It’s been way too long since I created a blog post so here’s one with something a little new.
I am a photographer, if you have been here before you will know that by now. This time, instead of stills, I decided to make moving images and put together a video on YouTube.
I’m new to video. Apart from doing a little commercially, being creative with it is breaking new ground. I’m enjoying learning the shooting, the editing, and most of all the storytelling.
On to the adventure.
I’m a resident of Dorset, living in Bournemouth but dreaming of a future in the countryside as that’s where I’m most happy. I’ve often walked St Albans Head (also known as St Aldhelms) and have always admired the view across Chapman’s Pool to Houns Tout. A towering sea cliff peak with a backdrop of Dorset’s rugged South West Coast path. I wanted to admire the view from that peak and decided to create a circular walk/hike (whatever you want to call it, it really doesn’t matter!).
To the sounds of the birds shouting their morning news I started the hike from a car park just along from Kingston village. The dense woodland begins to thin a little but it is still a surprise to reach the views across the valley of the Enscombe estate.
Out in the open there was enough wind to cause a challenge but that was just another lesson in recording sound. On this sunny March day the breeze made for a comfortable hiking temperature.
I lost more time than planned taking in the views down to the Enscombe estate. A peaceful place to admire the property below and a kestrel hunting in the skies above. The bird of prey wasn’t finding much but from the remains of another bird in the grass it appears breakfast was worthy. Maybe it was now looking for lunch.
The sound of the sea became clearer as the path neared the coast (obvious really!).
I became oddly obsessed with a long field near the cliff edge. From a distance I thought it was maybe an airstrip but rounding the corner I could see it was a long straight field. Maybe that makes for easier ploughing.
At the top of Houns Tout with a view over Chapmans Pool to St Aldhelms, my intention was achieved and I stopped for lunch with a view. Looking back at the footage it appears I’m sat at the very edge of the cliff. I have to tell you that is not the case, it is just the camera angle. I am aware just how crumbly the cliffs are around here!
After lunch I started the loop back and discovered that for maybe the first time I had done the loop the easy way! The steep path down into the valley of Chapman’s pool gave golden green views, the spring colour shining bright in the sun. Maybe it’s called Chapman’s valley. If it isn’t then it should be.
Not too much to speak of but a pleasant walk all the same. Notable was a quaint cottage, a dream house nestled in the safety of the valley with views of the sea; ahh maybe one day!
At the top end of the valley I cut back through the woods, preferring this to walking along country lanes. I like a bit of wild (prefer a lot of wild!) and this made for a little time to observe nature up close before returning to the van for a coffee.
Now you know how my walks pan out. I’m enjoying creating video stories and I’ve already picked up plenty of things to improve next time. It feels like a new creative path to explore.
Hopefully you have enjoyed this new update to the blog. I look forward to seeing what you think of it in the youtube comments.