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MySide: Coastal Colour

May 6th, 2026 | MySide

This group of images stays close to the coastline. Harbours, bays, estuaries, beaches. Places shaped by water, but also by use.

Across these photographs, colour is part of how each bit of coastline is known. Colour is found in working boats, sea light, reflections, worn facades and the built surfaces people live with every day. In each case, the colour captured helps describe the character of the place itself.

These images were submitted to MySide: Local Colour, our open call inviting people to photograph the visual life of where they live in all its colour. As an archive it brings together work from people photographing where they live, building a record of places from the inside.

Alastair Smith: Ready for Sea, Staithes Harbour, June 2025

Ready for Sea, June 2025 ©Alastair Smith

"Staithes was the home of Captain James Cook and the fishing port where he developed his love of the sea. Nowadays, there are still a few commercial boats in the harbour; however, with the changing fishing industry, it is mainly populated by small boats belonging to local families.

At 76 years old, I am still active and have a boat in the harbour. The boat is used for fishing and also for nature watching, with dolphins and whales being my favourites."

- Alastair Smith

Fabrice Millet: Lost Dreams, Porthcawl, 2026

Lost Dreams, 2026 ©Fabrice Millet

"The Coney Beach Arcade was a feature of Portcawl for years. Now closed, it still looks beautiful, even though it is deserted."

- Fabrice Millet

Maureen McCarron: Ebbtide, Provincetown, 2016

Ebbtide, 2016 ©Maureen McCarron

"This is the ebb tide in Provincetown, MA, USA, about 1/2 a mile from my home."

- Maureen McCarron

Tom Hopkins: Looking Out to Sea, Blackpool, 2024

Looking Out to Sea, 2024 ©Tom Hopkins

"I just love the composition of this image. I like the hand gesture between the two ladies and I think what really makes it is the seagull sat beside them looking out in the same direction. It’s a nice daily life shot that shows how people like to enjoy Blackpool sea front."

- Tom Hopkins

Susan Cook: Colourful Reflection, River Aln Estuary, 2026

Colourful Reflection, 2026 ©Susan Cook

"The houses set on the hillside at Alnmouth always look so colourful and bring joy brightening your day. Even better when reflected in the River Aln when the flow is calm."

- Susan Cook

Nigel Rickaby: Cullercoats Fishing Boat, 2026

Cullercoats Fishing Boat, 2026 ©Nigel Rickaby

"I am a hobby photographer from Cullercoats and a proud Northerner.

This image shows a fishboat being maintained on Cullercoats Bay, which is home to fishing boats, kayaks, paddleboards and many open water swimmers. Traditional and modern users of the sea bring life to the bay."

- Nigel Rickaby

If this piece has you thinking about your local landscapes and communities, MySide is open now, and we want to see photographs and projects that explore your side of life.