The pics here were all taken on the same evening a couple of months ago. It was just one of those periods of a few hours where the light was so glorious, I just saw pictures everywhere. My main motivation for heading to the beach was to take some photographs of the West Pier which, finally, will be torn down in the next few months. Despite living in Brighton for some 28 years, I'd never photographed it.
There is something really special about this one Ailsa.
Definately my favourite of them all. It has a kind of surreal feel to it, and what I find really strange is the shadows from the posts in the foreground, they are all heading in different directions.
You've set up a beautiful rhythm in this one. The shape of the distant pier echoes the near pavilions and completes a good r/l balance. Also, the flat lighting is a strong complement to the kind of melancholy of the subject. The irony of "Pleasure", "Delight" makes this easy to stay with for a while thinking about the 'life' of this place on better days. Well done, Ailsa!
P.S. Where could I buy Forte semi matt warmtone? , I remmember printing with it decades ago ... It's probably not the same emulsion , but this looks very nice indeed ...
The lines of the pavement give a nice flow to the composition. I also like the inclusion of the pier/structure in the distance. It holds that side of the image together and echos the carousels. Always something a little sad about closed and shuttered amusement rides.
I absolutely love how the swooping line of the two tents forms a nice bow line with the ruin out at sea. Then the pavement forms an interesting break to all that old deteriorating ruin. Old and modern in soft and stark contrast. Love it! If I had any money, I'd offer you some for a print.
- Thomas
Thank you very much everyone. Funnily enough - and possibly typically - I very nearly didn't take this picture. I'd packed up and was heading home when I looked down on the scene - and had to unpack everything again!
Ilya - sadly Forte papers aren't manufactured any more. I'm using up a box that a friend gave me, and once it comes to an end that'll be it. Oh well.