Category Archives: Malta Travel Photography

A Little Vintage Flair | Malta Travel Photographer

By Joshua Seale | Published November 29, 2010

This is officially my last post from Malta until I return, which I hope will happen in the near future. I have truly enjoyed sharing photos taken during my week in Malta, and through them introducing many to this little island in the Mediterranean.

While I was in Malta I was constantly reminded of how historically rich it is. Often I was reminded of old times just by looking at a door, an alley crowded with houses, or an abandoned little chapel by the side of a street. There were many moments when I got carried away, my imagination taking me back to times passed. This is why I decided that, for my last post, I would try to communicate Malta’s historical nature through photos edited to enhance the vintage look I experienced as I enjoyed the island. I hope that you’ll like this last post from Malta.

I found this old van in Mdina’s main square.

The infamous Maltese bus, which is slowly being replaced by newer, more modern busses.

I loved this vent in Mdina…

…and this weathered gate in Valletta.

And to close with, some more photos from my favorite Maltese city, Mdina.

A view of St. Paul’s Cathedral from Fontanella’s Tea Garden, known for its divine Chocolate cake.

People (Part 2) | Malta Travel Photographer

By Joshua Seale | Published November 16, 2010

I have a passion for photographing people. If you spend any time with my portfolio, you would see how this is the case. While I love shooting landscape and architecture, I love the challenge and art of photographing people. Getting close to people with the aim of taking their photo naturally involves a level of interaction, and when traveling internationally this interaction can be challenging due to language and cultural barriers. Also, some people just don’t like their photo taken, and as interesting as I might find them, I have to respect that. Photographing anybody always involves momentarily earning their trust, and the greater the trust that you can earn, the more moving their photo can be.

I have already shared one post of the different people I photographed during my time in Malta. Here is my second collection of favorites.

To start off with, a few photos from Malta’s National Beer Festival:

A well-entertained crowd, watching the beer drinking contest where the winner downed two pints of beer in about eight seconds

An old man sitting on his patio in the village of Burmarrad

Old women walking the streets of Birgu

A musician taking a break in Valletta

The square of Birgu at night

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Windows and Doors | Malta Travel Photographer

By Joshua Seale | Published November 8, 2010

I wanted to share some more photos from my time in Malta this last summer, this time specifically of doors and windows pertaining to houses, cafés and churches. I had a lot of fun these last few weeks editing and developing these photos for my portfolio, and couldn’t resist sharing them.

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Mdina by Night | Malta Travel Photographer

By Joshua Seale | Published September 29, 2010

This is my sixth and final post about Malta, and my second post on the enchanting, former capital city Mdina. I figured I would start and end my posts with my favorite city in Malta. Nathalie and I are currently saving towards a million dollars to buy one of Mdina’s gorgeous antique houses. It’ll take a while, but alas, these houses do not appear on the market all that very often.

Here is how I previously described Mdina:

“Mdina is a labyrinth of alleys and piazzas, perched on a hill with a spectacular view of the eastern half of the country. It is called the “Silent City,” as only residents are allowed to drive their cars in. Mdina hosted many who passed through the Maltese islands, as did the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Apostle Paul, the Normans, and the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, amongst others.” (The first post can be read here.)

So here is my second set of photos of Mdina, taken my last night in Malta just as the sun was setting. After visiting Mdina on my second day in Malta, during the day, I insisted with Nathalie that I wanted to go back and shoot Mdina at night. While night photography can be challenging, I love what can be captured with long exposures and a bit of creativity. The results that I got were stunning, and what I am sharing with you are some of my favorites.

A horse-drawn carriage

Many of Mdina’s corners are adorned with these lovely lanterns

The view of Mosta, Nathalie hometown, from Mdina’s fortified wall

Mdina’s houses at night

St. Paul’s Cathedral

A bustling cafe in one of the city’s gorgeous piazzas

Mdina’s front gate

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Birgu: One of the Three Harbor Cities | Malta Travel Photographer

By Joshua Seale | Published September 20, 2010

Across the harbor from Valletta stand three small harbor cities: Isla, Kalkara, and Birgu. The oldest and most enchanting of the three is the city of Birgu. Until recently, much of the city was in bad disrepair, but thanks to EU funds the city has seen millions of Euros poured into its restoration and development.

Before Valletta was established as the capital and main city of Malta, military powers aiming to take control and rule over the Maltese islands would need to primarily gain control of Birgu, this due to its strategic position within the Grand Harbor. Amongst those pivotal in the development of Birgu are the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, the Angevines, the Aragonese and the Knights of St. John.

Characterized by many alleys, little piazzas, cafes, and wine bars Birgu is a place that you can spend hours wandering in. As of recent, interest in Birgu has heightened amongst the Maltese, many drawn to its pedestrian-only narrow streets, and hidden wine bars and coffee shops within walking distance.

Here are some of my favorite photos of Birgu, taken around sunset.

The Harbor of Birgu