The skeletal ruins of Brighton’s West Pier bathed in evening light.
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Brighton's West Pier is one of those subjects that draws me back again and again. Once a magnificent Victorian pleasure pier opened in 1866, it now stands as a skeletal ruin in the sea—a haunting reminder of bygone elegance. I'd been wanting to capture it with a very long exposure to create that ethereal, dreamlike quality, and this September evening offered the perfect conditions.
I set up my tripod on Brighton beach, attached my 10-stop neutral density filter, and composed the shot to include the West Pier's remains against the setting sun. The exposure lasted just over two minutes, transforming the moving water into a smooth, glassy surface that reflects the warm golden light. The intricate ironwork—all that remains of the pier's ornate structure—stands in stark silhouette, every detail preserved despite fires and storms that have ravaged it over the decades.
What strikes me most about this image is the juxtaposition of beauty and decay. The West Pier, despite its ruined state, remains one of Brighton's most photographed landmarks. There's something poignant about watching the sun set behind this Grade II* listed structure, knowing it once bustled with life and now stands as a testament to both human ambition and nature's power.
When you look at this photograph, I want you to feel that bittersweet combination of nostalgia and beauty—a moment where history, architecture, and natural light converge to create something timelessly captivating on the Sussex coastline.
This photo is available in a range of sizes, as a print on Fujicolor Professional DP II Lustre photographic paper. This paper has a semi-matte finish that enhances the colours and details of the photo, while also providing excellent resistance to fading and fingerprints.
A timeless classic, canvas prints are a great way to display your favourite photos. Each photo is printed on 350gsm cotton-polyester canvas, hand-stretched over a 38mm deep frame, and finished with a protective varnish.
If you want something modern and eye-catching with a real wow factor, glass is the perfect choice. With extraordinary depth and clarity, my work really shines on this medium. Each photo is UV printed to the glass, giving you a vibrant and vivid result.