Meet Alex – calendar creator

So who is behind the calendar?

Hello, I’m Alex Bamford. My connection to the Brighton & Hove Calendar goes back to 2008, when Nigel Swallow, the original founder, kindly exhibited some of my moonlit photographs in his gallery above Snoopers Paradise. My shots of Patcham Windmill at night and the carousel closing for the evening earned a spot in the 2009 calendar, which was a real thrill.

Since then, my photos have appeared fairly regularly, including one front cover and a couple of back covers. I’ve also been working behind the scenes in recent years, helping with the calendar’s layout and artwork (and yes, I’m the one who accidentally left out July 31st in the 2020 edition — sorry about that!).

A photographer with roots in Brighton's creative community

I’ve had plenty of experience working with other photographers - I spent over 30 years as an art director in London advertising agencies. More recently, I worked alongside Brighton photography legend Roger Bamber in the final two years of his life, designing his retrospective book Out of the Ordinary. I also worked with his wife, Shan, to help curate his exhibition at Brighton Museum.

Recently I’ve helped local photographer JJ Waller design his and Martin Parr’s Beside the Sea exhibition on the rooftops of bus shelters around Brighton, helped curate their exhibition at Hove Museum of Creativity and interview MP at the Brighton Dome. 

My own photography and where to find it

I’ve been regularly exhibiting my photography for over 20 years. I’m probably best known in Brighton for my Sleepwalking series – moonlit landscapes featuring a pyjama-clad figure. A couple of those images have even made it into the calendar. 

I have work at Brighton Photography gallery on the seafront by the i360, as well as at the West Pier Centre. I also have starling murmuration pictures on permanent display on the Palace Pier.

You can also explore my photography online at alexbamford.com.

Curating the 2026 calendar

This year, I’m really enjoying the process of sourcing images from both familiar names and new contributors. Seeing Brighton through other people’s eyes is a wonderful reminder of how visually rich this city is. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I’ve enjoyed pulling them together.

I'm working with my wife Lisa – read a little bit about her too.

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