Category Archives: National Parks

Landscape Photography Review October 2024

As 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.

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Landscape Photography Review August 2024

August 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.

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Ashdown Forest Heather Photography

As 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.

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July 2024 Landscape Photography Review

July 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.

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Landscape Photography Review June 24

June 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.

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Peak District Photography

The Peak District is an upland and national park at the southern end of the Pennines also known as the backbone of Northern England. During June 2024 I took a working road trip into the Peak district for the first time. What follows is my landscape photography experiences in and around the Peak District.

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May 2024 Landscape Photography Review

May 2024 was a month of diverse photography adventures, beginning with early morning excursions to the High Weald in East Sussex to capture the fleeting beauty of woodland garlic. The white blooms blanketed the forest floor, creating scenes reminiscent of a fresh snowfall. Despite multiple visits to capture the perfect light and mist, the desired compositions remained elusive, underscoring the patience required in landscape photography.

Mid-month, a bout of illness kept me indoors just as the Aurora Borealis made a rare appearance in Southeast England. Determined not to miss the next display, I ventured to Firle Beacon and Birling Gap, experimenting with night photography to capture the ethereal lights. Though conditions and timing proved challenging, these outings offered invaluable learning experiences. Later explorations included overcast hikes on the South Downs, moonrise attempts at Newhaven lighthouse, and sunset scouting at Camber Castle, each presenting unique compositional challenges and opportunities for growth. May’s blend of early spring and summer landscapes provided a rich tapestry of scenes and lessons to carry forward into June.

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Garlic Woodland High Weald

Happy with my April bluebell photography, for the first bank holiday weekend of May, the plan was to head out to the high weald woodland to try and capture some wild garlic.

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April Landscape Photography 2024

April is all about springtime and capturing all the blooming rapeseed farmland and bluebell and garlic woodland. What follows is my landscape photography adventures through the Kent downs, east Sussex wealds, west Sussex parks and ancient woodland in Wiltshire during April 2024.

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Kings Wood Bluebells Kent Downs

April 2024 and the bluebell spring season was in full swing. From April 2023 had made a mental note this year wanted to visit Kings Wood on the Kent Downs for the first time. Kings wood is renowned for its bluebell woodland displays during springtime.

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March Landscape Photography 2024

What follows is a review of Landscape and seascape photography during March 2024. The majority of the time spent outdoors was on the south downs and coast of East Sussex.

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February 2024 Landscape Photography Review

February 2024: A Photographic Expedition

Embarking on a journey across varied landscapes, February 2024 presented a tapestry of photographic opportunities, from the undulating hills of East Sussex to the captivating seascapes of South Devon. Despite the challenges of an exceptionally rainy season, perseverance and timely excursions resulted in a diverse collection of over 50 striking images. These visual treasures, now ready to grace the galleries of stock photography, capture the essence of the month’s dynamic moods. However, an unforeseen bout of illness post-adventure has temporarily paused the wanderlust, leading to a reflective pause in early March.

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