Bournemouth, szeretlek

I lived in Bournemouth for just over a quarter of my life, which is an awful long time when I spell it out like that.

I never wanted to live by the beach.

Childhood trips to the likes of Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and Brighton put me off the British coast. The overwhelming smell of sea salt wafting into the towns, decaying, poorly maintained seaside buildings, and uncomfortable pebble beaches all gave me a pretty bleak impression.

However, none of that was to be found in Dorset, as I was met with sandy beaches, exotic coastal gardens, and a wealth of stunning views.

Now, seven years after first making my way west, I can’t imagine living away from the sea.

The town changed a lot during the time that I was there. The centre isn’t what it once was, with many businesses packing up and moving elsewhere, particularly post-Covid. However, I always found the town and its surroundings to be pleasant, whether I was walking along the beach after work or venturing through the area's numerous parks.

There are few things I found more cathartic than dipping into the sea on a hot day, something I wish I'd done more often.

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some incredible people over the years, many of whom I hope to be in contact with in the future, some of whom have touched my life in profound ways.

When I look back on this period of my life, that being my early- and mid-twenties, I’ll remember how living in this idyllic coastal town, with its warts and all, shaped the person I am today.

It’s already strange to no longer be there, to not wake up in the same one-bedroom flat in which I lived for all those years. While I’m excited for the next chapter of my life in yet another coastal town – Brighton, funnily enough – it will take a while before my new surroundings begin to feel like home.

I’ll miss the sunsets on the beach, walks along the pier in all seasons, the comfort of nearby friends, and the stunning natural surroundings that made a real difference during trying times.

It was in Bournemouth where I first bought a film camera, so it only seems fitting to show my love for the area through a handful of pictures I’ve taken of the town over the years. What started out as a frivolous hobby has become an important part of my life, as I document where I’ve been and how the places, faces, and changing seasons make me feel.

Below is only a small selection of photos taken over the better part of five years, most shot on 35mm and a handful on the 120 medium format.