Photographers in Brighton

Brighton's seafront is open and bright: pale pebbles, big sky, the green-painted railings of the promenade and the cream stucco of the Regency terraces in Kemp Town and Hove behind. The West Pier, wrecked by fire in 2003 and left as an iron skeleton offshore, is the city's most recognisable silhouette and gives a quiet, moody frame at dusk.

Step back from the sea and the mood changes. The Lanes are a tangle of twittens, the Sussex word for narrow alleys, lined with jewellers' windows and old brick. They suit close, intimate portraits and give shelter on a wet day. North Laine, just north, is louder and more colourful, with painted shopfronts and street art.

The Royal Pavilion, with its onion domes and minarets, is a backdrop that surprises people who haven't seen it, and the garden around it is a public park. Further west, the beach huts on Hove promenade give rows of painted doors that work well for families and personal branding.

Winter is underrated here: low sun, an empty beach and big seas. Summer is warm but crowded, so early mornings pay off. Wind is a constant on the seafront, which can be lovely in hair and dresses if you plan for it.

Direct trains run to Brighton from London Victoria and London Bridge, taking around an hour, and from Gatwick Airport in roughly half an hour. From Brighton station it is about fifteen minutes downhill on foot to the seafront, passing through North Laine on the way.

Everything on this page is walkable. The Palace Pier, the Lanes and the Royal Pavilion are close together; the West Pier is a short stroll west along the promenade, and Hove's beach huts are further, so allow half an hour or so on foot from the Palace Pier. Buses also run along the seafront.

Parking in the centre is limited, so we usually suggest arriving by train. If you drive, check the council's car parks and charges before you go.

Summer weekends are busy on the beach and in the Lanes, and bank holidays more so; weekday mornings are calmer. Big events fill the city, including the Brighton Festival in May, the marathon in spring and Brighton Pride in early August, so check dates before you settle on one.

The seafront is exposed and can feel cooler than inland. Bring a layer, and tell your photographer if you plan to wear anything that could blow about. If it rains, the Lanes and the shopfronts of North Laine give some cover, or you can move to another day.

Personal sessions on the public beach and streets rarely need permission. The piers, the Pavilion interior and private venues set their own rules, and larger commercial shoots may need permission from the council. Your photographer will confirm what applies.

Couple sessions start from £250 and solo portraits from £200. Because Brighton's settings are close together, a standard session can usually cover the beach, a pier and the Lanes without extra time. Travel from outside the photographer's included area, and parking if needed, is quoted separately. If your date is fixed, such as an anniversary or a proposal, send your request early so we can check availability. See pricing for what each starting price includes.