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 2025November brought a mix of short weather windows, local walks, and a few longer trips around the High Weald and South Downs. Most of the month was dominated by grey skies and fast-moving fronts, so every break in the weather turned into an opportunity to get out with the camera. From minimalist coastal scenes at Broomhill Sands, to long-exposure evenings on the Romney Marsh, to a series of drive-by shoots across the High Weald, the month produced a varied set of images and a lot of useful scouting for future locations. The final days brought clearer conditions on the cliffs at Birling Gap, rounding off the month with a couple of clean views across the Seven Sisters.
Continue reading November 2025 Photography Review – Sussex Walks, Coastlines and Autumn LightRomney Marsh once held dozens of small medieval parishes scattered across the wetland. Many disappeared as the land flooded, drained or shifted, leaving only fragments of stone, earthworks or a solitary church in the fields.
Before diving into each site, here is the full map of all locations:
All Map Locations – Romney Marsh Churches
Here is the long-form video that explores all four churches together:
This post breaks down each location separately, with individual map links and photos.
One of the earliest medieval parishes on the Marsh, Hope was built in the 12th century and abandoned by the 1500s as the coastline shifted and the land became grazing marsh. Only fragments of walling survive beside the B2075, now surrounded by a modern sculpture park that occupies the old churchyard.
Map: All Saints Church, Hope View on Google Maps
Midley was founded in the 14th century on what was then an island of higher ground in the Marsh. Flooding and silting forced the parish to be abandoned by the 1500s, and the church was gradually robbed for stone. Today only the lone west arch stands in the field — one of the most striking remains on Romney Marsh.
Map: Midley Church Ruins View on Google Maps
Eastbridge was a later medieval parish that stood between Ivychurch and Newchurch. It declined rapidly in the 16th century as water management changed and the local population moved away. The remains sit behind a cottage off Chapel Lane, half-hidden in scrub with a short footpath cut through the bushes to reach the site.
Map: Eastbridge Church Ruins (Chapel Lane) View on Google Maps
Fairfield is the complete contrast — a 13th-century church that survived while the other parishes vanished. Rebuilt in brick in the 1790s to replace the failing timber structure, it still stands alone in the fields and remains consecrated today. The drainage channels and wide open skies make it one of the most photogenic churches in Kent.
Full Post: St Thomas à Becket Church, Fairfield
Hope, Midley and Eastbridge all tell the same story: marshland, shifting water and the long decline of settlement across Romney Marsh. Fairfield tells the opposite — a parish that endured.
Together they form one of the most atmospheric and historically rich landscapes in the South East.
Broomhill Sands – East Sussex Coast
Long beach and shingle on the Romney Marsh edge.
Brookland Church – Timber Tower of Romney Marsh
One of the Marsh’s most distinctive standing churches.
St George’s Ivychurch – The Cathedral of the Marsh
A vast medieval church dominating the landscape.
Denge Sound Mirrors – Early Acoustic Defence
Historic concrete listening structures on the edge of the Marsh.
St Thomas à Becket at Fairfield is the church most people recognise instantly from Romney Marsh — a single, isolated building in the middle of vast grazing fields, with sheep, water channels and open landscape stretching in every direction.
Although the other medieval parishes around here vanished centuries ago, Fairfield survived. The result is a site that feels both historic and photographic at the same time: part heritage, part natural sculpture.
Here’s the YouTube Short that introduces the location:
A short walk across the fields brings you right up to the church, and on the right light it becomes one of the most rewarding photographic spots anywhere in Kent.
Location on Google Maps:
All Map Locations:
Most of Romney Marsh’s medieval parishes didn’t survive. Places like Hope, Midley and Eastbridge were abandoned by the 1500s as flooding, drainage problems and shifting settlement patterns emptied the land.
Fairfield, however, took a different path.
The original church was built in the 13th century, constructed on wooden piles driven into the marshy ground. It served a tiny farming community long since faded from the map.
By the late 1700s the old timber-framed structure was failing, and the whole building was rebuilt in brick around 1792–1800. The interior fittings — including the Georgian box pews and pulpit — were brought here from a church in Snargate.
Despite its isolation, the church remains consecrated and still holds occasional services. It’s one of the only original marsh churches to stand more or less untouched by development.
Drainage channels, sheep fields and open skies dominate the area. At certain times of year, when the fields are saturated or flooded, the church appears to float above the reflections — one of the reasons it has become such a magnet for photographers.
Photographically, Fairfield is exceptional because it offers:
There is almost nothing around it. Every direction gives clean framing with long lead-ins, perfect for both stills and video.
Cloud cover, mist, and winter light create soft tonal transitions that suit:
The path allows the whole building to be photographed from every angle without obstruction.
On calm days, the drainage ditches reflect the church beautifully. On windy days, long exposures turn the grass and clouds into soft textured motion.
Winter gives you saturated marsh colours and dramatic skies.
Summer gives you dry grass, warm tones and clear geometry.
Your long-exposure shots of the church fit exactly into this environment — a quiet, timeless landscape where the Marsh seems to pause itself for the camera.
Location:
Fairfield, Romney Marsh, Kent — in the fields west of Newchurch and north of Lydd.
Official Information: For historical background, service details and the church’s preserved status, visit the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust page for Fairfield. It’s the most accurate and up-to-date source on St Thomas à Becket Church.
Access:
Park at the lay-by on Fairfield Road (TQ 949 275), then follow the footpath across the fields. The route is flat but can be very muddy in winter.
If you want to go inside the church the key can be recovered from the cottage nearby on the side of the road.
Best Time to Visit:
Nearby:
2024 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 2024November has been a month of contrasts, with photography journeys taking me across the High Weald’s misty woodlands and golden autumn landscapes, as well as to the dramatic seascapes of Hastings Beach and Newhaven. The shifting seasons brought a mix of subdued, moody days and vibrant golden hours, each offering unique opportunities to capture the beauty of late autumn. From stormy coastal scenes to tranquil country lanes and ancient castles, November has been a celebration of the diverse charm of this time of year.
Continue reading Exploring November 2024: High Weald Landscapes and Coastal SeascapesStorm Bert brought chaos to the East Sussex coastline, with crashing waves and fierce winds transforming the familiar landscape into a dramatic seascape. For photographers, such conditions offer a rare opportunity to capture the raw power of nature in action. When the forecast hinted at a potential sunrise breaking through the storm clouds, I knew I had to head to Newhaven lighthouse—an iconic subject that stands resilient against the elements.
In this blog, I’ll take you through my journey of photographing Storm Bert. From a dark pre-dawn drive to experimenting with long exposures in relentless winds, witnessing a fleeting sunrise, and trekking along the dramatic Newhaven cliffs, every moment was a lesson in adapting to the forces of nature. Along the way, I’ll share the challenges, techniques, and creative decisions that shaped each composition—and reflect on what I’ll do differently when the next storm rolls in.
So, join me as I relive this stormy dawn adventure, a reminder of why we photographers embrace the unpredictable beauty of the natural world.
Continue reading Storm Bert at Newhaven LighthouseNestled in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is one of England’s most iconic medieval castles. Surrounded by autumnal woodland and rolling countryside, it offers photographers endless opportunities to capture its timeless charm. Over the course of three visits in November, I explored different viewpoints and lighting conditions, seeking to highlight the castle’s beauty as it transitions through late autumn. Here’s a detailed guide to photographing Bodiam Castle during this stunning season.
Continue reading Capturing Bodiam Castle: Autumn Photography GuideNestled near Battle in East Sussex, Ashburnham Place is a hidden gem in the High Weald countryside, boasting historic charm, mature woodlands, and vibrant autumn colours. Formerly a stately home and now a Christian retreat, Ashburnham is open to visitors, offering serene grounds and a chance to immerse yourself in centuries-old natural beauty. Late autumn, with its golden hues and tranquil atmosphere, is an especially magical time to explore this picturesque location—whether you’re visiting to soak in the scenery or to capture its beauty through your lens.
In this blog post, I’ll share highlights from two recent visits to Ashburnham Place, my experience photographing its magnificent beech woodlands, and tips for making the most of your time here.
Continue reading Photographing Ashburnham Place in Late AutumnHastings, with its rich history and stunning coastal views, offers endless opportunities for photographers. This November, after weeks of gloom, I finally got the chance to explore and photograph some of the town’s most iconic locations during golden hour and sunset. The results were as rewarding as they were instructive, with each shoot offering its own challenges and lessons. Here’s a detailed account of my recent trips to East Hill and Hastings Beach.
Continue reading Hastings Coastal Sunset PhotographyAs 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 2023Embarking on a journey through the crisp and colorful landscapes of the High Weald in November was a captivating exploration of autumn’s last breath. From misty woodlands near Three Cups Corner to the elevated views from Herrings Hill and the serene beauty of Dallington, each adventure painted a unique canvas of nature’s transformation. As the month unfolded, I navigated familiar paths and sought out new viewpoints, capturing the essence of the season. Join me in reliving the November escapades that unfolded amid misty mornings, vibrant hues, and the quiet beauty of the High Weald.
Continue reading November 2023 Landscape Photography Review
