Portraits of Brightonians

"Portraits of Brightonians" is an ongoing series that I began after moving from Croydon to Brighton, reflecting my personal journey of rediscovering community through photography. This project aims to document and celebrate the people who have long made Brighton their home, capturing their spirit, resilience, and connection to the city. For me, this series is not just about portraits—it's about creating a visual archive that honors Brighton’s diversity and the everyday lives of its residents.

Using my Yashica 125 Gold vintage camera, I shoot primarily on medium format film—Kodak Portra 400 and Kodak Gold 200. I chose these films because of their rich tones and natural rendering of light, which allow me to capture both the vibrant personalities and subtle nuances of my subjects. The beachfront serves as a consistent backdrop, symbolizing the enduring relationship between Brighton and its residents.

The decision to focus on longtime residents comes from my desire to understand Brighton beyond its surface. Having moved from Croydon, where I had spent significant time documenting its people and places, I wanted to connect with my new environment by immersing myself in the stories of those who have witnessed Brighton’s evolution firsthand. These portraits are candid, often unposed, allowing the subjects to exist naturally in their space, whether sitting on a bench or strolling along the shore.

Through this project, I hope to build a visual bridge between my past work in Croydon and my current experiences in Brighton. The series is an exploration of place, identity, and belonging. Each portrait serves as a quiet homage to the everyday people who, in their own way, are the living heartbeat of Brighton.