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.

Mod Weekender

Celebrating Two Decades of Style: The Brighton Mod Weekender 2025

This post is a little delayed, as I wanted to wait until I received my developed film negs from the photo lab.

The August Bank Holiday weekend in Brighton has always been special, but this year it was truly historic. The Brighton Mod Weekender, the annual pilgrimage for Mods from across the globe, celebrated its 20th anniversary from August 21st to 24th, and the city was buzzing with more style, music, and scooter pride than ever before.

Its a blend of old timers reminising of the past and generational newcomers. All parading around as proud as peacocks.

This is four-day festival that pays homage to modernist and sixties-inspired culture. The evenings are typically a non-stop party, with venues like the Komedia hosting all-night club events where the legendary NUTs DJ Team spun Northern Soul, R&B, and garage to a packed dancefloor. The live music lineup was a celebration in itself, featuring iconic acts and rising stars, proving the scene is as vibrant today as it was in the past.

But the heart and soul of the Brighton Mod Weekender, and the thing that makes it so iconic, is the daytime spectacle. All weekend long, Madeira Drive transformed into a breathtaking open-air scooter show. Hundreds of gleaming Vespas and Lambrettas, adorned with countless mirrors and Union Jack flags, lined the seafront. This is where the community truly comes together.

Every mod, whether they've traveled from across the UK or from continental Europe, parks their beloved scooter with pride, polishing chrome and showing off their bespoke customizations. The area around The Volks Bar becomes a central hub, a meeting point for old friends and new acquaintances. The atmosphere is electric, with onlookers and enthusiasts alike admiring the incredible machines and soaking in the cool, timeless vibe. It's a living, breathing exhibition, a tribute to the passion and dedication that defines the Mod scene.

The Sunday scooter rideout was the cherry on top, as the convoy of scooters snaked its way along the coast, a modern-day echo of the legendary scenes from Quadrophenia. This year's event was a powerful reminder of how a subculture can endure and evolve, blending its rich heritage with an inclusive, forward-thinking spirit. If you were there, you'll know it was an unforgettable celebration. If you missed it, start planning for next year, because the Brighton Mod Weekender is an experience you won't want to miss.

Until next time, keep Modding.

In the name of love?

In a world that can often feel heavy with grim headlines and distressing current affairs, there are moments that remind us of the power of community, joy, and love. This weekend, Brighton & Hove Pride 2025 provided just that—a vibrant, lighthearted relief where people came together to celebrate and share some much-needed love.

The city was a kaleidoscope of colour on Saturday, August 2nd, and Sunday, August 3rd, as Brighton & Hove Pride unfolded. This year's theme, "Ravishing Rage," served as a powerful reminder of the protest at the heart of Pride, but it was also a call to celebrate resilience with fearless spirit. And celebrate they did!

The energy was palpable as the annual LGBTQ+ Community Parade wound its way through the streets. Thousands of people, from community groups and local businesses to allies and supporters, marched with infectious enthusiasm, creating a beautiful spectacle of diversity and unity.

The festivities continued at Preston Park for the "Pride on the Park" festival. The atmosphere was electric, with a lineup that brought people together in song and dance.

The city's streets were also alive with the Pride Street Party on Marine Parade, where people enjoyed music, food, and drinks in a festive, accepting environment. Beyond the official events, every corner of Brighton seemed to be buzzing with joy, as cafes, pubs, and venues hosted their own celebrations.

In a world that sometimes feels disconnected, Brighton Pride 2025 was a powerful testament to the simple joy of being together. It was a weekend where folk were truly enjoying themselves, sharing smiles, hugs, and laughter.

It reminds me why I'm lucky to bring my kids up, in such a free spirited and open minded city.

It was a beautiful escape and a reminder that when we come together, we can create a space of hope and love, even in the most challenging times.

Until next time, keep snapping keep loving

<del>U Should Not be doing that<del>, Oh yes you should.

I haven’t been been out for quite some time, have been a bit busy at work and it’s nice to just chill and relax in the house, now that the builders have all left. But today I decided to pop out into town to shoot some film.

Classic indecision, meant that I was packed up like a Sherpa going up Mount Everest, carrying the Pentax 67, FujicaGS645s and the delightful Minolta X500.

Happenstance delivered today where I stumbled across a Transgender March. As I wasn’t too tired, I was quite active getting some street portraits, approaching folk. But the photo used at the top of this blog post. The person on the left. Thought I may have been a Daily Mail photographer.

FFS.

I did have a chuckle to myself and think: 1) I’m a 53-year-old dad of two, I think I need to modernise some of my wardrobe, 2) am I near the autumn of the street photography journey that I’m on? I don’t fancy much being pointed out as a right wing broadsheet tabloid photographer, as the hair turns a bit more grey?

But in all fairness, the person on the left of that first photograph was quite disturbed. They were photographed at a previous March (they didn’t tell me if it was London or Brighton) and they did indeed turn upon the Daily Mail website. I did offer to not take the photograph but the pair of them and I’m sure their mum were actually really sweet and they allowed me to take it. I think it’s a lovely photograph, which captures the loving bond between two siblings.

Brighton, a city long celebrated for its vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community, once again lived up to its reputation today, July 19, 2025, as thousands gathered for a powerful and deeply significant Transgender March. The air was thick with a mix of defiance, solidarity, and joy as trans individuals, their allies, friends, and family poured into the streets, demanding recognition, respect, and fundamental rights. I can’t help but feel really proud of the youth coming through a very politically attuned, whether it’s the transgender match today or the free Palestine collective I witnessed at the KneeCap Supporting act at Finsbury Park for Fontaines DC (check out my previous blog post).

The march, organised by Trans Pride Brighton, began at Victoria Gardens, a sea of trans flags, banners emblazoned with messages of hope and anger, and faces determined to be seen and heard. Speeches ignited the crowd before the procession moved towards the seafront, transforming the familiar Brighton lanes into a vivid river of protest and pride. It wasn't just a march; it was a visible manifestation of a community asserting its existence and demanding its rightful place in society.

This year's march felt particularly poignant given the ongoing national discourse around trans rights. Recent months have seen intensified debates, often fuelled by misinformation, and a tightening of policy that has caused significant concern within the trans community.

The echoes of the past also resonated strongly through today's march. Many participants and observers drew parallels to the infamous Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988. For 15 years, until its repeal in England and Wales in 2003 (and Scotland in 2000), Section 28 prohibited local authorities from "intentionally promoting homosexuality" or "promoting the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship."3 While not directly about trans identities, the spirit of Section 28 fostered an atmosphere of fear, silence, and discrimination, particularly in schools. It told an entire generation that their identities were "pretended" or unacceptable. Today, as trans people face renewed challenges to their identities and access to healthcare, the fear of a return to such repressive attitudes is very real. The Brighton march was a powerful reminder that history must not repeat itself.

Brighton has long been a beacon for LGBTQ+ rights, and today's Transgender March reinforced that commitment. It was a loud, clear, and unyielding message to politicians and society at large: trans rights are human rights, and the fight for full liberation will continue, no matter the political climate. The energy on the streets of Brighton today was a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and the unwavering demand for a future where all trans people can live authentically, with dignity, safety, and respect.

The LGBTQ+ Flags cast a little colour on what was mainly a very overcast day spoiling for a thunderstorm, which thankfully didn’t surface.

Black-and-white film isn’t the right choice of film to shoot a transgender March, I should’ve brought some colour film, but I think it’s a nice contrast.

Until next time, keep snapping (and marching).

Exploring Margate: A Coastal Gem with Stories to Tell

I don’t fully know what the allure of a British kitsch seaside town is for me, but its nostalgic. I do think it has some association with me being born and growing up in the ‘land locked’ midlands.

Yesterday would have been my dad’s 89th birthday, and its almost 10 years since his passing. So the kids and I decided to have a trip to Margate, the main reason was to see ‘Resistance’ exhibition that was curated by Steve McQueen, but also just to take a chill.

Margate's charm lies in its contrasts. It's a place where historic landmarks meet contemporary art, where the tranquility of the sea coexists with the buzz of creative energy. Whether you're exploring the Old Town's vintage shops, relaxing on the sandy beaches, or delving into the stories told at the Turner Contemporary, Margate offers something for everyone.

Nestled on the southeastern coast of England, Margate is a town that effortlessly blends its rich history with a vibrant, modern-day charm. Known for its sandy beaches, quirky shops, and artistic flair, Margate has become a favorite destination for those seeking a seaside escape with a twist. Let’s dive into some of the town's highlights, including the iconic Arlington House Apartments, the Turner Contemporary Museum, and the thought-provoking "Resistance" exhibition by Steve McQueen.

Arlington House Apartments: A Brutalist Landmark

Standing tall on Margate's skyline, Arlington House Apartments is a striking example of Brutalist architecture. Built in the 1960s, this 18-story residential block has been both celebrated and criticized for its bold design. While some view it as an eyesore, others appreciate its unique wave-like structure that offers stunning sea views from every apartment. Despite its controversial reputation, Arlington House remains an integral part of Margate's identity, symbolizing the town's resilience and adaptability through changing times. I love the place.

Dreamland in Margate: A Nostalgic Wonderland by the Sea

Nestled on the shores of Margate, Dreamland is more than just an amusement park—it's a time capsule of joy, creativity, and timeless fun. Having opened in the early 20th century, this iconic seaside attraction has become a symbol of British leisure, combining classic charm with modern vibrancy.

From its beautifully restored vintage rides, like the Scenic Railway (the UK's oldest wooden roller coaster), to contemporary attractions and art installations, Dreamland strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. The park isn't just for thrill-seekers, though. Its open-air events, live music performances, and pop-up exhibitions make it a hub of creativity and culture, attracting visitors of all ages.

Dreamland is also a feast for the eyes. The retro-style signage, the pastel hues of the rides, and the carnival-like ambiance are a photographer's paradise. Whether you're capturing the spinning teacups or the glowing lights of the Ferris wheel at dusk, every corner feels like a story waiting to be told.

For foodies, the park boasts a variety of dining options, from traditional seaside fish and chips to trendy vegan eats. Pair this with the backdrop of the sun setting over the Margate coastline, and you've got a picture-perfect day out.

Dreamland isn't just a destination; it's an experience. It's a place where childhood memories are rekindled and new ones are created. If you're planning a visit to Margate, don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this whimsical world by the sea.

Turner Contemporary Museum: A Beacon of Creativity

Margate's artistic soul shines brightly at the Turner Contemporary Museum. Named after the renowned painter J.M.W. Turner, who found inspiration in Margate's dramatic skies, this museum is a hub for contemporary art and cultural dialogue. Its sleek, modern design contrasts beautifully with the historic charm of the town, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum's exhibitions often challenge perceptions and spark conversations, embodying Turner's belief in art as a catalyst for change.

Resistance by Steve McQueen: A Journey Through Protest

I appreciate that Margate is on the North East Kent coastline, making in pretty much a schlep for alot of folk, but "Resistance" curated by the acclaimed filmmaker and artist Steve McQueen IS A MUST. This powerful collection of nearly 200 black-and-white photographs chronicles a century of protest in Britain, from the suffrage movement to the anti-Iraq war demonstrations.

Through these images, McQueen captures the spirit of resistance and the role of photography in shaping social change. The exhibition is a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs that have defined modern Britain, making it an essential experience for visitors.

Until next time, keep snapping

Brutal

With the pending release of ‘The Brutalist’ film at the cinema, my son and I decided to head upto London, after dusting down one of my archived Brutalist photowalks, from Google My Maps.

Our trip into town was tailored, as the train from Brighton was delayed at Croydon, due to the perennial, ‘essential weekend engineering works’. So we jumped in the car, drove to Hounslow West Tube station, and headed in on the Piccadilly line. The was as awkward and unsightly, as Brutalist architectiture is to some…….?

We didn’t get into town too early and could only visit a couple of locations.

It's a word that often evokes strong reactions, conjuring images of imposing concrete structures, stark lines, and a sense of utilitarian severity. For some, it's an eyesore; for others, a raw and honest expression of architectural ambition. As a photographer, I find myself drawn to its dramatic forms, its sheer scale, and the stories etched into its weathered surfaces. And nowhere is this fascination more potent than in London's Trellick Tower and the nearby Alexandra & Ainsworth Estate.

Brutalism is an architectural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and is characterized by its stark, rugged forms and raw concrete construction. Love it or loathe it, Brutalism stands as a testament to a bold architectural vision that sought to redefine urban living. Two iconic examples of this movement in London are Trellick Tower and the Alexandra & Ainsworth Estate.

Trellick Tower: A Vertical City

Designed by the Hungarian architect Ernő Goldfinger, Trellick Tower is one of the most recognizable Brutalist structures in London. Completed in 1972, this 31-storey residential building looms over West London, its distinctive silhouette visible for miles.

Goldfinger envisioned Trellick Tower as a vertical city, with communal spaces such as laundries, nurseries, and shops integrated into the design. The tower's bold, unapologetic use of raw concrete and its imposing height make it a striking subject for photography. From the sharp angles of its balconies to the play of light and shadow on its rough surfaces, Trellick Tower offers endless opportunities for capturing the essence of Brutalism.

The Nerdy Bit

One of the main reasons for my interest in film photography, is the allure of the process. I enjoy the sedate pace. I also hate the clinical aspect of ‘modern’ lens and the digital effeciency.

I started using my 28mm Rokkor Minolta lens on my Sony A7iii, with the K&F adaptor, I have full (slow) manual focus on the camera. I love the tone of the images it creates. There is a mild preset edit in LrC.

Alexandra & Ainsworth Estate: A Concrete Symphony

In stark contrast to the verticality of Trellick Tower, the Alexandra & Ainsworth Estate, designed by Neave Brown, sprawls horizontally across Camden. Completed in 1978, the estate is renowned for its sweeping, terraced design that follows the natural contours of the land.

The estate's curvilinear forms and stepped terraces are a testament to Brown's vision of creating a sense of community within an urban environment. The rough concrete exteriors and geometric lines provide a unique canvas for photographers. Capturing the repetitive patterns of the terraces, the interplay of light and shadow, and the way the estate integrates with its surroundings can yield compelling images that speak to the heart of Brutalist architecture.

This is most definately a work in progress project, hopefully the journey will be alot easier in the future.

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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Barcelona, is it over?

Barcelona, is a vibrant Spanish metropolis, which has been a magnet for tourists for decades.

The kids and I undertook our visit to this tourist hotspot in August 2022, as part of my 50th birthday celebrations.

The city's love affair with tourism may be facing a turning point. Local authorities are actively seeking to curb visitor numbers, with news this week that the plan is a cessation of ‘Airbnb style’ short term rentals in the city, by 2028.

This story in part, has started with local squirting tourists, with water pistols filled with water.

Biting the hand that feeds you? Or is this a drastic measure a necessary step for a city struggling to breathe?

Strains on the City:

Spain sees some 85.1m visitors pa, of which 12.4m visiting Barcelona.  The proposed plan on holiday rentals, would return c. 10,000 properties to the indigenous population for primary resident use.

Barcelona's immense popularity has undeniable downsides. Residents complain of overcrowded streets, rising rents fueled by short-term rentals, and a strain on local infrastructure. The city's unique character can be lost as tourist shops and restaurants replace local businesses.

Taking Back Control:

Discussions include limiting cruise ships, restricting hotel development, and promoting alternative destinations within Catalonia. This shift in focus aims to improve the quality of life for residents and ensure a more sustainable future for the city.

Tourism, Redefined:

Barcelona's move doesn't signal the end of tourism. Instead, it's a call for a different kind of tourism. The focus might shift towards attracting visitors who appreciate Barcelona's cultural heritage and architectural beauty, and who contribute positively to the local economy.

The Road Ahead:

While some hail Barcelona's initiative, others fear economic repercussions. Striking the right balance between tourism and livability is crucial. Barcelona's experiment will be closely watched, with the potential to reshape the conversation around tourism in popular destinations worldwide.

Whilst its clear that the tourism pilgrimage to Barcelona is generally bottlenecked into the 2, if not 1 season (Summer or Spring / Summer), here are some interesting numbers comparing Barcelona with London: 

Tourist Tale of Two Cities: Barcelona vs. London

While both Barcelona and London are major tourist hubs, their stories differ in scale and recent trends. Here's a comparison based on available statistics:

Visitor Numbers:

• London: As of 2023, London held the title of the most searched-for global tourist destination [most searched for global tourist destination ON standard.co.uk]. Though exact visitor numbers can be tricky to pin down due to different methodologies, estimates suggest London attracts well over 20 million visitors annually.

• Barcelona: Pre-pandemic figures show Barcelona receiving around 12.4 million visitors a year [STATISTA tourism barcelona ON statista.com]. While this is a substantial number, it falls short of London's massive tourist influx.

Length of Stay:

• London: Data suggests shorter stays are becoming more common in London, with a third of trips lasting only 3-4 days [most searched for global tourist destination ON standard.co.uk]. This trend aligns with "city break" style tourism, focused on short, action-packed visits.

• Barcelona: Barcelona might see slightly longer stays on average. While specific data is harder to find, the city's focus on cultural experiences and beach getaways could encourage visitors to linger a bit longer.

Tourist Spending:

• London: London benefits from a diverse tourist base, with visitors coming from all corners of the globe. This can lead to a wider range of spending habits.

• Barcelona: Recent reports show a promising trend for Barcelona. While visitor numbers might be dipping slightly, the average tourist spends more (€1,263 in May 2024). This suggests a shift towards a higher-value tourism model in Barcelona.

Local Impact:

• Both Cities: Both London and Barcelona grapple with the impact of tourism on residents. Housing affordability is a major concern, with rising rents due in part to short-term rentals.

• Key Differences: However, the scale of the issue might be more pronounced in Barcelona due to its smaller size. The sheer volume of tourists in a more compact city center can put a strain on infrastructure and contribute to a feeling of inauthenticity.

Barcelona could potentially strike a balance that promotes responsible tourism while safeguarding the city's well-being for the years ahead.

Lets hope so, as it’s a city I would very much like to visit in the future.

Until next time, keep snapping.