Life by the sea and building my photography business in Dorset

After twenty years in Buckinghamshire, I’ve finally taken the plunge and moved to the seaside!  Dorset has been calling me for some time – I’ve been visiting the Sandbanks area since 1988, I’ve always loved the sea, and during the second lockdown, the idea of weaving seaside living into everyday life really took hold. Fast forward and two months ago, we settled into our new home in Lilliput, Poole, and it already feels like the right move.

It’s been a whirlwind of sandy beaches, salty swims, and making new connections –-both personally and professionally. I thought I’d share a little update on what I’ve been up to so far, and details of some of the brilliant local businesses and communities I’ve discovered.

Life by the Sea

One of the joys of being here is just how much life revolves around the water if you want it to. The beach has quickly become my second home – a place to walk the dog, run, do yoga, meet people, and make business connections. Here are just some of the things I’ve been up to over the last few weeks:

• • For a couple of years I’ve been joining Heather Ashley’s “Win the Morning, Win the Day” sea dipping group – an amazing community who are so welcoming and fun to hang out with. It’s great to actually be local and able to join them every Monday and Friday for a dip and cuppa. Heather is an accredited WimHof coach, so if you fancy jumping into an ice bath or finding out more about breathing methods then she is your gal!
    Heather Ashley WimHof Instructor
  • Summer yoga on the beach with Ali Morton Yoga has been such a grounding way to start the day.  Ali also runs great retreat days combining yoga, fresh air, good company, sound baths, tasty food and sometimes a sauna as well.
  • Regular sessions at the Saltwater Sauna on Sandbanks Beach have been another bonus, and I can see myself booking many more as the sea gets colder into the winter – it’s the perfect way to warm up after a swim and soak up the beautiful views.
  • I’ve enjoyed the fitness classes, saunas, social events and book group at Rockwater Openwater – all with a sea view of course.
  • Claire Kremer from CK Wellbeing has introduced me to her energising Sea, Sauna, Strength sessions and early morning bootcamps on Whitecliff Park. I live just around the corner, so really have no excuse not to go along.
  • Away from the water, I’m trying to improve my padel skills at East Dorset Tennis Club – a great sport that I hope to spend a bit more time on.
  • I’ve been sad to leave my brilliant Two Tyred on Sunday cycle group back in Bucks (luckily they come and visit!), but it was great to discover Trek Bike Poole and join their Big September Ride Out into Wareham Forest – stunning scenery and a guided gravel bike ride that certainly put me through my paces.  A really friendly welcome.

My Garden Studio

Alongside seaside adventures, I’ve been busy relocating my photography business. I loved my home studio in Bucks, but I’m very lucky to now have a garden studio in Dorset, which I’m transforming into a welcoming space for corporate headshots and personal branding photography sessions.  I’ll also be holding my first Dorset Smartphone photography workshop in the studio this October (see details below) – something I’m really looking forward to.  It’s been exciting to put my stamp on the space and create a calm, light-filled setting where people can feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Connecting with the Local Business Community

I’ve found the Dorset business community to be very welcoming and friendly. I’ve started networking with Goldfinch Gatherings, and their recent Celebrate and Elevate event at Patch in Bournemouth was a real highlight. I’ve also connected with Zoe Hiljemark, a PR and marketing expert whose insights have been invaluable as I settle my business into its new home and find my feet as a photographer in Dorset. It feels good to be part of a network of inspiring people who are passionate about what they do.

Looking Ahead

Two months in, Dorset already feels like home. I’m excited to keep exploring, meeting more people, and build my new life here by the sea.  If you’re a local business owner in need of fresh corporate headshots or personal branding photography in Poole, or would like to join one of my Smartphone photography workshops – or even if you simply fancy a sea swim or a coffee – I’d love to connect. Here’s to many more sandy mornings, salty dips, and snapshots of life on the Dorset coast.