As the wheel of time turned through 2023, my journey with the camera has been a testament to the timeless dance of light and landscape. From the crisp, dramatic skies of January to the ethereal cloud inversions of December, each month brought its own canvas of colours, moments, and stories. This collection is more than a series of images; it’s a narrative of persistence, patience, and the spontaneous joy of discovering beauty in the expected and unexpected alike. Join me as I retrace my steps through the seasons, sharing the scenes that stopped me in my tracks and the tales behind them. May these photographs inspire you to find your own adventures in the world’s vast gallery.
January Wilmington Hill
As the new year unfolded, January presented me with a canvas only nature could provide. On a crisp afternoon, with camera in hand, I found myself at the base of Wilmington Hill. The conditions were perfect: clear skies, the kind that photographers dream of after weeks of winter grayness, and a sun that knew just where to cast its golden glow.
The photograph here is the result: a landscape alive with contrast, thanks to the interplay of light and shadow over the South Downs, with Bo Peep in the distance. Above, majestic cumulus clouds completed the scene, their grandeur demanding attention. It’s scenes like this that fuel my passion for landscape photography, capturing the transient beauty of the English countryside..
February Sant Elm Majorca
February’s adventure took me to Majorca, an annual retreat where I indulge in two of my passions: hiking and photography. With the Mediterranean’s winter still gentle, the island’s landscapes were ripe for exploration. It was on a planned day-long hike over the mountainous terrain of Sant Elm where this month’s standout moment unfolded
Just as I was setting out, nature presented a spectacle—a rainbow framing Dragon Island. It was a moment of serendipity, one that photographers hope for but can seldom plan. Capturing the rainbow’s full arc, with the morning light casting a warm glow on the scene, was a reminder of the rewards that come with being at the right place at the right time. This photo is a favorite not just for its visual impact, but for encapsulating the essence of discovery that drives my journeys.
March Devils Dyke Newtimber Hill
March brought me to the South Downs in West Sussex, where the landscape’s quiet majesty is revealed in the soft light of the fading day. While perched on Newtimber Hill, I watched as the afternoon sun graced Poynings church, spotlighting it against the backdrop of the rolling hills of Devil’s Dyke.
The scene before me was quintessential March golden hour—unexpected yet sublime. The mist’s arrival, meandering over the hills, was both a photographer’s dream and a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability. The view, stretching west from Devil’s Dyke to Fulking and beyond, was a reminder of the ever-changing beauty of the South Downs, where each moment is unique and every second counts.
April Ditchling Beacon Mill Pond
April’s highlight was a premeditated masterpiece of timing and nature at Ditchling Beacon’s mill pond, the pinnacle of the South Downs in East Sussex. Having scouted the location beforehand, I envisioned the dawn I wanted to capture. Monitoring the weather closely, I awaited the day that promised ideal conditions.
The effort paid off when this morning arrived, unveiling a fiery sky reflected in the still waters of the mill pond. This photograph isn’t just a capture of dawn’s light—it’s the fruition of a vision, meticulous planning, and a dash of luck with the weather. It’s a reminder that sometimes in photography, as in life, everything aligns just as you had hoped, offering a moment of pure magic.
May Bowness on Solway
May’s journey took me to the Lake District and beyond, to the historic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall. It was an exploration of England’s rugged northwest, where the landscapes hold stories of centuries. But the most unexpected tale was waiting at Bowness on Solway, where the day’s end brought a spectacle on the mudflats.
The image captured was a fleeting convergence of elements—a sunset that painted the sky and mirrored itself on the waters below. It was one of those rare conditions that photographers hope for: dramatic yet fleeting, reminding me why I always keep my camera close at hand. Being there at that moment felt like a silent conversation with the vastness of nature.
June Thailand
June’s expedition was a departure from my usual scenes; I traded the familiar greenery of England for the tropical vibrance of Thailand. It was a journey of contrasts, from the temperate to the tropics, as I ventured into Southeast Asia with my camera in tow. Despite grappling with the region’s intense heat and an unexpected bout of homesickness, Bangkok presented a photographic haven I hadn’t anticipated.
Benjakitti Park became that haven, a place where the bustle of the city yielded to the tranquility of nature. This image stands out—a serene park surrounded by the city’s towering skyscrapers. It encapsulates the coexistence of urban and natural beauty, a theme that resonated with me as I explored the landscapes so different from home. This park, with its quiet waters and lush greenery, offered a slice of peace amidst the urban excitement of Bangkok.
July Castle Farm Lavender Fields
July’s warmth lured me back to the familiar landscapes of Southeast England. Having previously discovered the striking lavender fields of Castle Farm, set amidst the rolling hills of the Kent Downs, I marked my calendar for a return. Aiming for a sunset that would do justice to the vibrant purple hues, I found my spot on a roadside, the only vantage point open to the public.
The evening could have been a miss, with a thick blanket of clouds threatening to obscure the sunset. But as so often happens in the pursuit of the perfect shot, patience became my ally. At the last possible moment, the sun glanced through a slender opening, its rays like fingers reaching over the aromatic sea of lavender. This shot captures more than a sunset; it represents the fleeting, triumphant moments that make landscape photography an eternal chase.
August Rodmell Barley Fields
August’s bounty of good weather provided ample opportunity to immerse myself in the East Sussex landscapes I cherish. With the freedom of time off work, I was often found meandering through the South Downs, camera at the ready. Among these explorations, it was the Rodmell Barley fields that delivered a scene I’ll not soon forget.
As the sun made its descent behind Kingston ridge, the day’s final light created a radiant sunburst, crowning the horizon. Perfectly timed, a flock of geese entered the frame, prompting a swift switch to settings that would freeze their motion in the fading light. This image is a blend of in-the-moment decisions and post-processing finesse—reminders of the diverse tools at a landscape photographer’s disposal.
September Seaford Sunset
September’s days, still clinging to summer’s tail, offered a spectacle at Seaford Beach. The goal was clear: to frame the setting sun behind Newhaven Lighthouse. The challenge wasn’t just in the wait for perfect conditions but in navigating the throng of sunbathers enjoying the last of the season’s warmth.
The resulting image is as much about the process as it is about the stunning visual. With my 100-400mm lens and 1.4x extender in hand, I moved eastward along the crowded beach, tracking the sun’s steady descent. This photograph—captured amidst the dance of shifting sands and fleeting light—is a testament to the patience and persistence that often go unseen in the pursuit of the perfect shot.
October Autumn Friston Forest
Autumn’s arrival in October beckoned me to the quiet solace of Friston Forest, where the hues of the season paint the landscape in warm tones. My wanderings led me off the beaten path to scout new compositions amidst the towering beeches, a refreshing change after the summer’s heat.
Fortune favored me late that morning with a captivating sunburst piercing the forest canopy, a moment of serenity amidst the mature beech trees. It was a perfect welcome back into the woodland’s embrace. This image, while marking a return to the indoors and full-time work, serves as a luminous reminder of the forest’s enduring calm.
November High Weald Autumn
November’s crisp air and fall tapestry called me back to the woodlands and undulating footpaths of the High Weald. It was a time to seek out new scenes and revisit familiar ones, each with their own story to tell as the season unfolded in a cascade of colour.
his particular view over the hedge at Burwash Weald captured a late afternoon in November. The landscape was impressive, but the trees had not yet reached their peak vibrancy, hinting at future potential. Golden hour could also lend its magic, but I left with a sense of anticipation, knowing that the scene holds the promise of even more splendour in the years to come.
December Butts Brow Cloud Inversion
December’s unpredictable weather often holds the potential for the extraordinary. On a day that had me chasing the light, a shift in the weather guided me to Butts Brow, where the landscape offered a grand stage for a rare atmospheric display.
As the cloud inversion unfolded below, I found myself racing against time to capture the ephemeral drama. Although I wished I had reacted quicker, the knowledge from previous excursions to this spot allowed me to seize the moment. This image, a serendipitous blend of preparation and chance, is a reminder of nature’s ability to astonish and my continuous journey to be there when it does.
2023 The End
As we bid farewell to the rich tapestry of moments that was 2023, I am filled with gratitude for the shared journey through my lens. Each photo, a footprint in time, reflects not just the world’s beauty but also the cherished connection I’ve forged with you, my readers. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a 2024 brimming with peace, joy, and discovery. May the coming year unfold for you as beautifully as a sunrise over the horizon. Happy New Year to you all, and may it be as picture-perfect as the moments we’ve captured together.
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