Research Document - Photography in Hastings

In the Edwardian era, professional photographers often plied their trade at the beach. Groups often posed against the backdrop of the Victorian Pier Pavilion.

From the 1880s instant-photography with tintype cameras meant professional photographers could leave their studios and go to the beach to find customers. The photographers carried portable dark rooms on handcarts and offered a ‘while you wait’ service. This was particularly suitable for day-trippers, who could return home with their instant portraits. Tintype prints were fast and cheap and cost as little as sixpence.