A quick guide to Photographing Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh is a traditional seaside town with plenty of character that has changed little over the years. Fishermen continue to launch their boats from the beach and return to sell their catch from the black wooden sheds on the shore. The shingle beach is littered with fishing paraphernalia and in summer is dotted with flowering plants. The architecture is varied, colourful and interesting with plenty of different styles and ages on view.

Photographically Aldeburgh is probably best know for its Scallop Shell structure by Maggi Hambling. Sitting on the seafront just north of the town it is an interesting feature to photograph at any time of the day. There are many possible viewpoints and it is fun to experiment with a range of different shots.

The section of beach between the Scallop Shell and the Moot  Hall is where you will find most of the working fishing boats. These make good subjects for sunrise photography . In the summer this section of the beach is dotted with flowering red valerian which adds a lovely natural splash of colour to the scene.

Further along the beach you will find the old and new lifeboat stations and some old wooden fishing boats.

At the far end of the town the seafront continues to Slaughden Quay where you will find the Aldeburgh Yacht Club and the Martello tower. There is a footpath that follows the north bank of the River Alde giving access to several fishing boast which are moored along the salt marsh. You will also find the remains of the fishing smack Ionia. Covered in seaweed her remaining timbers make good subjects for long exposures especially at sunset.

Photographing Aldeburgh – seasonal attractions

Aldeburgh is noteworthy for its iconic Scallop Shell sculpture and its fishing industry which operates from the beach.

The beach is at its best in late May when it is covered in flowering plants.

Aldeburgh can get busy on a summers day so photography is best early in the morning.

If you are interested in yacht photography Aldeburgh Yacht Club has some good racing in the summer. Look out for its colourful fleet of classic ‘Loch Longs’ which can be seen moored in the river outside the clubhouse.

Photographing the Suffolk Coast

If you would like to find out more about the area I have published a “Guide to Photographing the Suffolk Coast” which can be purchased below.

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Gallery of Aldeburgh, Suffolk