Ignis: A Brighton Sunset

There's something magical about watching the sun set behind Brighton's Palace Pier. I'd positioned myself on the beach that March evening with my telephoto lens, wanting to capture the moment when the sun would drop perfectly behind the pier's distinctive silhouette. The sky had been promising all afternoon, with high clouds that I knew would catch the light spectacularly.

As the sun began its descent, the entire sky ignited. Fiery oranges and deep reds painted across the horizon, transforming the scene into something almost otherworldly. Brighton's iconic Palace Pier—one of only two Grade II* listed piers remaining in the UK—stood in perfect silhouette against this vibrant backdrop, its Victorian architecture creating a striking contrast with nature's drama unfolding behind it.

What I love about this image is how it captures the essence of Brighton's seafront at its most dramatic. The warm, intense colours of the sunset feel almost tangible, while the calm silhouette of the pier provides a sense of timeless elegance. It's these moments—when historic architecture and natural beauty converge—that remind me why the Sussex coast is such an incredible place to photograph.

When you look at this photograph, I want you to feel the warmth of that evening light, to imagine standing on Brighton beach as the day transforms into night, watching one of nature's most reliable yet endlessly varied performances.