Kodak Double X in Pompey: Searching for Middle England in a Great Port City

There’s a particular energy to photographing a port city—a sense of history anchored to the sea, mixed with the transient, hard-edged reality of a place that lives by trade and naval tradition.

Having originated from a small landlocked West Midlands town, I find the allure of a port / seaside location alluring when its outside of the ‘high season’.

My latest few rolls of Kodak 5222 Double X, shot on the Nikon F80, took me to Portsmouth, a city whose identity is defined by the weight of its naval past. The classic black and white aesthetic of Double X, with its deep shadows and rich midtones, was the perfect medium to explore this contrast.

The photos capture a visual argument about what Portsmouth is today: a distinct entity shaped by maritime life, or merely a reflection of generic "Middle England."

The Weight of History and Local Commerce

Portsmouth's naval history isn't just a museum exhibit; it’s a living part of the city's commercial DNA. You see it subtly in the high street: the name of a local business like Admirals Fish & Chips, standing proudly next to an Acorn Cycles and a local bakery. This isn't the generic retail environment of an inland commuter town; it's a place where service and local trade are rooted in a community that has historically served the Navy.

Even the classic seaside fish and chips kiosk on the promenade speaks to this coastal identity, catering to both the local population and visitors drawn by the sea.

The architecture reinforces this feeling—a blend of sturdy, post-war residential blocks, modern civic centres, and a bustling central square that carries the echo of centuries of public life.

Flags, Identity, and the Political Subtext

The presence of overt national symbolism in cities like Portsmouth often invites political analysis. As observers, we look for visual evidence of strong national identity, and you can see a large Union Jack flag near the Citizens Advice building.

In a city defined by the Royal Navy, the flag functions primarily as a symbol of service, heritage, and deep-seated local pride. However, in contemporary political discourse, this kind of visible, declarative patriotism can sometimes be interpreted as a shorthand for the nationalism associated with the far-right.

My photographs, however, largely capture an ambiguous reality. They show people going about their daily lives—visiting the bike shop, queuing for fish and chips, or passing a spiritual message in the city centre. The overt displays of national pride appear less as a political statement of exclusion and more as a natural extension of an identity intrinsically linked to the history of the United Kingdom at sea.

Port City vs. Middle England

The question of whether Portsmouth reflects "Middle England" or a distinct "port city" is a matter of visual language.

"Middle England" often implies a certain suburban homogeneity, a focus on commuter rail links, and national chains. While Portsmouth does feature modern retail hoardings like the H&M re-opening and contemporary flats, these elements are always layered onto a grittier, more historically saturated urban core.  This constrast viewpoint of a city is intriguing.

The pervasive maritime influence, the blend of hard, functional architecture, the visible working-class heritage, and the cultural specificity (like the "Admirals" shop name or the seafront kiosks) all mark Portsmouth as something unique. It's a city with a stronger, less diluted sense of place.

The Double X film stock beautifully highlights this gritty authenticity—the textures of the pavement, the worn brickwork, and the earnest faces of the people. Portsmouth is clearly a Port City, possessing a unique character forged by its relationship with the water, far removed from the softer, more generalized aesthetics of inland urban life. It is a visual challenge to the idea of a uniform national character, a vibrant, complex reality captured one frame at a time.

Until next time, keep snapping.

Camber Sands: A Seaside Story of Shifting Sands

While the summer months bring the majority of visitors to British seaside destinations, a beach possesses a unique charm during the off-season.

I decided to visit Camber Sands, and carry on some more new film photography in 2025, tim really enjoying this new vein of enthusiasm.

I decided on taking my Leica M6, loaded with my trusted Kodak 5222 / Double X and my large format 4x5 camera, The Chamonix 45n2 with some Fomapan 400. Both of these films are my trusted film choices. I buy the former in 400 ft bulk reels that I pre-load onto 30 exposure rolls. The latter constitutes the best value for 4x5 film, where 50 sheet boxes can be bought off the interweb for around £40. This coupled with my chosen black and white developer - Kodak hc110 - at dilution b (1:31), is about the best and most prudent and cost effective workflow that there is.

I’m at a crossroads as to what I'll actually shoot in the spring and summer of 2025, having not bought any colour film since my Kodak 250d 400 ft bulk reels purchase in 2023. Not only the cost of the film but the cost of the c41 developer kit. I may decide to just stick with black and white workflow above, let's see.

Camber’s vast expanse of sand feels even more expansive when devoid of crowds, and the winter storms can create dramatic landscapes.

This is a location that I regularly pass through, on my jaunts to Dungeness.

The dunes, often overlooked in summer, become a haven for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The crisp air and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore offer a sense of tranquility and peace that is hard to find elsewhere.

The Decline of a British Seaside Icon

Camber Sands, with its vast expanse of golden sand and rolling dunes, has long been a beloved destination for British holidaymakers. Generations of families have flocked to this East Sussex gem, seeking sun, sea, and traditional seaside fun. However, the recent closure of the Pontins holiday park has cast a shadow over the area, raising questions about the future of this once-vibrant coastal resort.

A History of Holidaymaking

Camber Sands' history as a tourist destination dates back to the Victorian era, when the arrival of the railway made coastal getaways more accessible. The beach's natural beauty and expansive sands drew visitors in search of relaxation and recreation. In the mid-20th century, holiday camps like Butlins and Pontins emerged, offering affordable package holidays that catered to working-class families. These camps became synonymous with the British seaside experience, providing entertainment, activities, and self-catering accommodation.

This is a complete contrast to the scenes broadcast from Barcelona, with local squirting water at tourists, with a populous movement of tourists go home, as a action towards over tourism, the shortage of housing (with Airbnb rentals sitting unoccupied for the majority of the year).

The Rise and Fall of Pontins

The Pontins holiday park at Camber Sands was a mainstay of the resort for decades. Its chalets, amusement arcades, and entertainment venues provided countless holiday memories for families. However, as travel trends changed and competition from overseas destinations increased, the park began to decline. In recent years, it faced criticism for its outdated facilities and lack of investment. The closure of the park in 2023 marked a significant turning point for Camber Sands, leaving a void in the local economy and raising concerns about the area's future.

I would love to take a work around the Interior of the site, it has an eerie atmosphere to it, akin to The Overlook Hotel in The Shining.

Whilst it was bitterly cold last Saturday, I thoroughly enjoyed the break to Camber and the visit to this part of the quirky Kent coast.

Until next time, keep snapping.

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