15 Amazing photography locations in Brighton
Brighton is one of the UK’s most diverse cities for photography, offering everything from iconic seaside landmarks and vibrant street scenes to dramatic chalk landscapes just minutes from the city centre. This guide highlights 15 of the best photography locations in Brighton, based on years of shooting the city and surrounding South Downs. For 25 photography locations in Sussex, head to https://jamesratchfordphotography.com/blog/the-best-photography-locations-in-sussex
Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier is one of the city’s most iconic photography locations, offering bold colours, fairground scenes, and dramatic coastal views. It provides endless creative opportunities for landscape, travel, and street photographers. My favourite time to visit is early evening, as the anticipation of sunset builds and the lights begin to glow. It’s also fantastic in stormy conditions to watch the wild sea smash against the Pier Groyne.
Brighton Beach & Promenade
Brighton Beach and promenade offer a constantly changing backdrop for photography, from calm early-morning light to busy summer scenes. There’s always something unique to capture along the seafront. Weather conditions dramatically alter the mood, making repeat visits not only worthwhile, but essential.
British Airways i360
The British Airways i360 is a striking modern landmark that lends itself to minimalist and architectural photography. Its clean lines work especially well against dramatic skies or during golden hour. The surrounding seafront also offers strong compositional opportunities.
Brighton Bandstand
The Brighton Bandstand is a striking seafront structure that works perfectly for minimalist and architectural photography. Its clean lines and open setting make it ideal for long exposures, silhouettes, and sunset compositions. The contrast between the structure and the sea adds strong visual interest.
North Laine & The Lanes
North Laine and The Lanes are packed with independent shops, narrow streets, and visual details perfect for street and travel photography. From colourful shopfronts to candid moments, these areas capture Brighton’s creative spirit. Early mornings are ideal for cleaner compositions, although I prefer visiting when it’s more chaotic and filled with the characters that make Brighton so interesting.
Visit my street photography page if you want to see more like these.
Starling Murmurations (November–March)
During the winter months, Brighton becomes a prime location to photograph starling murmurations along the seafront. These swirling flocks create dramatic shapes against sunset skies, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife and landscape photography in an urban setting. Timing, patience, and a bit of luck are key to capturing the best formations. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and soon after the performance will begin.
Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton’s most distinctive landmarks, combining exotic architecture with beautifully maintained gardens. In summer, the lawns are packed with people enjoying the city, often with buskers providing a musical backdrop. Inquisitive squirrels are a frequent sight, as are flocks of pigeons hoping for crumbs.
Upcoming Photography Workshops
Join me on a 3-hour walk surrounded by amazing Sussex scenery and learn all about photography. I’ll go through all the basics and cover key details, such as shutter speed and aperture, composition, choosing your subject and much more. These workshops are limited to 8 participants and are a fantastic way to discover your cameras capabilities.
Brighton Beach Huts
Brighton’s colourful beach huts are a favourite subject for photographers seeking bold compositions and graphic imagery. Their strong lines and vibrant tones work beautifully as portrait backdrops and within street photography. Different lighting conditions can transform the huts from playful and bright to moody and atmospheric.
West Pier (Old Pier)
The ruins of the West Pier are one of Brighton’s most atmospheric photography locations. Best photographed at sunrise or sunset, the skeletal structure creates dramatic silhouettes and long-exposure opportunities. It’s a powerful subject for photographers interested in decay, history, and mood. Forgive my lack of interesting West Pier images — I’m working on it.
Street Portraits (Various Locations)
Brighton is one of the UK’s best cities for street portrait photography, thanks to its diverse characters and creative culture. Locations across the city offer opportunities to capture expressive, candid, and posed portraits that reflect Brighton’s personality. Respectful engagement often leads to delightful interactions and a truly unique set of images.
Head over to my portrait page for more.
Brighton Graffiti & Street Art
Brighton’s graffiti and street art scenes provide bold, colourful backdrops for photography. Popular locations include North Laine and underpasses around the city. These ever-changing artworks are perfect for creative portraits, detail shots, and urban photography.
Undercliff Walk
The Undercliff Walk stretches beneath the white chalk cliffs east of Brighton, offering dramatic coastal photography opportunities. The contrast between cliffs, sea, and sky works beautifully for landscape and street photography. I love it when the weather is wild and bright, and the sea crashes against the promenade, soaking unsuspecting passers-by.
Brighton Marina
Brighton Marina offers a very different photographic feel, with modern architecture, boats, and reflective surfaces. It’s a strong location for architectural, lifestyle, and sunset photography. The mix of calm water and urban surroundings creates compelling visual contrasts.
Stanmer Park
Stanmer Park provides a peaceful escape from the city and is ideal for nature, landscape, and seasonal photography. Woodland paths, open fields, and historic buildings make it a versatile location year-round. It’s particularly photogenic in autumn and spring and perfect for those wanting a nearby escape and a beautiful walk. One Garden is free to enter and an excellent addition for garden lovers.
For more landscape shots, check out my Sussex landscape gallery.
Devil’s Dyke & The South Downs
Just outside Brighton, Devil’s Dyke and the surrounding South Downs offer sweeping views and classic English landscape photography. Rolling chalk hills, dramatic light, and constantly changing weather create endless photographic potential. Sunrise and sunset are particularly rewarding times to shoot.
If you’re looking to explore more photography locations across Sussex, head to my 25 locations in Sussex post.