Mid December 2022 and the landscape had been transformed by a winter snow storm and sub zero temperatures. Come the weekend decided on a return to Kingston Ridge on the south downs in East Sussex to hopefully photograph this snow covered winter wonderland.

Driving Ice

Problem is I live on a steep north facing hill near Hastings in East Sussex. When we get these winter conditions of heavy snowfall and ice driving conditions become very treacherous. Still after being stuck in all week working suffering cabin fever decided to take risk and venture out. Not leave as early as would have preferred as wanted the benefit of some daylight. Managed to get off the hill where I lived but only just, lost control a couple of times. Then on the A27 towards Kingston Ridge it started to rain which immediately turned to black ice on hitting the frozen road. Again lost control and could have been very serious but managed to come to a stop. There are guidelines on driving in snow and ice, if your out in these winter conditions highly recommend a read first.

Kingston Ridge Arrival

Arrived at Kingston Ridge in one piece, no more driving incidents. Later than I would have preferred missed some good light on the journey to Kingston Ridge. The forecast was cloudy and overcast but there were breaks in the sky so could get some good winter morning light. Was worried maybe with the rain and one week on from the heavy snowfall the best of it would be gone. But the conditions were still good, lots of white snow still on the ground. All this time having been into landscape photography not really got any snow covered landscape scenes. Its now becoming quite a rare occurrence. Today was my chance to get some snow covered landscapes from the wonderful views east up on Kingston Ridge.

Kingston Ridge Return

It was only the week before was at Kingston Ridge on the south downs. Had a good idea of a small area wanted to work some snowy winter compositions from.

With this viewpoint would usually use a telephoto lens and zoom into the detail, maybe a panoramic. With the white snow on the ground it added interest and detail to the foreground that would otherwise be dead space. So was using the 24-70mm lens. Both the ground and sky had equal amounts of interest so not exactly obeying the rule of thirds here. Lovely streak of golden sunrise light from behind Firle Beacon to the south east. Patches of pale blue sky over mount Caburn.

Light Catching

With the broken clouds in the skies above it now required patience for pools of light to break through. Knew from the previous trip to Kingston Ridge that mount Caburn caught the morning low winter sunlight beautifully.

Interesting from this viewpoint upon Kingston Ridge could clearly see the south facing escarpment of mount caburn was free of snow and the north facing Firle beacon was still quite thick. The morning sun began to break through the clouds lighting up the landscape below.

All I had to to do was remain patient and press the shutter button. On a tripod manual mode constantly checking the histogram. At this time of the morning the dynamic range of light was pretty even and only required a single exposure. Sure enough, eventually the breaking light caught the peak of mount caburn to the north.

Lewes Castle

With the best of the morning light over head up to the top of Kingston ridge and to decide where to head next. From this location the plan is to take a hike over to Falmer road scouting out any possible compositions. But decided to take a steep icy footpath back down the Kingston ridge. Reason being looked like there was more interest this way opening up new compositions.

Coming down the side of the ridge provided some new viewpoints of Lewes Castle with the Lewes Downs rising behind. Changed to the 70-200mm lens for these compositions the 100-400mm would have been better, but did have the 1.4 extender giving max focal range of 280mm.

Ashcombe Mill

Ashcombe Mill provided another strong subject with no less Lewes prison in the background.

Lots of distractions surrounding Ashcombe mill from this viewpoint but stood out nicely being caught by the morning sunshine breaking through the cloud cover.

Firle Beacon

Good viewpoints of Firle Beacon and Bo Beep descending from this location down Kingston Ridge.

With the snow covered north facing escarpment of Firle beacon almost looks like a mountain from this angle.

Mount Caburn

The other Marilyn hill is of course mount caburn head on. Before even getting out the 200mm lens had some 10×32 compact binoculars. Through using these could clearly see the detail in the distance worth photographing.

What adds some interest to the above composition of mount caburn is the single lone paraglider. The paraglider also adds a sense of scale. Being south facing completely devoid of any snow. Would have been good to photograph earlier in the week when there was still much more snow on the ground.

Flock of Sheep

At the foot of Kingston Ridge was a flock of sheep in a field and they were mostly looking directly at the camera. Thought they would add some good foreground interest to the stunning south downs scenery in the background this location provides.

Another great winters morning on top of Kingston ridge photographing the snow. It was only the week before was at the same location suggesting to get the most out of a epic location have to visit in different seasons, light and conditions. One day to the next can be completely different. I did want to return to Kingston ridge on the day of the snow storm, but bed got the better of me, then the ice. From out of my window in the morning there was a cloud inversion. Merry Christmas.

Check out the December 2022 landscape photography gallery

Check out the East Sussex landscape photography gallery