Unveiling October’s Journey

October 2023 marked a month of transition and exploration. As the remnants of summer gave way to the embrace of autumn, I embarked on a series of photography expeditions in the serene landscapes of East Sussex, capturing the essence of a changing season. This October, the story unfolded with a backdrop of readjustment, wet weather challenges, and the return to the realm of full-time work.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

On one crisp morning in October, I ventured back to the tranquil Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. My day began with a bit of business in Rye, and I seized the opportunity to combine the practical with the pleasurable – a walk amidst the natural beauty of the reserve.

Fresh from my road trip through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Pembrokeshire and the Brecon Beacons, my photography gear was still in the process of drying out. It’s curious how, after encountering such dramatic vistas, the adjustment to the subtler charm of your local surroundings can take a bit of effort.

On this particular morning, I decided to pack my trusty Canon compact camera. Its portability and reliability are invaluable when exploring familiar yet ever-enchanting landscapes like Rye Harbour. I roamed the reserve and came across a scene that caught my eye – the Mary Stanford Boathouse, silhouetted against the sky with Cliff End in the background. The network of waterways within the reserve naturally guided my composition, creating the kind of leading lines photographers dream about. Using the telephoto end of the built in lens filled the frame with interest eliminating any distractions and dead space.

The morning light graced the scene with its gentle touch, and the clouds added an intriguing dynamic to the sky. Despite the emptiness of the landscape, I managed to capture a composition that held its own charm. However, like every photograph, it holds the potential for improvement, a promise of future visits to this serene haven.

Camber Sands Dawn Scout

One October morning, I set out with a vision firmly planted in my mind – a breathtaking sunrise over the vast sand dunes of Camber Sands. The challenge lay in finding the precise location within this expansive landscape where this vision would come to life.

Camber Sands, located in East Sussex, offers an extensive canvas for photography. To scout out this potential masterpiece, I embarked on a morning photo walk armed with my trusty compact camera. My intention was simple – to explore, discover, and scout out the ideal spot. Perhaps, in the future, I would return with my full kit to capture that elusive dawn moment.

The morning I chose for this scouting expedition greeted me with a mix of weather conditions. Unfortunately, the light was not in my favor, but that didn’t deter me. As I roamed the dunes, I discovered that the better compositions unfolded at the far western end, in the direction of Rye Harbour. Here, I gazed eastward, capturing the more prominent clumps of reeds and grass nestled amidst the sands.

Camber Sands is a popular destination, especially during the summer months, and its beauty sometimes comes with distractions. Footprints on the pristine sands are common, but I observed that they were less prevalent at the far western end, away from the crowds. Autumn, I noted, was a more suitable time to visit this captivating location for photography. While I’m yet to return for that anticipated dawn shoot, this scouting expedition was far from fruitless. It provided me with valuable insights into the better compositions, parking spots, and the lay of the land. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I am better prepared for a return visit, making the planning process smoother.

Eastbourne Sunshine Coast

My journey to Eastbourne Sunshine Coast in October took an unexpected turn, courtesy of a casualty from my recent road trip into Wales – a dead car battery. Despite this setback, I decided to make the most of my situation. With my car awaiting a new battery, I embarked on a walk along the fittingly named Sunshine Coast, my trusty compact camera in hand, ready to capture the essence of the day.

It was a hot October day, far surpassing the typical temperatures for this time of year, even beating the July average. Though I knew this heatwave wouldn’t last, it was a gift. I soaked in the sunshine and warmth, taking leisurely breaks at charming cafes along the way.

My stroll eventually led me to the foot of the cliff, a prelude to the magnificent Beachy Head. As I began the ascent, I couldn’t help but marvel at the picturesque view it offered. Looking back towards Eastbourne Pier, I was met with a sight that perfectly encapsulated the essence of this coastline. The sun glistened off the gentle waves, and the entire scene felt like a timeless postcard.

Friston Forest

As the whispers of autumn began to rustle through the air, I felt an irresistible pull towards the enchanting world of woodland landscapes. With trees adorned in the hues of fall, I contemplated revisiting the high weald, knowing that what often makes for captivating woodland compositions in spring can be equally mesmerizing in autumn, thanks to the mature grandeur of the trees.

One name had been resonating in my mind, and it came to me through captivating images on social media – Friston Forest. While I had ventured into its embrace a few times in the past, mainly from the Jevington end, my previous attempts to uncover compelling compositions had been met with limited success. However, my exploration hadn’t been exhaustive, and a glance at an online OS Map revealed uncharted territory within the forest.

One sunny October morning, I embarked on a photographic journey, armed with my trusty compact camera. Starting from the Butchershole car park, I followed the footpaths westward toward the Seven Sisters Country Park. It wasn’t long before I encountered sections of mature beech woodland that beckoned to be captured. I even managed to create a sunburst effect through the trees using my compact camera’s built-in lens. Friston Forest, located on a South Downs escarpment, offered an exceptional backdrop.

The previous night had witnessed a heavy downpour, leaving a slippery film on the chalk paths that played tricks on my balance, leading me to some unintended moments of intimacy with the forest floor.

Intrigued by the photographic potential of Friston Forest, I returned the following afternoon on my way to Wiltshire, scouting out yet another unexplored area. With the idea of dawn and sunset shoots in mind, I envisioned the sun piercing through the trees. Sunrise, in particular, had the promise of mist lingering among the tree trunks, casting an enchanting spell on the forest.

My passion for exploring this forest was far from sated. The following weekend marked my third visit, this time starting from Seven Sisters Country Park. I walked the entire stretch along the A259, where more mature deciduous woodland thrived. It was a day marked by wet winds and brisk showers – perfect conditions for a long exposure shot to capture the graceful motion blur within the leaves. Here, I chose to work with the elements, not against them.

Among the various compositions, it was the first visit to Friston Forest that revealed what could be the ultimate shot. Now, it’s a matter of patience, waiting for autumn to reach its peak and returning to this woodland under different lighting and atmospheric conditions to capture its true essence.

Salisbury Cathedral Wiltshire

Mid-October marked a significant moment for me. After months away from work since April 2023, it was time to return to my professional life. The break had allowed me to immerse myself in my beloved hobby of photography. Yet, the world of photography can be an expensive pursuit, and I began to feel the weight of aging gear.

My return to work primarily involved remote tasks, but I had a forthcoming induction day in Wiltshire. This presented a perfect opportunity to bring my camera along. On that particular morning, I set out to explore the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral once more, armed only with my compact camera.

The day was typical of October – dank, dark, and chilling. The limited light was a challenge, but it led to a delightful discovery – a new viewpoint of Salisbury Cathedral. Despite the gloomy conditions, I found a unique perspective that allowed me to capture the cathedral’s grandeur in a fresh way.

This visit was just the beginning. Over the next year, I anticipated multiple returns to Wiltshire. It’s a county steeped in history and natural beauty, and I aimed to explore it more through the lens of my camera. One destination that had eluded me during my last visit was Savernake Forest in Marlborough. Astonishingly, it was right next to the hotel I had stayed in, and yet, I had missed it. Autumn 2023 held the promise of a visit to Savernake, a place where nature and history intertwine.

Dallington High Weald

With my return to full-time work, my photographic expeditions were now relegated to the weekends. Autumn and winter’s shorter days presented their own set of challenges, yet they offered the gift of softer light during the more sociable hours of sunrise and sunset. It was on one such beautiful October Sunday morning that I felt a pull to explore the autumn woodlands of the High Weald around Dallington in East Sussex.

The plan had initially been to park up and embark on a brisk hike through Dallington Forest. Not only would this provide the opportunity for much-needed exercise, but it was also the perfect way to immerse myself in nature. However, sometimes, conditions align so perfectly that plans must be reconsidered.

The morning was nothing short of spectacular. The gentle hills and copes of woodland were veiled in lingering morning mist, creating a scene of serene beauty. It was a misty morning in the High Weald, and the landscape was transformed into a realm of enchantment.

I decided to forgo the hike and instead opted to drive around, stopping whenever I spotted a scene that spoke to my senses. Each turn revealed a new tableau of autumn’s artistry, and I couldn’t resist capturing it.

As I continued my exploration, I made my way to a familiar location, a viewpoint in the High Weald that never failed to captivate me. The morning light painted the contours of Butts Brow on the South Downs, serving as a breathtaking backdrop to the rolling landscape.

In that moment, I wished I had risen even earlier, catching the mist in its delicate embrace and the light in its gentlest form. It was a lesson in the ephemeral nature of photography, where the perfect shot often requires impeccable timing. This location had the potential to be a true masterpiece, but it would have to wait for a return visit, ideally during the peak of autumn’s glory.

Dallington Forest Ancient Beech Tree

My earlier springtime explorations on the High Weald in East Sussex had uncovered pockets of Dallington Forest that were nothing short of captivating. Among the forest’s many secrets, one had piqued my curiosity more than others – an ancient Beech tree. As autumn painted the landscape with warm hues, I decided it was time to revisit this natural wonder.

The backdrop to this return visit was the disheartening news of Sycamore gap. The world had been reminded that trees like the ancient Beech within Dallington Forest were not just special; they were rare, irreplaceable, and in need of protection. With this awareness heavy on my mind, I ventured deep into Dallington Forest.

To my relief, she was there, the ancient Beech, standing tall and timeless. Her presence was a testament to the enduring spirit of nature. I wanted to give her a hug. The forest canopy, dark and dense, enveloped her like a shroud, offering a dramatic contrast to her immense trunk. I couldn’t resist capturing her essence from various angles, the interplay of light and shadow creating an artistic piece.

Yet, in this moment, I couldn’t help but ponder the possibilities of dawn. Perhaps, with the first light of day, her majestic form would be kissed by a gentler, more enchanting radiance. The thought of returning at dawn was already etched into my plans.

However, as I explored further, I encountered signs of human intervention. Some coppicing had occurred, shedding more light on the forest floor. While this practice was intended to be beneficial for the woodland, I couldn’t help but look behind me and witness what seemed like utter destruction. It was hard to fathom whether such extensive intervention was truly serving the forest’s well-being. Surely it was more about selling the wood.

Brightling High Weald Rainbow

The demands of working full-time during October can restrict my photographic pursuits to the weekends. This particular weekend had been marked by relentless downpours and flooding, but autumn beckoned me to explore the woodlands of the High Weald in search of that elusive autumn composition.

My exploration took me further into the enchanting embrace of Dallington Forest. Even though my camera stayed tucked away on this visit, I reveled in the tranquility of the forest, an experience that nourished the photographer’s soul.

As my journey continued, I found myself at Coombe Wood near Brightling. The weather had been unpredictable, with rain clouds shifting from west to east, occasionally giving way to fleeting moments of sunshine. It was during one of these transitional moments that I felt the presence of a rainbow.

The conditions seemed almost predictable – rain clouds parting to make way for the gentle kiss of sunlight. I found myself in a prime location with expansive eastern views, and I knew that my quest to capture the full arc of a rainbow was about to become a reality.

With enthusiasm, I clambered through nettles and over a rusty gate to secure my ideal vantage point. However, by the time my camera was in hand, the rainbow had faded, its glory significantly reduced. I struggled with my camera settings, a testament to the unpredictability of such scenes.

Rainbows, with their wide range of hues and the stark contrast between light and shadow, present a formidable challenge in terms of dynamic range. As I adjusted my camera and composed my shot, I found myself fumbling and making adjustments, hoping to do justice to this fleeting masterpiece.

Moments like these are a reminder that being out in the rain, when the occasional break in the cloud cover offers glimpses of nature’s artistry, can be a rewarding endeavor. With the right clothing, gear, and a willingness to embrace the elements, these conditions often lead to the most dramatic and captivating photographic opportunities.

Dallington October Sunset

In pursuit of an October sunset over the High Weald and the South Downs near Dallington, I braved fading light and encroaching rain clouds. Weather apps had promised a break in the clouds on the western horizon at sunset, and they didn’t disappoint.

As the sun began its descent, a gap emerged, allowing it to dip below the horizon. However, this particular location revealed its true essence. Comparing this evening shot with the morning’s, captured from the same spot, underscored a key lesson: this spot truly shines with a sunrise behind you, rather than a sunset ahead. It was a humbling reminder of how light and perspective can transform the same landscape, and the art of photography lies in finding the right moments to capture its essence.

End of October

In October 2023, my adventures were marked by a series of adjustments. I had to readjust to my local environment, transitioning from the grandeur of my Wales road trip to the more modest surroundings of East Sussex. The wet weather challenged my photography pursuits, but it also brought forth captivating rainbows and moody atmospheres.

In the midst of these shifts, I re-entered the realm of full-time work, balancing professional obligations with my passion for photography. Amidst these transitions, the High Weald became my canvas to capture the essence of autumn in the woodlands.

October was a month of adaptation and rediscovery, where I learned that beauty and inspiration can be found even in familiar surroundings. Each outing held its own unique tale, and the art of photography lies in cherishing the moments that nature and life present. The adventures continue, with more stories and landscapes to explore in the months ahead.