Ramsgate is a place I seldom explore. I’m always drawn to Margate when I choose to go out with my camera…partly because I used to work there so at least know the town, partly because, well, it’s Margate and it has that whole Margate vibe thing going on.

I’ve been a couple of times in the past few years, but always on overcast days and never on a day where the light was the kind of light you hope for. On this occasion, however, the forecast was a crisp, cold day with blue skies and sunshine. For once, the forecast didn’t disappoint.

Ramsgate doesn’t quite have the artsy appeal of Margate, but it also doesn’t have the feeling of over-extended gentrification. There are signs here and there, of course, but it quite to the extent of other places alone the east Kent coast, and certainly doesn’t appear to be signs of the sheer excess and over-reach that other parts of East Kent aspire to (hello Folkestone). In fact, it more closely resembles the kind of east Kent coastal town that I knew all too well from my youth.

Anyway, this particular visit had exceptional light flooding the side streets, casting bold shadows and bringing interesting reflections. On exploring it did beg the question why I don’t visit more often. Like Deal there are plenty of streets that run perpendicular to the promenade, resulting in glorious golden light illuminating shop fronts and passers-by. I should really make more of this, especially this time of year when the golden hour coincides with people milling around the streets. Maybe I should explore it more, it certainly makes a change from the Margate>Deal>Folkestone options I normally choose when conditions look promising.

Anyway, I took a few shots during my trip. Could do with a few more sunny days given how dull this winter has been…