Welcome to the world of July 2023, where rain and cool temperatures set the stage for captivating landscape photography. As I embarked on my journey through various locations, I was met with a stark contrast to the scorching heat that dominated the preceding month of June. Instead, July welcomed me with refreshing showers and a soothing chill, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
July wet cold
Unlike some who may revel in the warmth of a Mediterranean holiday, I find solace in the cooler climate, steering away from the relentless summer heat. It allowed me the freedom to choose my moments wisely, venturing outside when the conditions were just right. As a landscape photographer, timing is everything, and the overcast skies brought about by the rain added a touch of drama to my shots, enhancing the natural beauty of each location.
However, even amidst the relief of cooler temperatures, the challenges of summer photography persisted. The best light often graced the world in the early hours of dawn and the late moments of dusk, making it a test of dedication to rise early and embrace the fading light of the day’s end. Nevertheless, the allure of capturing the perfect shot amidst the backdrop of rain-kissed landscapes was too irresistible to resist.
So, join me as I recount my experiences and share the beauty of these July destinations. Let’s immerse ourselves in the world of photography and uncover the enchanting allure of nature in its raw, unfiltered state.
Falmer Road Sunset
The first landscape photography shoot was a return to the views of the south downs at Falmer Road near Brighton East Sussex. There had been a drought through June so the farmland here had turned yellow brown. The plan was to catch the layers of the hills during golden hour at the telephoto focal range.
Was then a case of turning the lens 90 degrees to catch the sunset over the horizon west.
Lovely July evening out at Falmer road Brighton on the south downs.
Portslade Poppies
Had missed the June poppies around the various random locations they pop up each year on the south downs. This year 2023 Foredown tower in Portslade had proved fruitful for poppies. Not been here before so decided to pay it a visit during early July to hopefully capture some poppies but second to just walk and scout out the area.
Still a fair amount of poppies at Portslade maybe a little pass their peak. Not as thick on the ground as would have liked. But using as telephoto lens on a more dense patch helps condense them. The best composition was not of Foredown tower in the background but the Brighton cityscape skyline.
Plan B was to take a good walk around the south downs here near to Portslade. Tried a little long exposure of the wheat field blowing in the wind and rain clouds moving over head.
Bo Peep to Firle Beacon
Late morning at the weekend and wanted to get out. The weather apps were predicting lightning and July storms that may just clip my corner of south east of England. The plan was to scout possible sunset locations along the south downs escarpment from Bo peep to Firle beacon. Plan B was to capture some moody storm skies and maybe some lightning if I was lucky.
Have visited these locations before many times but not with the clear plan of discovering sunset compositions for later return visits. Straight off the bat close to Bo Peep carpark was a lovely view east towards Wilmington Hill. Bo Beep bostal adds a strong leading line to the composition. The full frame is filled with visual interest. This would work well sunrise when the sun closer to the hill, but could also work well sunset and golden hour with the sun behind you.
The best views are east from Bo Peep to Firle Beacon. Then west from Firle Beacon looking towards mount caburn and Lewes. Lots of drama in the sky but no lightning heard some distant thunder.
Firle Beacon Sunset
After my visit to Bo Peep made a return to photograph a sunset from Firle Beacon on the south downs. Plan was to scout the escarpment from Firle beacon carpark west towards Beddington Hill. The weather apps were predicting some low cloud on the horizon but just wanted to get outdoors with the camera.
Some dramatic side lighting during golden hour from Firle beacon. Wanted to include layers of light and shadow in the foreground filling the frame with interest. Conscious of the fact these types of compositions can include a lot of dead space and imbalance if not careful to avoid it.
Was optimistic that would capture a dramatic sunset from Firle beacon as the clouds began to break up. But then unfortunately low cloud blocked the horizon. There was a moment the sun broke through a small gap in the low clouds and captures a brilliant bright sunburst using a small aperture of F16.
Penshurst to Hever Castle Kent
With the trip to the lavender fields at castle farm I did stop off at Penshurst to scout out a parking spot for a walk I had in mind. On OS maps there was a what looked like an interesting section of the Eden Valley Walk from Penshurst to Hever castle, passing Chiddingstone castle too. On the map it looked good walking over some relatively high ground, hoping would get some good compositions of the castles.
Some good compositions near the beginning of the walk just out of Penshurst. Typical Kent countryside with the north downs in rising in the background and iconic Oast houses as the subject. A little small in the frame though wish I had brought my 100-400mm lens rather than the 70-200mm. But that was it! no good views of either Chiddingstone or Hever castle along the Eden Valley path. Was considering paying to go into Hever castle but not wanting to photograph it close up. Not my vision. As always very good exercise and covered a large area.
Pevensey Bay Sunrise
A blustery mid July morning storms were forecast and strong winds. I not really have a location or composition in mind but thought the light might be good for a dawn sunrise. Managed to get up pre-dawn and then just grabbed my gear and got in the car and drive. Loose plan to head to Beachy head and the south downs. Due to a road closure diverted to Pevensey. As I approach Pevensey, the dawn sky was turning so just pulled up and ran down to the beach with the 70-200mm lens attached, no tripod.
Handholding dictated aperture priority and a high ISO, reduced min shutter speed from 250 to 125 to try and squeeze out a bit more EV. But the images suffered for it I believe. Problem with Pevensey bay is no real subject, why I have no images from this location until now.
Shortly after the sun rose above the horizon briefly before disappearing behind the low clouds. Could have got a lot better image had I brought my tripod and been more prepared. Maybe got down lower and used the silhouette of the groynes as some foreground interest. Felt the early rise had been justified and likely return to this location for another sunrise.
Wilmington Hill Sunset
I had a clear vision of capturing a stunning sunset from Wilmington Hill, using my telephoto lens to zoom in on the captivating hills of Firle Beacon, Mount Caburn, and the surrounding area. My primary focus was on capturing the intricate shapes and contours of the hills, with less concern for including clouds in the sky. Excited about the possibilities, the weather forecast the day before my planned trip seemed perfect for the shot I had in mind. However, as is often the case, the weather took an unexpected turn on the actual day. The forecast now predicted a mix of high and low clouds, but I decided to take the risk and venture outdoors nonetheless.
I began my adventure with a fulfilling hike across the picturesque South Downs, heading towards Folkington Hill. Despite it being mid-July, the weather conditions were quite cloudy, accompanied by strong winds that lent a cool and invigorating feel to the atmosphere.
As the sun started its descent, I witnessed a captivating interplay between the golden rays and the passing clouds, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadows. It was a scene filled with promise and anticipation. However, my hopes were dashed when the dreaded low clouds rolled in again, obscuring any chance of experiencing a vibrant and colourful sunset. Though disappointed, I’m reminded that in future endeavours with similar compositions, it’s crucial for weather apps to predict zero presence of low clouds!
Castle Farm Lavender Fields
Made a return to the Castle Farm Lavender Fields nestled in the Kent downs early on in July as missed them the year before when first discovered they existed. The first return trip to Castle Farm had a good walk around but could not nail any good compositions.
Made a return trip later on in July when learnt could photograph the lavender fields from the side of the road so not require access to the farm which is a limiting factor. Managed a sunset plus a better composition leading straight down the lines of Lavender. Would have liked to have gotten closer with a wide angle lens and include the setting sun but can only work with the conditions available to us at the time.
High and Over to Bishopstone
Was visualising another sunset looking west over the south downs. This time from High and Over towards Bishopstone. Was going to scout out the area from Frog Firle towards Bishopstone one late July evening when the weather looked agreeable for a sunset. Had been indoors for a few days and desperate to get out for a good long hike so left late morning parking up at high and over and walking west over Frog Firle.
Some not bad views east towards Wilmington Hill from Frog Firle could work well at sunset. Including the road adds a strong leading line. Continuing and you get some nice views over the Rathfinny wine estate nestled in the hills of the south downs.
It was then a long walk to Bishopstone and back with no real views to speak of. As always covered a large area of the south downs not really explored before and got some much needed exercise.
Cuckmere Haven long exposure
The inspiration for my recent trip to Cuckmere Haven came from a captivating photo I stumbled upon on Instagram. Originally, my plan was to visit at sunrise, coinciding with high tide, which was essential to achieve the composition I had in mind. However, the idea of dragging myself out of bed at 3:30 AM proved to be a challenge, even though the weather conditions seemed ideal. I suppose I can manage it if I’m in the “wide awake club,” but on this occasion, I couldn’t make it happen. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so I decided to head to Cuckmere Haven later in the day for the evening high tide and experiment with long exposure photography.
Armed with a 10-stop ND filter, I set out to capture the desired long exposure effect, which resulted in the sea appearing silky smooth. Although the lighting conditions and the sky were rather uneventful during this time, the majestic Seven Sister cliffs provided a stunning backdrop to my shots. To add depth and interest to the images, I incorporated the groynes into the composition, which worked exceptionally well during high tide, though they might look untidy at low tide. Despite the success of this trip, I’m determined to return to Cuckmere Haven during high tide when the conditions are more favorable. I believe there’s even more potential to create breathtaking long exposure photographs that truly showcase the beauty of this location.
Ouse Valley Way Lewes
A lovely morning walk along the Ouse Valley way beginning in Lewes east Sussex. I have walked part of the Ouse river before many years ago but from descending Firle Beacon. This walk came about from studying OS Maps online and the need to explore new locations, find new compositions and get in a good long walk.
There are photographic compositions everywhere and everyway you look along the Ouse valley way heading south out of Lewes. Not least a good view of Lewes Castle.
Looking south you have the Ouse river leading you towards Firle Beacon in the distance. Rising to the east of the Ouse valley is Mount Caburn and west is Kingston Ridge. Took hundreds of photos that morning along the Ouse valley, just like pressing the shutter button too much. I think this is a process we go through as landscape photographers, when I return will take a lot less and have specific compositions and conditions in mind.
Newhaven Lighthouse Seaford Head
The last day of July 2023 marked an exciting adventure as I ventured to the Newhaven cliffs on the east Sussex coast, eager to scout a new composition featuring the majestic lighthouse with the scenic Seaford Head as its backdrop.
The rugged cliff tops of Newhaven offered numerous vantage points, each promising an awe-inspiring view of Seaford Head stretching into the horizon. My heart brimmed with anticipation as I prepared my gear, hoping to capture the captivating beauty of this coastal landscape. An almost full moon was expected to rise gracefully during the sunset, adding an enchanting touch to the scene. However, nature had other plans, and the sky was veiled with low clouds, obscuring the moon’s presence—a photographer’s eternal dance with unpredictable weather.
End of July
As the curtain falls on July 2023, I find myself reminiscing about the memorable moments spent outdoors, capturing the beauty of landscapes amidst cool raindrops and gentle breezes. With August on the horizon, my fervent hope is that the pleasant weather continues, sparing us from any unforgiving heatwaves.
As the pages of the calendar turn, I eagerly await the adventures that await in the upcoming month and the colorful transformations that autumn will bring. Nature’s canvas is ever-changing, and I am excited to witness and capture its splendor.
Before we bid farewell to July, I invite you to explore the curated collection of my best landscape photography from this eventful year. Each frame tells a story, encapsulating the essence of the places I’ve encountered and the emotions they evoked.
