THE VENUE
The View Hotel, Eastbourne
The View Hotel is well located on the Grand Parade in Eastbourne, facing the promenade and beach, with the pier just a few hundred metres away. The South Downs National Park can be seen just 2 miles away, with Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters easily accessible.
Parking is available on Grand Parade, with vouchers at around £3 per day (current price). Eastbourne station is just 600 metres away, with direct trains from/to London Victoria, via Gatwick Airport for those seeking rail or air connections.
The hotel offers extensive disabled access, including adapted rooms and blue badge parking, for a comfortable stay.
TICKETS & BOOKING
Secure Your Place
Bookings open from 11 March 2026. Early bird discounts are available until 31 July 2026.
• Full residential package — includes 2 days of conference, 1 night accommodation (Saturday night), plus meals.
• Double occupancy is available for two participants who wish to share a room — please select the appropriate ticket option when booking.
• There are a limited number of tickets also available on a 2-day non-residential basis if you prefer to find your own accommodation (e.g. staying longer). Excludes the evening meal.
• We also have arrangements with the hotel for those wishing to stay extra nights before and/or after the conference. There is much to do and see locally.
• You are welcome to bring a friend or partner to share your room and not take part in the conference. There are many local sights and attractions for non-photographers.
Not a member? You are warmly invited to attend our conference! Many of the participants won't know each other and, if you enjoy photographing the world around you, you will be in great company.
OUR SPEAKERS
Learn from the Best
Six outstanding photographers will share their expertise, creative processes and passion for the landscape.
Rachael Talibart
Rachael is a professional photographer specialising in the ocean. Her work is represented by galleries in UK, USA and Germany, is frequently exhibited, and has been featured in major fine art publications worldwide. She recently published her fourth monograph, Sirens: The Gallery Edition.
Much of Rachael's early childhood left her with a fascination for the ocean in all its forms, but especially in stormy weather. For Rachael, nothing beats a day on an empty shore, the wilder the weather the better, and this is reflected in her work.
Rachael owns f11 Workshops, providing location workshops in the UK, classroom and online training, and she leads international workshops for Ocean Capture. An experienced teacher and lecturer, Rachael is particularly interested in the creative aspects of photography.
Paul Mitchell
Born in Yorkshire, Paul's interest in photography started in his teens with a simple 35mm rangefinder camera, gaining a more formal education in photography whilst studying Graphic Design at Art College. His career in Graphic Design spanned some 45 years, running his own design business for the past 35 years.
Over the last decade his photography has gained momentum and he now devotes most of his time lecturing and running photography workshops. Paul has had numerous exhibitions in the UK and has had articles and images published in many photography magazines. He is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and until recently, Chaired the Landscape Distinctions panel.
Vanda Ralevska
Vanda is a member of the Arena Photographers group, a Brand Ambassador for Kase Filters UK, and a UK Landscape Photographer of the Year competition judge. Aside from her day job as a software developer, Vanda enjoys giving lectures about her journey as a photographer and her experiences along the way: "Photography for me is not only about trying to depict a location. It is about experiencing it, truly being in the moment, and capturing it in the way that evokes an emotional connection or feeling about the place; hoping to allow viewers to almost feel like they are there."
Having grown up in an industrial area of former Czechoslovakia, Vanda soon learnt how to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Far away from the noise, and hustle and bustle of a big city she finds inspiration in quieter scenes and intimate details, whether it is on the coast, in woodland or in the countryside, even in industrial wastelands. In her images Vanda strives to reflect the atmosphere, feeling, and sheer wonderment that our natural world can evoke with us.
Alex Hare
Alex is a commercial landscape and travel photographer working primarily in the tourism sector. He is an ambassador for Fotospeed and an official Visit Britain photographer. At University, Alex studied photography under renowned social documentary photographer Dan Meadows and he teaches photography via the RPS and to fellow enthusiasts on his Tripod Travels photo workshops with Lizzie Shepherd.
In lockdown, Alex devised the first ever online hand-made photo book making workshop and has taught hundreds of photographers the joy of making their own, unique, hand-made photo books. Alex believes that, alongside printing, photo books are a wonderful creative extension to our photographic practice and an excellent way to get lots of our photos off the hard drive and into a format people can enjoy.
Mark Evans
Mark is the founder of Camversation, a global community he established during the COVID-19 lockdowns to bring photographers together and keep us all talking about the hobby we love. While he works daily with some of the world's leading photographers, Mark is a vocal advocate for the camera in your pocket.
He enjoys exploring the hidden potential of the technology we carry with us, demonstrating how to use Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile as precision editing tools to refine and enhance our images. His sessions focus on a methodical, step-by-step approach, proving that with the right techniques, mobile tools can produce high quality results that hold their own alongside traditional methods.
Lesley Peatfield
Lesley is a photographer and visual artist based in East Yorkshire, originally from York, known for her creative and experimental approach to photography. She has been taking photographs throughout her life, influenced early on by her father's enthusiasm for the medium and a shared interest in capturing compelling images. She enjoys exploring a range of styles — from landscape and abstract photography to more traditional scenes — always seeking unique compositions that catch her eye.
Her artistic practice often leads her down "weird and wonderful paths," reflecting a keen eye for visual nuance and a willingness to experiment with form and technique. Lesley works with both digital and mobile photography — often making creative decisions in the moment to capture energy and atmosphere in her work. This year she is also participating in events including the North Yorkshire Open Studios, York Open Studios, Pocklington Area Open Studios, and is exhibiting at the Inspired Gallery in Danby on the North York Moors and at Ampleforth Abbey.
Activities Programme
Welcome to The Sussex Coast
As well as providing locations for our conference activities, there are many places to see — with or without a camera — for those staying longer and/or their non-delegate partners.
On Saturday afternoon, our speakers will lead guided location shoots around the South Downs National Park and surrounding coast, giving you the chance to put the morning's inspiration into practice in some of the most photogenic landscapes in southern England.
South Downs National Park
The SDNP includes many coastal and inland locations: The Seven Sisters, Beachy Head, Birling Gap, Cuckmere Haven, Seaford Head Nature Reserve and others. Walk various SDNP main paths: west (above Brighton) including Ditchling Beacon and Devils Dyke; east including Firle Beacon; up and along the top of The Seven Sisters and more.
Eastbourne Promenade
Walk along three miles of palm-lined promenade, photograph the Victorian pier from east and west, enjoy the Carpet Gardens, and catch a show at the art-deco Bandstand. Don't miss the award-winning Towner Gallery for contemporary art.
International Dark Sky Reserve
The SDNP is designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve — perfect for astrophotography opportunities.
National Trust Sites
Several National Trust sites are within easy reach, including Birling Gap (with its café for lunch and cake!), Alfriston Clergy House (the first building saved by the Trust), Seven Sisters Country Park, and Bateman's — the home of Rudyard Kipling.
Friston Forest & Alfriston
Nearby ancient woodland walks and the charming village of Alfriston.
Brighton
Take the train or express bus (rather than drive) to wonderful Brighton and enjoy its variety: Palace Pier, Brighton Pavilion, Sea Life Centre, the promenade and beach, view the West Pier remains, Brighton i360 observation tower (and bar), walk The Lanes, and much more.
Hastings & Battle
Visit historic Hastings with its Old Town, fishing quarter and cliff railways. Nearby Battle is home to the famous 1066 battlefield and abbey — an English Heritage site with interactive displays and battlefield walks.
THE PROGRAMME
Your Weekend at a Glance
Saturday Morning
Conference opens at The View Hotel. Morning speaker sessions with inspiring talks from our line-up of acclaimed landscape photographers.
Saturday Afternoon — Guided Location Shoots
Join our speakers for guided photography sessions around the South Downs National Park, Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters and surrounding coastal areas. A fantastic opportunity to put the morning's inspiration into practice in stunning landscapes, with expert guidance on hand.
Saturday Evening
Reception drinks followed by an evening meal at the hotel — a chance to socialise, share the day's images, and connect with fellow photographers.
Sunday
Further speaker sessions and additional shooting opportunities for those able to stay through to late afternoon.
Additional Opportunities · Optional
For those choosing to arrive early, we are planning one or two location shoots on the Friday afternoon to kick off the weekend and get your creative eye warmed up. Further shooting options may also be available on Sunday afternoon for those able to stay longer.
Ready to Join Us?
Don't miss a weekend of inspiring talks, stunning locations, and great company on the Sussex coast.