Pinhole Perspectives: Exploring Hastings' Historic Coastline
After a rocky start to the year—abandoning a planned trip to Hastings thanks to 60-70mph winds and gloomy skies—I decided to give it another go the following Saturday. What a difference a few days makes! The day began with stunning weather, perfect for photography, though by the time I packed up to leave, the skies were shifting again—a reminder of how unpredictable UK weather can be.
Hastings is a treasure trove for photographers, with its rich history and unique charm. It's home to Europe’s largest fleet of beach-launched fishing boats, a tradition that stretches back over a thousand years. No matter how many times I visit, I always find something new to capture.
This time, I brought along my trusty Harman Titan 4x5 pinhole camera and my ONDU 4x5 pinhole camera—quickly becoming my favorite duo. Armed with six sheets of Fomapan 100 film, which I pushed to ISO 400, I was ready to see what the day would bring.
Developing the film
For these 6 sheets of film, I decided to stand development instead of the usual method of agitating every minute.
After submerging the film into the developer, I gently agitated for the first minute, followed by a couple of taps on the work surface to dislodge any bubbles that might have settled on the film.
From there, I let it sit undisturbed for 45 minutes.
I followed up with the usual stop bath, fix, and wash routine to complete the process.
The developer I used was Ilford DDX, mixed at a 1+9 ratio.
Photo 1: The Back Ends of Two Boats
Captured with the Harman Titan, this shot highlights the unexpected details that sometimes grab your attention. It’s funny how certain scenes just speak to you—this one did for me. Having visited Hastings many times before, I often find myself searching for fresh perspectives, and this composition stood out as something uniquely different.
Photo 2: Fishing Boat Rigging
The intricate rigging and the pulley hanging off the side of this fishing boat immediately drew me in. It felt like the perfect subject for the ONDU 4x5 pinhole camera, with its slightly wider 58mm focal length. Using the rise pinhole to adjust the horizon line was key to framing this shot just right, adding a subtle but important element to the composition.
Photo 3: Seagulls Waiting for Fish
This scene caught my attention—a small boat resting on the shore while fishermen worked sorting through their daily catch. On the shoreline, you can just make out a flock of hungry seagulls, patiently waiting for their share of the morning’s haul. The long exposure of the pinhole photograph adds a touch of motion and mystery to the image, softening the frantic energy of the birds. For this shot, the Harman Titan in landscape orientation felt like the perfect choice to capture the balance of activity and stillness.
Photo 4: Hooked Ashore
The large hooks used to pull the boats ashore are a feature that always grabs my attention when photographing in Hastings. They make for excellent foreground interest, especially in pinhole photography, where every element contributes to the story of the image.
I had a few options for framing this scene, but after some trial and error, I settled on this composition. Working with the Harman Titan can be a bit challenging due to its slightly narrower field of view, but I’m pleased with how this shot turned out. The hooks anchor the foreground, while the boats in the background balance the frame beautifully. It was worth taking the time to get the composition just right.
Photo 5: A Symmetrical Mishap
I was immediately drawn to the beautiful symmetry of this lifeboat station. The concrete seam leading right to the center was a perfect leading line—an irresistible composition. Everything was going smoothly... until it wasn’t.
You see, the ONDU’s shutter system has a tendency to get knocked open in the bag. Usually, this isn’t an issue with a large-format pinhole camera, and I’ve developed a good habit of double-checking everything before removing the dark slide. But not this time.
After carefully setting up the shot and feeling rather proud of the composition, I removed the dark slide and continued making minor adjustments. When I reached to open the shutter, my heart sank—I realized it was already open! In a brief moment of panic, I slapped my finger over the pinhole while my brain caught up to what had just happened. Then I sighed, accepted my fate, and let the shutter stay open for five more seconds, bringing the exposure to a very approximate 15 seconds.
The composition turned out well, and I will definitely revisit this spot to try again. Sometimes, photography is just a long series of lessons you’ve already learned but manage to forget in the moment.
Photo 6: A Scene full of History
This compact scene caught my eye, though at first, I couldn’t quite figure out what or how to photograph it. After some thought, I settled on this composition, which beautifully encapsulates the rich history of the area.
The anchor in the foreground is believed to have been lost at sea during the French and English conflict of 1812. Nearby, the fishing boat The Edward and Mary RX 74 stands as a testament to Hastings' maritime heritage. Built in 1919 on the beach in front of Hastings Old Town, she was the first local fishing boat to be equipped with an engine. In addition to her historical significance, The Edward and Mary famously sailed to Dover during the Dunkirk evacuation, standing by to assist in the rescue of the British Expeditionary Force.
Lastly, the famous Hastings net shops, dating back to around the 1830s, add another layer to the scene. These small buildings were used to store fishing gear like nets, ropes, and sails, providing a weather-proof home for vital equipment.
Looking back at the shot, I do wish I had used the slightly wider ONDU for this composition, but it's an area of Hastings I’m eager to explore more. There’s so much history packed into this small section of coastline, and I’m certain there are many more photographs waiting to be taken here.
Looking back on the photos from this trip, I’m reminded of the beauty and unpredictability of pinhole photography. Each shot is a chance to slow down (something I still need to do more off), observe, and capture a moment in time that often goes unnoticed. Hastings, with its rich history and ever-changing landscape, has proven to be a perfect canvas for my creative explorations.
While not every shot went as planned—whether it was the shutter mishap or the moments I wish I’d framed differently—each experience is a lesson learned and an opportunity to improve. I’m already looking forward to my next visit, armed with the knowledge gained from this one.
There’s something special about finding new perspectives in familiar places, and I can’t wait to continue exploring, camera in hand, along this stunning stretch of coastline.
Until next time, happy shooting!
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