When 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 LighthouseNovember 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 AutumnAs October unfolded, so did the rich colors and shifting light that make autumn one of the most captivating seasons for landscape photography. This month’s adventures took me through misty valleys, ancient woodland, and scenic coastlines across the High Weald and South Downs. From early morning sunrises over quiet villages to hidden paths lined with centuries-old trees, October offered a wealth of inspiration.
Autumn photography brings its own set of challenges and rewards—ever-changing weather, low-angle sunlight, and a kaleidoscope of colors that can transform even the most familiar landscapes. In this blog post, I’ll share the highlights of my October shoots, each scene capturing a fleeting moment in the heart of the season.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review October 2024August 2024 has been a month of dynamic weather and breath-taking landscapes, offering countless opportunities to capture the beauty of the changing seasons. From the dramatic storm clouds over Butts Brow to the vibrant fields of sunflowers and poppies near Woodingdean, each location presented its own unique challenges and rewards. My camera and I journeyed through misty mornings and golden sunsets, always in pursuit of the perfect shot.
The highlight of the month was undoubtedly my time spent in Ashdown Forest, where the heather was in full bloom, transforming the landscape into a sea of purple. Whether battling the elements or waiting patiently for the light to be just right, this month’s adventures have not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us. Join me as I reflect on these August days, full of discovery, challenges, and the simple joys of landscape photography.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review August 2024As the August bank holiday approached, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the vibrant purple hues of Ashdown Forest’s heather, eager to capture its fleeting beauty before the season’s end. Nestled in the heart of East Sussex, Ashdown Forest is a vast expanse of heathland, renowned for its scenic beauty and as the inspiration behind A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. Each August, this sprawling landscape, with its rolling hills and open skies, transforms into a breathtaking sea of purple as the heather reaches its peak bloom.
With my camera in hand and a mission in mind, I set out to explore the forest’s ten square miles of public open access land, determined to find the perfect compositions amidst the sweeping heathland. This journey was not just about photography but also about immersing myself in the tranquillity and natural beauty of one of England’s most enchanting landscapes.
Continue reading Ashdown Forest Heather PhotographyJuly 2024 was a month of exploration and discovery as I ventured through the picturesque landscapes of East Sussex, the South Downs, and embarked on a road trip to the rugged coastlines of Devon. My journey began with evening hikes across Butts Brow and continued through iconic locations such as High and Over, Glynde, and Seaford, where I experimented with various lighting conditions, compositions, and technical techniques to capture the dynamic beauty of wheat fields and coastal vistas. Each location presented unique challenges and opportunities, from the strong winds creating motion blur in the wheat fields to the dramatic sunsets and moonrises that illuminated the rolling hills and fields of Phacelia.
Despite the unpredictable weather and the physical demands of navigating remote terrains, my passion for landscape photography drove me to capture the essence of these stunning locations. Through careful planning and spontaneous exploration, I discovered new compositions and honed my skills in capturing wide-angle shots that highlight the harmony between foreground elements and distant horizons. This month reinforced the importance of persistence, preparation, and the continual pursuit of perfecting the craft of landscape photography.
Continue reading July 2024 Landscape Photography ReviewEmbarking on a photography road trip to the Hartland Peninsula on the northwest coast of Devon, I set out with a plan to capture the rugged beauty of this remote region. My journey began on a cloudy July morning at Hartland Quay, where dramatic rock formations and the promise of stunning seascapes beckoned. The goal was to scout the best locations and compositions, returning later in the week under more favorable conditions to truly capture the essence of this spectacular coastline.
Throughout the trip, I explored a variety of awe-inspiring sites, from the cascading waterfalls of Speke’s Mill Mouth to the striking landmark of Blackchurch Rock. Each location offered unique challenges and rewards, from navigating single-lane roads and remote trails to finding the perfect timing with tides and weather. This adventure not only tested my photographic skills but also my endurance and creativity, ultimately providing a rich tapestry of images and experiences along the stunning Devon and Cornwall coastlines.
Continue reading Hartland Devon PhotographyJune 24 was an active month including a working road trip to the Peak District in Derbyshire and onto the Northumberland coast in north east England. June included some local locations too with some poppy field hunts over the south downs in both east and west Sussex. June 24 ended with a sunset from Dungeness on the Kent coast. What follows is a summary of my landscape photography adventures during June 24.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review June 24
