Business Details
Reeves Edward | Heritage & Modern Photography in Lewes
Established in 1858, Reeves Edward stands as the world's longest-operating photographic studio, blending 160 years of traditional expertise with cutting-edge technology. Our family legacy, spanning four generations, has meticulously preserved the artistry of photography while adapting to modern demands. We specialise in portrait sittings, wedding photography, commercial projects, and archival restoration, serving both local and international clients. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our use of state-of-the-art digital techniques alongside historic processes, ensuring every client receives timeless, high-quality imagery. The Reeves Archive Project, housing half a million photographs, offers unparalleled insights into East Sussex's history. Our team combines technical mastery with a personal touch, offering bespoke services including photo restoration, colourisation, and custom framing.With a reputation built on integrity and excellence, we continue to innovate while honouring our heritage. Our Lewes studio remains a testament to photographic evolution, welcoming visitors to experience both tradition and innovation. We prioritise client collaboration, ensuring every project captures authentic moments with artistic precision. From casual portraits to corporate assignments, our work reflects a deep understanding of light, composition, and narrative. As custodians of photographic history, we balance preservation with contemporary creativity, making us a trusted partner for discerning clients.
Services
Portrait Sittings
Wedding Photography
Commercial Photography
Archive Restoration
Passport Services
Photo Colourisation
Framing Options
Highlights and features
- We offer 160 years of continuous photographic expertise
- Our family-run business combines tradition with digital innovation
- We provide bespoke archival restoration services onsite
- Our work includes the world's oldest photographic archive
- We deliver personalised service with technical mastery
Associations and certifications
- British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP)
What people say
Expert craftsmanship
Lovely natural photographs
Best pictures this year
Wonderful wedding coverage
Superb family portraits
Services
Portrait Sittings
Our portrait sessions capture timeless images using both traditional techniques and modern digital technology. Clients benefit from our expertise in lighting and composition, ensuring natural, expressive results. Ideal for family portraits, professional headshots, and special occasions, our service combines heritage with contemporary quality assurance.
Wedding Photography
Documenting weddings with artistic authenticity, we blend candid moments and formal compositions. Our approach prioritises emotional storytelling while maintaining technical precision. Clients receive high-resolution images and custom albums, preserving memories with the same care we've applied since the 1850s.
Archive Restoration
Specialist restoration of historic photographs using digital techniques while maintaining original integrity. Services include fading reversal, damage repair, and colourisation. Our onsite workroom ensures secure handling of precious originals, with strict protocols to prevent loss or misplacement during processing.
Commercial Photography
Tailored visual solutions for businesses, including product photography and architectural imaging. Our technical expertise spans from 35mm to digital formats, delivering commercial assets that combine aesthetic appeal with functional requirements for marketing and documentation purposes.
Passport Services
Official passport and identification photography meeting international standards. We ensure correct specifications for sizing, background, and lighting. Clients receive multiple prints from a single session, with guidance on submission requirements for various governmental agencies.
People
Tom Reeves
Photographer & Director
Fourth-generation photographer with technical expertise in both traditional and digital formats. Graduated in Photographic Sciences from the University of Westminster in 1982. Specialises in social and commercial photography while managing the Reeves Archive Project.
Edward Reeves
Founder
Established the studio in 1858 as a pioneer of wet collodion photography. Developed the first daylight studio in Lewes and created over 700 annual portraits during the 1860s-70s. His technical innovations laid the foundation for the family business.
Mary Elizabeth 'Pollie' Reeves
Early Photographer
Pioneering female photographer in the late 19th century. Documented family and civic life in Lewes using dry plate technology. Her work forms a significant part of the studio's historic archive, showcasing early 20th-century photographic practices.
Benjamin Vinall 'Ben' Reeves
Studio Manager
Managed the studio during the early 20th century, expanding technical capabilities with new emulsion technologies. Documented local events and maintained the business through wartime periods. His correspondence provides valuable insights into daily studio operations during the 1910s-1940s.
Edward M Reeves
Mid-20th Century Photographer
Transitioned the studio to colour photography during the 1950s-70s. Specialised in industrial and landscape photography while maintaining traditional glass plate techniques. His work bridges the gap between historic and modern photographic practices.
Questions
What photography services do you offer?
We provide portrait sittings, wedding photography, commercial projects, archival restoration, and passport services using both traditional and digital techniques.
How can I book a photography session?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss your requirements. We operate Wednesday-Saturday 10am-3pm or by appointment.
Do you restore old photographs?
Yes, we offer scanning, digital restoration, and colourisation of damaged or faded photographs while maintaining original integrity.
What makes your studio unique?
We combine 160 years of photographic heritage with modern technology, operating from the same Lewes location since 1858 as a family-run business.
Can you handle large format photography?
Our expertise spans formats from 35mm to 5x4, including historic glass plate techniques and contemporary digital large format capture.
How do you ensure photo quality?
We apply strict quality control developed over four generations, combining technical precision with artistic composition for every project.
Reviews (3)
Helves Design
Mar 22, 2022
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Booked to have some passports done. Exemplary experience in a beautiful studio with a very professional and friendly team. Thanks for the great pictures.
Chris Dudley
Nov 29, 2021
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Tom was our wedding photographer several weeks ago, and we couldn't have asked for a nicer person. He arrived early on the day, and captured so many lovely moments, both posed and in the moment. The service was top notch from first consultation to picking up the photos after the wedding. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a wedding photographer.
Amy Riley
Sep 05, 2017
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They did my prom photos they where amazing, i am now using them as part in my collage work to help advertising for you guys. so pleased with my photos. thanks very much.
