, valuable lessons from his outdoor experiences, and his shooting + editing approach to the image that won the Best of the Week 33, 2024.
Travel and photography have always been intertwined in my life. I worked as a windsurf instructor in my twenties, moving to different countries every six months. It was an eye-opening experience, exposing me to various cultures and ways of life. My mother had given me a bridge camera, and while I didn’t have any formal knowledge of photography then, I would spend hours capturing pictures. However, it wasn’t until about eight years ago (2016), when I got my first DSLR, that my love for photography truly took off. From that moment, my obsession grew, and it’s shaped much of what I do today.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is simple: Always take your camera with you—everywhere. The best shots come from moments you don’t plan for. But when it comes to intentional shoots, arriving early and staying late is key if you want to avoid crowds and capture something unique. Another valuable tip is to always have a specific shot or destination in mind. Aimlessly driving around won’t get you the result you want. Personally, I like to pre-visualize the final edit in my head while on location, which helps me stay creative and focused in the field.
The photo that won Best of the Week holds a special place in my heart. It’s a shot from the depths of West Cornwall, featuring old engine houses that once pumped air into the mines stretching under the seabed. I knew a storm was rolling in, bringing a lot of swells, so I ventured out to this hard-to-reach vantage point. After sprinting across a narrow cliff and finding shelter behind a rock, I sat there for about three hours, waiting for the biggest waves to roll through. When the perfect one came, I captured the moment, a testament to patience and persistence. I rewarded myself with a hot pasty afterward! 🙂
The composition of that photo went through several iterations. I took many shots that day at various focal lengths and shutter speeds. In the end, the final image was a cropped version of a landscape shot, focusing on the subject in a way that felt more simple and direct.
When it came to editing, I wanted to reflect on how the scene felt at the time—cold, dark, and moody. The day itself had little sunshine, and the stormy weather gave the landscape a gloomy vibe. I decided to exaggerate those feelings in the final edit, keeping the blue tones prominent to contrast with the orange hues of the old stonework on the engine house. My approach to editing is always to respect the conditions present at the time. Trying to defy the original atmosphere often feels off. In this case, the raw power of nature was overwhelming, so I focused on adding texture to highlight that intensity.
My feed is a reflection of my journey, and I’ve worked hard to curate it thoughtfully. For beginner photographers, finding your style and staying consistent can be challenging. It’s important to draw inspiration from others, but also to forge your path. If travel isn’t always an option, tools like Google Maps can help you find hidden gems in your local area. And don’t stress if you find yourself in a creative rut. Forcing yourself to shoot doesn’t always work. Trust that, at some point, the inspiration will come, and you’ll be back out there with your camera.
Two of my most memorable projects have been life-changing. I was selected by a travel company to go to Western Australia, where I swam with whale sharks and explored the reefs while a film crew followed me for nine days. It was a proud moment for me, all stemming from my work online. Another unforgettable experience was traveling solo around Iceland for eight days, living out of the back of a Dacia Duster. Both trips taught me invaluable lessons and contributed significantly to my growth as a photographer.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue growing my wedding photography business. I am a self-taught wedding photographer, and this aspect of my work as a creator allows me the flexibility to travel during the off-season. I have a family and a home, so while I love to travel, I don’t aspire to be a full-time digital nomad. Instead, balancing work and travel is the goal for me in the next decade. With the right strategies, I hope to continue doing what I love while making room for the adventures that fuel my creativity.
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