Capturing December: A Month in Review Through the Lens

As the final chapter of 2023 unfolded, December brought with it a tapestry of photographic opportunities, each telling its own unique story. This month was a time of reflection and exploration, a period where every photograph captured not just a scene, but a moment in time. From the frost-kissed mornings to the early winter sunsets, December’s diverse palette of light and landscape offered an abundance of moments worth freezing in frame.

Join me as I revisit these December days, sharing the stories behind each photograph and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a fellow photographer seeking inspiration or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the world through a lens, there’s something in this month’s review for everyone.

Ashburnham High Weald

The first weekend of December ushered in a morning freeze, the aftermath of a night’s snowfall, and temperatures plunging below zero. Memories of a slippery Kingston Ridge adventure made me contemplate staying in, but the thin layer of snow didn’t transform the landscape into an icy challenge. Witnessing my 70-year-old neighbour fearlessly driving out with her dog nudged me out of my hesitation—a landscape photographer should embrace a bit of risk, after all. After attending to some morning admin tasks, I ventured out late morning as the snow began to thaw. Driving along, the scenery transformed from thick mist to crystal clear in a matter of minutes. The idea of capturing a misty scene from a high vantage point like Wilmington Hill crossed my mind, but a spontaneous decision led me on a detour, continuing my late autumn exploration in the High Weald.

Discovering a good parking spot, I followed unfamiliar footpaths toward Ashburnham. Along this uncharted route, new High Weald viewpoints unfolded, revealing the charm of the countryside, complete with an iconic oast house—unique to this southeastern corner of England. If not for the thick mist to the southwest, the hilltops of Butts Brow in the South Downs would have been in view.

Warren Hill Cloud Inversion

Completing my exploration at Ashburnham, satisfied with a fruitful walk and a couple of captivating landscape shots, I stumbled upon a promising new viewpoint for future visits. The mid-afternoon hunger usually signals the end of my day, but with the weather forecast pointing to a spectacular event, my journey was far from over.

The original plan was to head to Eastbourne Pier, drawn by the allure of capturing the recent Starling murmurations circulating on social media—an endeavor I had never attempted before. Eager to diversify my winter photography locations, I refueled at a local café, a reliable tactic to extend my outdoor adventures.

Driving through Pevensey levels, the mist lingered, but I pressed on. Arriving in Eastbourne ahead of schedule, I aimed to be beach-ready by 3:30 pm, just before the 4 pm sunset when the murmurations typically unfolded. The weather apps promised a clear sky, providing an ideal backdrop for the starlings.

However, something caught my eye about the mist, prompting a detour up to Warren Hill to inspect the surroundings.

What unfolded before me was extraordinary—a cloud inversion like none I had witnessed before. Despite its rarity, I adhered to my plan, descending from Warren Hill and making my way to Eastbourne Pier.

Eastbourne Pier in the mist

As I parked up on Grand Parade in Eastbourne, a surprising revelation awaited me—my own photo, captured at Bo Peep at dawn, adorned the Ringo Parking app. It seems they sourced it from Shutterstock. Well, that unexpected discovery added a pleasant twist to my day.

Undeterred, I proceeded with my plan to capture the elusive starling murmuration’s. The beach was relatively quiet, a benefit perhaps of the chilly weather keeping the crowds at bay. Securing a prime position with my trusty 100-400mm lens, I prepared for the spectacle with the setting sun behind me, front lighting Eastbourne pier.

Eastbourne Pier, a perennially captivating subject, took on an ethereal quality as the evening mist enveloped it. Though the starlings were present, the thick fog veiled their intricate dance. A spontaneous change of plan struck me, prompting a mad dash for the nearby Butts Brow on the South Downs.

Butts Brow Cloud Inversion

Driving through Eastbourne towards Butts Brow on the South Downs, the day appeared dull and foggy at ground level. However, ascending just 50 meters above, I found myself above a magnificent cloud inversion, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Time was of the essence—the sun was setting in the west, casting a warm glow over the cloud inversion to the east and north.

Moving along Butts Brow from the car park, I discovered compelling compositions everywhere—stunning sunsets to the west and mesmerizing cloud inversions to the east, partially obscuring the town of Eastbourne.

Halfway along Butts Brow, in my haste, I realized I had left my tripod in the car. With the light diminishing, I opted for handheld shots with the 24-105mm F4 lens IS, employing aperture priority, auto ISO, and setting a minimum shutter speed. Slightly underexposing not blocking the shadows.

The most striking scenes unfolded at the far north end of Butts Brow from Combe Hill, looking west, where Folkington Hill rose through the mist and low clouds. A lone hiker ascending the steep escarpment added a sense of scale and isolation, creating a dramatic composition.

In hindsight, I wish I had arrived at Butts Brow earlier. A cloud inversion of this magnitude is a rare and captivating occurrence. Recognizing this, I should have adjusted my plans, perhaps at Warren Hill if not earlier. To capture great landscape photographs, we must position ourselves in front of great landscapes. Its important to realise that had I not explored Butts Brow on previous trips and done the footwork I would not have had the visualisation to visit here at all. Despite the hindsight, December 2023 kicked off splendidly—an exceptional day outdoors with the camera.

Seven Sisters Cliffs

The following December weekend threatened to be another washout, but after last weekend’s escapades, complaints about the weather felt somewhat unjust. The key, as always, is to scrutinize the weather apps and seize a break in the rain. Fortunately, a window was predicted, advancing from west to east in the afternoon and into the evening. The plan was to make a second attempt at capturing the dusk murmurations at Eastbourne Pier. Before that, a journey through the South Downs awaited, with scouting missions planned for Birling Gap and Warren Hill.

As I navigated the winding roads, the sun broke through the southern clouds, while to the north, the skies remained dark and brooding. A captivating vision unfolded as I drove past Birling Gap—the white chalk cliffs bathed in sunlight against a backdrop of ominous skies. With a swift second lap and a hurried descent to Birling Gap beach, camera in hand, I was greeted by cleared skies.

Seizing the moment, I captured a panoramic composition of the Seven Sisters Cliffs. This angle works best at mid to low tide to ensure the right perspective. Despite the chaotic and dark rocks littering the beach at low tide, there’s an undeniable beauty in excluding it from the frame.

Warren Hill Belle Tout Viewpoint

During the drive from Birling Gap, my attention was drawn to a viewpoint south from Warren Hill, offering a captivating perspective of Belle Tout Lighthouse.

Capturing my interest were the distinct layers unfolding before me, leading the eye towards the striking silhouette of the lighthouse against the backdrop of a radiant sky. Employing the 100-400mm lens played a crucial role in compressing the scene, enhancing the layered effect. I envisioned the potential of this composition, especially during the golden hour when the light bathes the landscape in warm hues and colorful clouds dance in the background.

Eastbourne Pier Murmuration’s

With the promise of clear skies to the east and the sun setting behind me, I eagerly embarked on my first attempt to capture the mesmerizing starling murmurations around Eastbourne Pier at sunset. The anticipation was high; having never witnessed, let alone photographed, this spectacular display, my vision was to frame the Victorian pier with the starlings engaging in their airborne dance.

As I arrived, the low tide offered the flexibility to choose my vantage point along the beach. Equipped with the 100-400mm F5.6 lens, though the 70-200mm F4 could have sufficed for a bit more exposure control through aperture. Opting for a handheld approach with a minimum shutter speed of 1/500 sec, auto ISO, and aperture priority, I adjusted settings as the blue hour unfolded, each passing minute demanding a slightly darker touch.

Notwithstanding the abundance of shots taken, many didn’t meet the mark. In hindsight, utilizing a tripod and framing the shot before employing a shutter release would have yielded better results. The compositions that shone featured tight groupings of starlings, creating a compelling focal point.

Despite the late hour, being close to the shortest day in December—barely 4 pm—the promenade cafes remained open, offering a welcome pause to reflect on the captivating December starling murmurations around Eastbourne Pier.

Butts Brow Winters Day

Yet another December weekend, and Saturday unfolded as a washout. The desire to be outdoors persisted, even without a specific location in mind. Yearning for fresh landscapes, I acknowledged the limitations of our local radius. Settling on a return to Butts Brow, I aimed to explore additional footpaths leading towards Jevington.

As I drove to Butts Brow, I scouted a few potential locations. The weather apps foresaw low clouds exclusively. While the lower elevation seemed clear, ascending 50 meters immersed me in fog. The rain intensified, and within 5 minutes, my supposedly shower-proof jacket succumbed to dampness. With a shot of a lone windswept tree surrounded by fog on the escarpment of Combe Hill, Butts Brow, I decided to turn back.

Weather Sealed

The need for better weather protection was apparent and reminiscent of Brecon, prompting thoughts of investing in a hard shell or a three-layer waterproof mountain jacket. Finding the ideal match though is proving challenging—a quest akin to seeking the perfect camera gear. Just as weather sealing is crucial for cameras in the landscape, wearing the right clothing ensures more opportunities to capture captivating photos.

Butts Brow Sunrise

The following morning promised better weather, albeit colder, but armed with an insulated puffer jacket for the conditions, I set out before dawn, around 8 AM during this time of year, with no specific visualization or composition in mind. The aim was to catch the best light, returning once again to Butts Brow, this time with the intention of heading towards the village of Jevington and back.

As I ascended Combe Hill, the rising sun caught me by surprise. Swiftly switching to the 70-200mm lens, I compressed the composition, capturing the silhouette of a typical stunted, windswept South Downs tree. The window of opportunity for photographing the sunrise at this low and colourful stage is brief—mere minutes before it rises, transitions to yellow, and then to white above the horizon.

The resulting image is impactful, especially on small screens, yet it carries its faults. The background is out of focus due to focusing on the tree at 200mm, the subject not being 50m away. The silhouette of the tree cuts through the horizon, and in hindsight, getting lower could have enhanced the composition. This experience underscores the importance of truly knowing a location, exploring it across all seasons and times of the day, to unlock its full potential.

Combe Hill eastward viewpoint

From Combe Hill on Butts Brow, the eastward view unfolded, offering intriguing perspectives and potential compositions. The pronounced escarpment dominates the frame, yet the vibrant dawn clouds and the presence of wind turbines provide a delicate balance.

Capturing this scene at sunset holds promise, with the sun’s glow illuminating the layers of the escarpment against the colorful cloud cover. To achieve the perfect composition, micro-adjustments would be essential, and the use of a tripod could enhance both the image quality and overall composition. Despite the need for refinement, the image stands as a testament to the beauty discovered during this dawn exploration. It reinforces the notion that coming at various times of the day and across different seasons can yield unique and captivating landscape photos.

Folkington Hill view

As I descended Combe Hill on Butts Brow, heading west towards the East Sussex village of Jevington, the expansive views of Folkington Hill unfolded, bathed in the gentle light of a December morning.

Captured in the panoramic frame are the elements that define a winter morning—the skeletal silhouette of a tree, sheep grazing in the valley, and the escarpment, all embraced by the soft glow of the low sun. The shadows cast by the morning light add a subtle complexity to the scene, perhaps a minor distraction, but a beautiful reminder of the enchanting moments that unfold in the winter sun.

Belle Tout Lighthouse Beachy Head

Following my morning exploration from Butts Brow to Jevington, I couldn’t resist checking out the views from Beachy Head on the South Downs. Despite having a 1 pm meeting on the agenda, I was keenly aware of the exceptional quality of the December light on this particular day.

The midday light in December proved to be nothing short of stunning. Pools of light and shadow played across the layers of hills, extending down to Belle Tout Lighthouse perched on the cliff edge of Beachy Head. The cloud cover added a dynamic touch, enhancing the overall composition. As captivating as the scene was, time constraints forced me to leave earlier than desired for my rendezvous with friends. Nevertheless, the success of the images hinged on the careful framing of the composition, with many shots failing to make the final cut.

Pevensey Castle

One December weekend morning, driven by the desire to embrace the outdoors, I found myself on the road without a predetermined destination. The weather was overcast as I meandered around Beachy Head and Warren Hill, but nothing sparked my inspiration to stop. It was on the drive back that Pevensey Castle beckoned, a place I hadn’t visited in a while.

Despite the dull weather, I decided to capture the essence of Pevensey Castle with a handheld panoramic shot. The expansive view could potentially transform into a captivating scene, especially during a December dawn with fiery red hues gracing the eastern sky. Afterward, I contemplated taking a stroll across Pevensey Levels, hoping for a good walk through the marshes. However, the weather took a turn for the worse, reminding me that a reliable waterproof jacket might be a worthwhile investment for future spontaneous explorations.

Firle Beacon Dawn

Despite the weather apps predicting an 80% chance of high cloud and a similar forecast for low cloud, I decided to ascend 200 meters or more to the summit of Firle Beacon at dawn. The hope was to capture a fiery sky above and some misty fog below.

However, the reality atop Firle Beacon differed from expectations—no low cloud, and nearly 98% high cloud. Undeterred, I proceeded along the north-facing escarpment to the east, framing a composition that included Firle Beacon and Wilmington Hill in the background. Even on a dull December morning, each photo holds a unique story to tell.

With a broad dynamic range in the scene, I opted for a manual blending technique. Using a tripod and low ISO, I manually took two exposures in aperture priority mode. One focused one-third into the frame on the shadows of Firle Beacon escarpment, and another on the sky and the peak of Wilmington Hill. The advantage of this technique in aperture priority is the automatic adjustment of exposure for both highlights and shadows, ensuring correct focus and capturing the subtleties of the scene.

Fulkington Escarpment West Sussex

After extensive online research for a new waterproof jacket and a stop at Cotswold Outdoor in Brighton, my next destination from Firle Beacon was Fulking escarpment on the South Downs in West Sussex.

Discovering the finest compositions of the South Downs involves including the escarpments, capturing all the contours of the hillside from the foreground to the distant horizon. This particular composition spans from Wolstonbury Hill on the far left to Newtimber Hill and then Devils Dyke. While I’ve shot this scene from Newtimber Hill looking west in the past, this marked the first time capturing it from Fulking escarpment looking east. The view, needless to say, is breathtaking.

With approximately 95% cloud cover, the sun briefly graced the scene, transforming the landscape. As the day progressed, the clouds thickened, and in hindsight, staying until golden hour could have been rewarding. Days like these demand patience, waiting for the best dramatic light.

With numerous compositions and micro-adjustments making a significant impact, the use of a tripod and a deliberate, methodical approach proved beneficial. I’m already looking forward to returning to this wonderful location.

Titsey Church North Downs

During my recent journey west to Wiltshire, the picturesque Titsey Church nestled in the hills of the North Downs caught my eye from the M25. Seeking a change from the landscapes and seascapes of East Sussex, I decided to pay a visit to Titsey Church. Although I had explored Titsey in my early days as a landscape photographer, this visit marked a return, guided more by my own exploration than by strict walking guides.

On this particular December day, the North Downs in Surrey were under a dull sky. Following footpaths, I found vantage points offering good views of Titsey Church, despite the proximity to the noisy M25 motorway. Imagining a scene facing north with the low morning sun casting a gentle glow on the church, accompanied by the hues of autumn in the hillside woodland and some morning mist simplifying the ground, became a dreamy vision. We can dream, visualize, and look forward to returning another time.

Botany Bay North East Kent

As the year drew to a close, I embarked on a photographic journey along the North East coast of Kent, a region brimming with coastal charm and diverse landscapes. The highlight of this December adventure was undoubtedly Botany Bay, renowned for its dramatic sea stacks and chalk cliffs that stand as silent sentinels over the shores.

Botany Bay was more than just a destination; it was a revelation in seascape photography. The interplay of light and tide at this iconic location offered a multitude of perspectives, each uniquely captivating. The challenge of capturing the essence of the sea stacks, especially under the ever-changing English weather, was both exhilarating and humbling. Whether it was the subdued hues of a winter sunrise or the serene moonset, each moment spent at Botany Bay added depth to my photographic repertoire.

The road trip also took me through other picturesque locales like Whitstable, Herne Bay, and Margate, each contributing its own narrative to the tapestry of my journey. From the tranquil shores of Kingsgate Bay to the historic allure of Reculver Towers, every stop was a testament to the region’s rich visual diversity. The experience was not just about capturing stunning landscapes; it was a journey of discovery, understanding the subtle nuances that make each location special.

As I look back on my December travels, the North East Kent coast stands out as a highlight. It’s a reminder of the beauty that lies waiting along our shores, a beauty that is both ephemeral and eternal. For photographers and nature lovers alike, this corner of England is a treasure trove of scenes and stories, waiting to be explored and told.

Mill Plain Ringmer

As December 2023 bid farewell, my last photographic venture of the year unfolded on New Year’s Eve across Saxon Down and Mill Plain, traversing the landscapes from Glynde over the Lewes Downs.

Mill Plain near Ringmer, recommended by a follower in my online community, became the focal point of this blustery expedition. The weather, though relentless, couldn’t dampen the excitement of exploring a new location. Equipped with a sturdy waterproof jacket, a recent and worthy investment, I embraced the elements and the opportunity to capture the simple beauty of Mill Plain and uncovering some potential new south downs compositions from Saxon Down.

Conclusion: A December Photographic Voyage

As the curtain falls on December 2023, my photographic journey through East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, and North East Kent has unfolded like a visual novel. From the frosty landscapes of Ashburnham High Weald to the dramatic cloud inversions at Butts Brow and the coastal allure of Seven Sisters Cliffs and Botany Bay, each locale has painted a unique chapter on the canvas of this month.

The landscapes, whether kissed by the soft glow of dawn or enshrouded in winter mist, have become silent narrators of a story told through the lens. From Fulking Escarpment’s undulating hills to the historical charm of Titsey Church, every destination has left an indelible mark, inviting reflection on the beauty that lies in nature’s details.

As the final photographs find their place in the December review, I’m reminded that photography is more than a visual art—it’s a dialogue with the environment, a journey of discovery, and a celebration of the ever-changing beauty that surrounds us. Here’s to the next chapter, the next adventure, and the untold stories waiting to be captured in pixels and memories.

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