Suspended in time

Captured on Ilford HP5 black and white film with my Leica M6, this image of a Brighton summer feels like a moment suspended in time. The grain and contrast of the film lend the photograph a nostalgic quality, where light and shadow work in harmony to emphasise the silhouettes of youths gathered on the pier. One mid-air, frozen in a perfect arc as he leap into the water, while others bask in the warmth, simply savouring the day. A paddle boarder drifts quietly in the background, adding a serene balance to the energetic scene.

I love how the classic black and white tones highlight the spontaneity and joy of summer. There’s something truly timeless about people embracing the freedom of a sunny afternoon, free of distractions and living fully in the moment. The simplicity of the grain and monochrome turns the everyday into something enduring and evocative, a reminder of how pure happiness looks and feels.