June 2022 started off very wet, then in the middle got very hot then cooled down towards the end of June with sunny intervals. June is the start of Summer and we experience the longest days, early sunrises and late sunsets. What follows is a compilation of the best landscape photography during June 2022.

Ditchling Road Poppies

Made three trips to Ditchling road near Brighton on the south downs to photograph the June poppies. The first attempt was in stormy conditions with some dramatic light over the south downs.

From the wet conditions early June the poppies were a little soggy and not looking their best. With the wind not practical to take multiple exposures for both focus stacking and HDR. So used a graduated filter over the sky and small aperture and high ISO to get it all in a single exposure.

On the second visit to Ditchling road during June managed to capture a sunset but the sky was featureless. Very little wind this evening but some movement. What really makes the image pop is the sunburst using a small aperture and the backlit petals of the red poppies.

Made a third a final visit to photograph the poppies along Ditchling road during June 2022. Felt I could so better, this time using a wide angle lens. Not much wind this evening but lots of contrast so used a 3 stop HE filter over the sky. Sunset not really happen but got some drama in the sky. Generally you get better photos with repeat visits to the same location but I do like some variety and like to explore new locations.

Titch Hill Poppies

On the second visit to Ditchling road, made an afternoon of it and carried onto scout out Titch Hill on the South Downs in West Sussex. Amazed not visited this area of the south downs before between Steyning and Sompting with Steyning bowl being central.

Managed to find the poppies, could not walk to far with my foot injury but would love to return to this area of the south downs to explore more.

June Rye Bike Ride

With my foot injury have dusted off the mountain bike, pumped up the tyres and given it an oil. Early one morning late June put the bike in the car and drove to Rye on the East Sussex coast. Rye is perfect for riding a bike as flat and concrete paths all the way to Winchelsea and beyond to Pett Level. There is a free carpark at Rye Harbour and can walk or ride from there.

The first stop was the Mary Stanford Lifeboat House, very haunting and always makes a good subject especially with the June early morning sunlight poking through the clouds. Important to photograph buildings from the side to get a 3 dimensional look as opposed to face on. Also need to keep an eye on the verticals which can get distorted depending on lens and focal length.

Not far away on the Rye coast is the red roofed hut that also makes a good subject to photograph. Lovely June early morning bike ride along the Rye coast with a bit of photography.

Chattri Brighton South Downs

Late June was visiting relatives in West Sussex and decided to scout out a few new locations on the way. Opposite the Ditchling road poppies in the distance was the Chattri war memorial. I had visited the Chattri war memorial many years ago when I first got into Landscape photography with a walk that included Ditchling Beacon. So been meaning to return to Chattri war memorial for some time but from the A27 end where you can park up for free along Braypool Lane.

Mid afternoon and had some good light with the clouds creating pools of sunlight and waited for the light to hit the Chattri war memorial. Had to get the 100-400mm lens out for this. Not a viewpoint you usually see online. You more see the following up close.

Lots of interest in the sky with the white cumulus clouds and leading lines on the ground to the Chattri memorial. Using a polariser made the image pop more. Its a beautiful peaceful site and breath-taking views over the south downs.

Clayton Wood Daisies

Next stop was the Clayton Wood Natural Burial ground in West Sussex. I had seen some good pictures in various social media groups dedicated to Sussex. These photograph were of meadows of giant daises as far as the eye could see. Parked up in Clayton Wood and eventually found the Daisy meadow.

It was mostly overcast now but for a few moments the sun came out and wild daisies really benefit from this. Compositions were difficult as there were some telegraph poles to try and exclude. On the hills in the background were the Jack and Jill windmills but only a small spec in the compositions if want daises in the foreground. But an amazing sight to behold! Was worried about the gates being locked so headed back.

Camber England Coast Path

With my foot injury and bags of energy that cant burn off with long walks was looking for more bike riding locations. Along the coast at Camber Sands is the England Coast Path that runs from Rye pass Lydd and down to Dungeness. It was a beautiful late June afternoon and decided to scout out part of the England Coast Path. You can park up at Broomhill for free on Lydd Road.

Its a lovely ride mid week as not many people around. One area of interest is the Little Cheyne court windfarm out on the levels. With the right light and time of day the windfarm could make an interesting subject.

All along the England Coast Path from Camber to Lydd are gravel pits with lots of birds and wildlife. Got the 100-400mm out of my bag and took a few reference shots. Lots to explore in this area footpaths cross all over the levels and through the windfarm. Even with bike riding have to limit how much can do although can cover a lot more distance. This area is perfect for scouting with a bike as flat and concrete paths. On return to the carpark in the June heat, can go and chill on the beach, mostly empty during the week and cool down in the sea.

End of June

Unfortunately been told my foot could take 4-6 months to heal maybe a year, so have to improvise. Good for a few miles then it begins to ache and start limping. So not get out as much as I would have liked to during June 2022. Still got some good poppy shots which typify June and scouted out some new locations. Also secured myself a new contract so will be returning to work soon. Office is based in Wiltshire so may get to explore some new locations in that county.

Check out June 2022 Landscape Photography Gallery

Check out the East Sussex Landscape Photography Gallery

Check out the West Sussex Landscape Photography Gallery