Port Calls Sophie Hunter
We’re turning the lens on Sophie Hunter, an incredible Sussex based photographer who we discovered via Instagram when we instantly fell for her atmospheric, evocative imagery that truly shows off the best of our region.
We asked her to delve into her extensive portfolio and pull out a few of her favourite Sussex shots.
Over to Sophie to tell us what we chose and why…
Birling Gap and Belle Tout
Often I will start my walks along the magnificent white cliffs from Birling Gap. There is a lovely little cafe perfect for a pre or post walk coffee. After just a short ascending walk you will find yourself at Belle Tout Lighthouse. Although decommissioned and often overshadowed by its neighbor, Beachy Head Lighthouse, Belle Tout is worth a visit. Early alarms and gorgeous pastel sunrises have allowed me to capture it from both the east and the west and a truly special moment I experienced was photographing it beneath February’s mesmerising Snow Moon.
Beachy Head
Beachy Head is a stunning spot situated just east of the Seven Sisters Cliffs. Walking along the chalk cliffs you are rewarded with incredible views of the Seven Sisters, Birling Gap, Eastbourne and more. A particular highlight for me is Beachy Head Lighthouse, a beautiful construction that makes for a lovely photo, especially in misty conditions, which I have been lucky enough to capture.
Brighton
Brighton is a beautiful and vibrant seaside city which has a little something for everyone. I spent a lot of time throughout my childhood mooching around the quirky North Lanes and popping in and out of artist’s open houses with my mum, who is also an artist and exhibits her work here every Spring and Christmas. Rain or shine, one of my favourite things to do in the city is walk along the seafront from Hove to the Palace Pier grabbing a coffee along the way from one of the many cafe’s along the promenade. There is always live entertainment and lots to see, including the now ruined West Pier - which is one of the first photos I ever took at 16 years old with my very first camera!
Friston Forest
Friston Forest is part of the South Downs and located a short drive from Eastbourne. It’s a wonderful walk, particularly in Autumn, crunching through the leaves. Dreamy misty conditions against warm autumnal tones inspire my photographs here. I also enjoy wrapping up warm for a crisp, frosty winter walk looking for natures little details to capture.
Seaford Head, The Coastguard Cottages and Seven Sisters
This spot has been featured in many films and tv series and when you visit you can really see why. Just a short walk east from the Seaford Head Nature Reserve car park alongside fields of sheep and various wildlife, you are soon welcomed with the beautiful views of the Seven Sisters cliffs and the Coastguard Cottages. If you can make it for sunrise or sunset, the low sun beautifully lights up the cliffs. Whilst the Seven Sisters walk itself is incredible with its own stunning views (albeit a leg burner), Seaford Head is perhaps the best spot to actually view the Seven Sisters cliffs themselves.
Devils Dyke
Located a short drive north-west from Brighton, Devil’s Dyke forms part of the South Downs and is a popular spot for both walkers and paragliders. My favourite time to visit is just before sunset on a clear day. The views are spectacular and often you can catch a paragliders silhouette against the pastel sky.
Thanks Sophie for sharing your stunning photography and stories that come with each.
