Picture Perfect Sussex With Emma Croman
The lady behind the lens for much of Port’s imagery is the hugely talented East Sussex based Emma Croman. Her photography journey started young – armed with a camera from age 8 that her aunt gave her, she quickly became obsessed with capturing details and textures, and the world around her. Her style is observational, honest and natural – her imagery is emotive, authentic and weaves a beautiful narrative.
She’s an avid walker with her gorgeous Labrador Monty and has explored more of East Sussex than most! We caught up with her to find out some of her picture perfect spots in Sussex. As Emma perfectly sums up, “there is a bit of everything for whatever mood you’re in – dense forest, sprawling views, undulated rugged landscape, rivers…there are so many hidden walks and you’re never far from the sea!”
Be sure to check out the prints available in her shop and also her wonderful Tide blog where she captures her musings and adventures.
Beachy Head
Beachy Head is incredibly beautiful. The light is often special and you get incredible views over both Eastbourne and to the East along Birling Gap and Belle Tout lighthouse too. It holds the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain and there’s a wonderful low tide walk to Beachy Head lighthouse (built for when Belle Tout was hidden by mist) that is just a beautiful experience. Be sure to check tidal times before venturing out.
Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap
Coming over the hill from Seaford, the view of Cuckmere Haven takes your breath away. The river snakes through the landscape and the whole area is just incredible, particularly in the early morning. Birling Gap is a lovely spot for a sunset - the suns sets in the west lighting up the cliffs with a golden glow.
Eastbourne Pier
Since working with Port I’ve spent a fair few evenings on Eastbourne beach when the tide is out. Monty, my Labrador, runs to the shallow waters with glee and the beautiful pier sings. The pier was open is 1870 and retains many Victorian features. I’m definitely a ‘from the beach’ appreciator of a pier, but this pier has been used for many films and series.
Devils Dyke
This spectacular view holds a special place in a lot of peoples heart. Folklore has it that the name came from Sussex becoming a Christian stronghold that the devil had an issue with so he set about digging a trench through the Sussex landscape which he would fill with rainwater to drown the inhabitants but his plan was foiled by hermit Cuthbert of Steyning reposing a wager that Cuthbert won. In the Victorian era it was something of a theme park with a bandstand and fairground - these days it a popular spot for paraglider and walkers alike.
Lewes
This lovely market town is full of independents and has a real creative heart with many makers and artists living in the town. It’s incredibly picturesque and having lived there for a number of years it’s shocking I have so little photos of it!
Rottingdean
Along the coast from Brighton is a much more peaceful seafront - the white cliffs make for great photos and I’ve done many a portrait shoot there because of it. The Kipling Gardens are wonderful - well worth a visit after you’ve had an ice cream on the seafront. Rottingdean is the place for Cream Tea - a wonderful way to spend a warm afternoon.
The West Pier
Brighton’s iconic view with a difference. Like many other Brighton residents I was sceptical of the i360 when it opened, but I found myself on it for a yoga flight on International yoga day a few years back and grabbed this image while I was at it.
Seaford Head
Seaford Head is a 150 hectare local nature reserve west of Seaford. It is owned by the Sussex Wildlife Trust and is a diverse habitat with chalk grassland, wildlife, scrub, salt marsh and vegetated shingle. Seaford Head recently had a massive cliff fall so stick to the roped paths when walking there.
“It makes for a beautiful walk where you’ll be rewarded with growing views as you head back up from Hope Gap.”
Ditchling Beacon
A spot known as a reward to cyclists tackling the steep, winding (and seemingly never-ending) hill from Ditchling with 360° view across Brighton and the South Downs. It is the 3rd highest point on the South Downs and consists of a large chalk hill with a steep northern face. It’s a great spot for a walk and some sandwiches in the car park afterwards!
Camber Sands
Lying on the Eastern point of Sussex Camber Sands is a delightful, stretching beach that I find more enjoyable in winter. It’s a real ‘blowing the cobwebs’ kind of walk with the never-ending sand and wispy dunes.
