2025 was a year of working closer to home and learning to respond to conditions rather than chase them. From misty dawns on the South Downs to woodland waterfalls in the High Weald and long exposures on Romney Marsh, this review brings together one standout image from each month — moments that best reflect how and where I photographed across the year.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review 2025December 2025 was dominated by wet, cold and overcast weather across East Sussex, which quietly shaped the direction of my photography. With wider landscapes often flat and uninviting, the focus naturally shifted into woodland, following streams and revisiting places that only reveal themselves after prolonged rainfall. The result was a month spent exploring seasonal waterfalls across the High Weald, interspersed with a handful of coastal and observational shoots.
This post brings together those December walks and discoveries, from hidden ghylls and temporary cascades to a final New Year’s Eve sunset at Beachy Head.
Continue reading December 2025: Sussex Photography Monthly ReviewAshdown Forest is not known for permanent waterfalls, but after prolonged rain the landscape briefly transforms. Beneath the open heathland plateau, sandstone ledges and clay layers shed water quickly, feeding short-lived streams that cut into wooded ravines and momentarily bring hidden waterfalls to life. Miss the timing and these features disappear again, leaving little trace beyond damp rock and leaf-stained pools.
This walk followed one such stream after heavy December rainfall, linking three very different waterfalls: the hidden plunge of Mungo’s, the stepped Garden of Eden fall beside a footpath, and an unnamed woodland drop further downstream. Each only flows properly for a short window after rain, making timing far more important than season or popularity.
The short video below captures all three waterfalls in motion, followed by mapped references for context. The sections that follow look at each waterfall in turn, combining the walk itself with notes on geology, nature, and what makes these fleeting moments worth photographing in Ashdown Forest.
Continue reading Hidden Waterfalls of Ashdown Forest After Heavy RainThe Willingford Stream runs quietly through Dallington Forest and along the slopes of Brightling Down, but after prolonged rainfall it becomes one of the more rewarding winter locations on the High Weald. December’s cold, wet and overcast weather wasn’t ideal for wide landscapes, but it was perfect for returning to woodland streams and seasonal waterfalls.
This visit followed weeks of steady rain. In drier months the Willingford Stream is easy to overlook, but when water levels rise a series of small waterfalls and cascades begin to appear along its course.
Continue reading Willingford Stream Waterfalls – Dallington Forest and Brightling DownBeckley Woods sits on the High Weald near the East Sussex–Kent border and is a place that only really reveals itself in the right conditions. After weeks of cold, overcast and windy weather, December brought sustained rainfall — the kind of weather that keeps most people indoors, but transforms woodland streams and gullies. When wider landscapes feel flat, waterfalls become the natural focus.
Continue reading Beckley Woods Waterfalls After Heavy Rain2024 has been a year full of challenges, surprises, and unforgettable moments behind the lens. From stormy seascapes and misty woodlands to vivid sunsets and vibrant wildflower fields, every month brought its own unique story and photographic opportunities. Whether it was embracing the unpredictable weather of the South Downs, exploring new locations in Thailand, or capturing the fleeting magic of fog and light, each scene was a reminder of why I love landscape photography.
This review brings together my favorite shots and stories from the year, offering a glimpse into the diverse beauty of the natural world and the joy of capturing it. As I reflect on the experiences and lessons learned, I’m reminded that photography is not just about the images, but the journeys and emotions behind them. Let’s take a look back at 2024, one frame at a time.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review 2024December was a month of diverse landscapes, captivating light, and the quiet beauty of winter’s embrace. My photography journeys captured a variety of scenes. These included the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the mist-shrouded woodlands of the High Weald. I explored serene seascapes, historic landmarks, and enchanting rural scenes. Each location presented its unique charm. This charm was showcased through dramatic weather patterns. It was also highlighted by tranquil long exposures. The timeless character of abandoned buildings added to the charm. The interplay of light, weather, and composition was a constant theme, shaping my creative process and resulting in memorable captures.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review December 2024This December, dense fog blanketed the High Weald, creating a dreamlike backdrop for photography. My first goal was to capture the mature beech trees of Dallington Forest in the mist. I stumbled upon a series of small waterfalls. I decided to follow the stream and uncovered one picturesque cascade after another.
Each waterfall felt like a hidden gem within the foggy woodland, blending seamlessly with the muted colours of winter. The combination of mist and flowing water transformed the landscape into a serene and otherworldly setting.
For a wider overview of lesser-known woodland waterfalls in the High Weald, including how precise locations are shared responsibly, see:
High Weald Hidden Woodland Waterfalls
Winter woodlands can feel chaotic, but fog transforms them into serene, graphical scenes. The dense mist reduces distractions and highlights the stark beauty of tree trunks. This simplicity is why foggy woodland photography is so captivating. In places like the High Weald, fog adds atmosphere, creating a sense of mystery and timelessness.
Continue reading High Weald Foggy Woodland PhotographyWhen the weather forecast predicted a beautiful late-December sunrise, I knew I had to get out with my camera. Familiar with the stunning vistas of the East Sussex coast, I started planning a shoot featuring Belle Tout Lighthouse, one of my favourite subjects. This time, my focus was on a thoughtfully composed sunrise shot rather than scouting a new location.
Continue reading Belle Tout Lighthouse SunriseDecember 2024 was marked by a series of storms, and following Storm Bert, Storm Darragh was next in line. According to weather apps, there was a promising chance of a perfectly aligned sunrise behind Newhaven Lighthouse, with breaks in the clouds creating ideal photographic conditions. I decided to take the opportunity to capture this unique combination of weather and light.
Continue reading Storm Darragh Newhaven LighthouseAs 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.
Continue reading Best Landscape Photography 2023
