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Flipping the lens in Hastings

Updated: Sep 18, 2024



If there is one place I come back to for photography it is Hastings. The sunshine, the textures, from the famous rocky pebble beach to the rolling greens at Rock-a-Nory, and a deep family connection keep me coming back here, camera in hand, time and time again.



Rock-a-Nory view of Hastings

Whilst most of the images of me in Hastings are me paddling in the churning surf or having an ice-cream from one of the many vendors while strolling through the rustic and authentic old town, at some point I flipped the lens and started capturing my view of things - and also what this scene of many a day trip means to me.


I always start with a hot dog from one of the many vendors that are all over almost the moment you have arrived from the station. There are many different food options, from burgers, pizzas, and of course fish and chip restaurants dotted around every corner, so you will struggle to find something you won't enjoy when you feel peckish from all that sea air.




Old fishing boat anchor

I always start by heading along the coastline to take in the sounds, views and smells of the bustling beach. Once I have reached the end of the beach I line up for a wide shot of the water, pier and mountainous landscape off to the side and if I am lucky I will get the occasional seagull swoop into frame to really add to the overall vibe of this sunny seaside town.



Once I am happy with my beach shots, I will head straight for Rock-a-Nory, which is where the real landscape of Hastings comes into play. To get up to this landscaped area, there is a cable car that you cannot miss, but I prefer the scenic route of the stairs as there are many points to overlook Hastings as a reward for vigorous climbing. The climb is actually a lot easier than it looks, and there are rest points along the way.



Once I reach the top, I finally get to line up what I would call the "finale shot." Suddenly, almost all of Hastings comes into view: the old town, houses, amusement park, and the pier off in the distance. When looking down, it fills my mind with memories of all the times I have ridden the rides and enjoyed chugging along in the small steam train that gets you from one side of the beach to the other. I love the way the sun starts to set on the water, causing it to glint in my viewfinder, and the way the shade finally covers a constant sunny day, allowing for a calming feel to my photos with the clouds dragging along the skyline.



Hill lift and mountain view

I am more of a landscape photographer than a beachscape or cityscape, but for views like this with amazing memories to follow, Hastings will always get my approval. I recommend it for photographers and families alike, whether you want some cool shots of the busy beach or just want an ice cream and a rollercoaster. Hastings will always hold a special place in my heart.


All photos are available for purchase upon request.

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