Brighton Blue

Blue hour is that magical time after sunset when the sky takes on these deep, rich blue tones—and it's one of my favourite times to photograph the coast. This March evening at Brighton, I stayed on the beach long after the sunset colours had faded, waiting for that perfect moment when the sky would transform into this gorgeous deep blue.

I set up for an 8-second exposure, just long enough to smooth the incoming waves into a soft, silky texture while keeping the pier sharp and detailed. Brighton's Palace Pier, fully illuminated against the twilight sky, creates this beautiful contrast between the warm artificial lights and the cool natural tones of the evening. The beach in the foreground, with its smooth pebbles and the gentle wash of water, adds depth and leads your eye toward the iconic structure.

What I love about blue hour photography is how it transforms familiar scenes. Brighton Pier looks completely different at this time compared to sunrise or sunset—there's a calmness, a serenity that's unique to this brief window between day and night. The deep blues create a mood that's both peaceful and slightly mysterious, while the pier's lights remind you that life continues even as darkness falls.

When you look at this photograph, I want you to feel that sense of tranquil transition—that moment when the day is done but the night hasn't quite taken over, when the Sussex coastline settles into its evening rhythm.