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Shaping the light

  • 22 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Words by Hannah Tapping


Photographer Mike Searle has spent three decades reading light and learning that the most compelling images are never simply taken. 


Image by Mike Searle Photography Cliffs with green tops overlook a sandy beach and ocean waves. Sunlight creates dramatic shadows, enhancing the serene coastal landscape.
Porth Island

Mike Searle’s story begins in London’s fast-paced world of PR and marketing, before leaving the capital in the early 1990s to co-found Orca Publications, the independent house behind the surfing titles Carve, SurfGirl and ThreeSixty. Here, he found himself in a landscape that demanded a different kind of attention. With barely a handful of photographers then shooting surf in the UK, he simply bought a camera and taught himself. What followed was two decades of self-directed immersion: early mornings on windswept Cornish beaches, trips to Hawaii and further afield, images appearing in international publications and the national press. 


When Orca expanded into cookery publishing in the early 2000s, Mike found himself on the west coast of Ireland, photographing dishes for the Surf Café Cookbook, a title that would go on to spawn two further editions. For Mike, the shift in pace gave the rewards of a more considered practise: “That’s when I realised how much I enjoyed photographing food. It doesn’t move as fast as a surfer on a wave nor does it involve standing on a windswept Cornish beach for hours waiting for the right moment!”


Mike Searle Photographer Man in gray cap and sweater holding a camera, sitting on stone by the ocean. Blue sky and cliffs in the background, relaxed mood.
Mike Searle

By 2013, Mike made the decision to leave publishing entirely and focus on commercial photography from his Cornish base. Today, he brings that same eye, formed in the swell and spray and refined in the kitchen and the studio, to food, drink, product, lifestyle and interior work for clients across Cornwall and beyond. More than 150 clients have trusted his lens, from local independents to national and international brands.


“Outside of my commercial work I still enjoy capturing the ocean and using different techniques, such as long exposures and intentional camera movement to challenge me and create something different. A few years ago, I would never have believed that you would be able to see the Aurora Borealis in Cornwall, but in 2024 I fulfilled a dream and shot the Northern Lights over Bedruthan Steps. One of the most amazing sights I will ever see!”

 

“What I enjoy most about my work now, is that every shoot is different and provides new challenges; shaping the light so it feels natural and balanced; finding an angle that feels fresh; using colour, texture and composition to create photographs that tell a story and connect with an audience.”



Image by Mike Searle Photography Vintage blue and white car parked by a beach. Two people inside, gazing at ocean waves. Surfers in the distance. Relaxed mood.
Image by Mike Searle Photography Surfer rides a huge green wave on an orange surfboard. The ocean water is churning with white foam, capturing a thrilling moment.

Top: Watching the surf at Fistral Beach | Above: Ben Skinner charging the Cribbar, Newquay’s notorious big-wave spot


Image by Mike Searle Photography Northern lights with pink and green hues illuminate a rocky coastline at night, with a serene ocean and a bright moon reflecting on the water.

Above: The Northern Lights shimmer over Bedruthan Steps


Image by Mike Searle Photography A person sprinkles purple powder into a pink cocktail in a glass. The background is dim, and the person wears a black sweater.

Above: Making cocktails at Ginger and Joe's, Newquay


Image by Mike Searle Photography Sunny patio with a modern house, wooden deck, and outdoor furniture. A fire pit and lush greenery create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Image by Mike Searle Photography Cozy living room with wooden beams, a lit fireplace, wicker decor, a plant, and food on rustic tables. Warm lighting and beige tones.

Above: Constantia, a Mediterranean-style luxury holiday home at Constantine Bay photographed for Perfect Stays


Image by Mike Searle Photography Calm seascape with rocks scattered in teal water, surrounded by rugged cliffs. Soft sunset hues paint the sky, creating a serene atmosphere.
Image by Mike Searle Photography Waves crash on rocky shore at sunset. Sky is orange and blue with a crescent moon. Distant town visible, creating a serene atmosphere.

Top: A moment of calm near Porthcothan on the north coast of Cornwall, where a long exposure smooths out the ripples on the sea | Above: Another long exposure shot at Little Fistral, Newquay


Image by Mike Searle Photography Silhouettes of people on a beach at sunset, with an orange and blue sky reflecting on the wet sand, creating a serene mood.

Above: A spontaneous moment at Lusty Glaze beach in Newquay – although it is slightly out of focus, it’s one of Mike’s favourite images


Image by Mike Searle Photography Sandy path with wooden fences leads to a calm sea under a clear blue sky, surrounded by green dunes on a sunny day.

Above: The path to Fistral Beach, an image which went viral on Love Newquay’s social media


Image by Mike Searle Photography Copper distillery equipment on a sandy beach under a clear blue sky. Hills are visible in the background, creating a tranquil scene.
Image by Mike Searle Photography Sunset over a beach with tall grass in the foreground. The sky is a gradient of warm oranges and cool blues, creating a serene mood.

Top: A shoot with Tarquin's Gin on Constantine Beach | Above: Crantock sand dunes


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