Introduction for the Year in Review – 2024

2024 has been a year full of challenges, surprises, and unforgettable moments behind the lens. From stormy seascapes and misty woodlands to vivid sunsets and vibrant wildflower fields, every month brought its own unique story and photographic opportunities. Whether it was embracing the unpredictable weather of the South Downs, exploring new locations in Thailand, or capturing the fleeting magic of fog and light, each scene was a reminder of why I love landscape photography.

This review brings together my favorite shots and stories from the year, offering a glimpse into the diverse beauty of the natural world and the joy of capturing it. As I reflect on the experiences and lessons learned, I’m reminded that photography is not just about the images, but the journeys and emotions behind them. Let’s take a look back at 2024, one frame at a time.

January – Seaford Head

January brings dramatic weather that transforms Seaford Head into a playground for seascape photographers. In this image, I captured a stormy sunrise at high tide. It showcases the iconic chalk cliff. The solitary sea stack is bathed in golden light. The vibrant hues of the sky contrast beautifully with the churning waves below, creating a sense of movement and energy.

Timing this shot required patience and precision. I waited for the perfect confluence. This included a winter storm, a high tide, and the soft light of sunrise. I perched precariously at Splash Point. I had to dodge crashing waves and sea spray. I wanted to include the dynamic elements of the moment. These were the gulls soaring above, the waves crashing below, and the fleeting glow of sunrise.

Why January?

Winter storms bring unparalleled drama to coastal landscapes, especially along England’s southern coastline. The cold air enhances the clarity of light, while stormy seas add texture and emotion to the scene. Seaford Head in January is a perfect setting for capturing the raw power and beauty of nature. Check out the full review and lots more photos for January 2024.

February – Brighton West Pier Sunrise

February 2024 brought one of the most unforgettable sunrises I’ve ever experienced, right on Brighton’s iconic seafront. The ruins of the West Pier stood silhouetted against an intense red and orange dawn. This created a hauntingly beautiful contrast between the fiery sky and the skeletal structure. The calm, reflective shoreline mirrored the colors perfectly, adding depth and drama to the scene.

I captured this shot during a road trip through Devon, Dorset, and finally Brighton. I stayed in a beachfront hotel there—a photographer’s dream location. Timing was critical, as just an hour later, the vibrant show gave way to an overcast, featureless sky and rain. I wish I’d had more time to finesse the composition. This fleeting moment was an inspiring reminder of the magic that can happen when preparation meets luck.

Why February?

Brighton’s West Pier is a must-visit location for photographers year-round. February’s shorter days and unpredictable weather often produce dramatic skies. These conditions elevate a photo. Winter sunrises, with their low-angle light and saturated tones, offer an excellent opportunity to capture atmospheric scenes like this.

Discover the full story and all my favourite February 2024 photos in my full review here.

March – Newhaven Lighthouse Moonset

March 2024 delivered one of my favorite shots of the year: the full moon setting behind Newhaven Lighthouse. Captured from Seaford Beach on a cold, windy morning, this image required precision and persistence. The vibrant glow of the moon contrasts beautifully with the crisp outline of the lighthouse. The choppy waves in the foreground add texture and atmosphere to the scene.

Photographing this required constantly repositioning along the beach to align the moon perfectly with the lighthouse. Using a 100-400mm lens handheld in low light was a challenge. I pushed the ISO to keep sharpness and detail. Despite the challenges, the results were worth it—moments like this are what make landscape photography so rewarding.

Why March?

March offers crisp, clear mornings and fascinating celestial events, making it an excellent month for moonset photography. A full moon and a picturesque lighthouse created an inspiring scene. The dynamic coastal environment also contributed, making it perfect for experimentation and creativity.

Check out the full review of March 2024 photography here.

April – Bluebells at Kings Wood

April 2024 brought the joy of spring. It marked my first venture into Kings Wood on the Kent Downs. I went to photograph its enchanting bluebells. This stunning woodland carpet of blue was accented by the soft, golden light of a setting sun. The light filtered through the beech trees. It created magical pools of light and shadow.

Capturing this scene was a journey in itself. I made several visits to scout the perfect composition, looking for a natural focal point to draw the eye. In this final shot, a winding path gently guides viewers through the sea of bluebells. It invites them to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the forest. Timing was everything, as the interplay between the golden-hour light and the vibrant bluebells brought the scene to life.

Why April?

April is peak season for bluebells in the UK. Kings Wood is one of the finest locations to experience this natural spectacle. The vivid blue contrasts beautifully against the fresh green of new foliage. This contrast is a hallmark of springtime photography. It makes April a dream month for nature photographers.

Check out the full review of April 2024 spring photography here.

May – Garlic High Weald Woodland

May 2024 was defined by the discovery of enchanting wild garlic woodlands in the High Weald, East Sussex. Walking through this magical landscape felt like stepping into another world. An endless carpet of white garlic flowers blanketed the forest floor. It seemed as though snow had fallen in spring. The distinctive, earthy aroma of wild garlic filled the air. It added a sensory layer to the scene that was impossible to forget.

Why May?

May is peak season for wild garlic in the UK, as the flowers bloom in abundance across woodlands. The High Weald, with its rich biodiversity and ancient forest paths, is an ideal location for capturing this seasonal spectacle. The fresh greenery, vivid blossoms, and the sweet, pungent scent of garlic create an irresistible allure. These woodlands are a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers.

Check out the full review of May 2024 spring photography here.

June – Dungeness Power Sunset

June 2024 brought one of the most vivid sunsets of the year. It perfectly aligned with the iconic pylons leading to Dungeness Power Station in Kent. The blazing sun dipped below the horizon. It cast a golden-orange glow across the landscape. The sun silhouetted the endless line of pylons as they faded into the distance.

The symbolism in this shot is what I love most. It shows the natural power of the setting sun. This is juxtaposed with the industrial power of the station and its grid of pylons. The composition highlights the beauty of the natural world. It also showcases humanity’s ability to harness energy. This image is not just visually striking. It is also thought-provoking.

This photograph has also become a personal milestone. It’s one of my best-selling images on stock photography platforms. Sales occur almost daily. Its universal themes of energy and connection resonate with buyers around the globe. This proves that sometimes simplicity paired with strong symbolism can make a photograph truly impactful.

Why June?

June’s long days and clear skies often produce vivid sunsets. The flat, open landscape of Dungeness is ideal for capturing these sunsets. The geometric patterns of the pylons add structure and depth to the composition. They transform the scene into a perfect balance of natural and man-made elements.

Check out the full review of June 2024 summer photography here.

July – Phacelia Moon rise Brighton

July 2024 was defined by a magical evening photographing a stunning field of Phacelia flowers. These flowers cascaded down the hills of the South Downs, near Brighton. This vibrant field was located between Woodingdean and Rottingdean. It was a sea of delicate purple blooms. These blooms perfectly complemented the lilac hues of the blue-hour sky.

The composition’s crowning feature was the bright moonrise. It pierced through the soft pink and lavender tones of the summer sky. The moon added a sense of serenity. It served as a focal point of interest. This elevated the composition and created a harmonious blend of natural elements. Capturing this scene was all about timing. The transition from day to night brought out the best colors. The gentle summer breeze gave the moment an almost ethereal quality.

Why July?

July is a fantastic month for photographing the South Downs. The summer fields are bursting with wildflowers like Phacelia. These flowers create vibrant foregrounds. The long evenings and soft light of blue hour are perfect for capturing atmospheric landscapes. The moonrise adds a seasonal and celestial touch to the scene.

See all my favorite photos from July 2024 in my full review here

August – Poppy fields South Downs

August 2024 was marked by the discovery of breath-taking late-blooming poppy fields. These fields were nestled in a serene valley of the South Downs, between Woodingdean and Rottingdean near Brighton. The vivid red blooms stretched as far as the eye could see. They created a striking contrast against the rolling green hills and the bright blue summer sky.

Photographing these fields was all about finding the perfect balance in composition. I used a mix of wide-angle and telephoto lenses. I experimented with perspectives. My goal was to highlight the vibrant red foreground layers. I aimed to capture flowers stretching into the mid-ground. Soft, rolling hills were in the background. The decision to include both sweeping views and smaller details made the scene come alive. This choice captured the vastness of the field. It also maintained an intimate connection with individual blooms.

Why August?

While poppies are traditionally associated with early summer, these late blooms made August a month of surprise and delight. The warm, golden light of late summer mornings enhanced the scene. It cast a gentle glow over the fields. This light amplified the richness of the colors. The South Downs were the perfect backdrop for this seasonal spectacle. They blended natural beauty with the quiet charm of the landscape.

Check out the full review of August 2024 summer photography here.

September – Koh Larn Sunset Thailand

September 2024 marked the start of a new chapter. My work contract came to an end. I took the opportunity to escape the familiar. I returned to Thailand. I’ve visited this destination many times over the past two decades. I decided to keep things simple on this trip. I had just a compact camera and my mobile phone. I embraced a minimalist approach to photography. I explored new techniques and perspectives.

This shot, taken at Samai Beach on the island of Koh Larn, perfectly encapsulates the serenity of the moment. The vivid reds and oranges of the sunset spilled across the water, while the silhouette of a bare, weathered tree adorned with shells added a touch of character and depth to the foreground. In the distance, the gentle waves and a floating pier drew the eye toward the horizon, where the last light of the day faded into a warm, tropical evening.

Why September?
September in Thailand is a quieter month for travel, with fewer crowds and dramatic, moody skies that make sunsets unforgettable. Koh Larn, with its unspoiled beaches and relaxed atmosphere, is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with the simplicity of travel and photography.

Check out the full review of my trip to Thailand 2024.

October – Alfriston Misty Morning

October 2024 brought one of the most atmospheric mornings I’ve experienced on the South Downs, as mist blanketed the Cuckmere Valley. Autumn’s arrival brought cooler nights and warmer days, creating the perfect conditions for these misty mornings. My vision was to capture the iconic spire of Alfriston Church bathed in the golden morning sunlight, shrouded in delicate layers of mist.

The morning began with thick fog so dense I could barely see a few feet in front of me. Patience was key—it took nearly two hours for the mist to begin lifting. When it did, the scene unfolded, with the church tower rising through the haze and the warm sunlight illuminating the autumnal hues of the trees and the surrounding village. The fleeting nature of the mist was a challenge; within minutes, it had cleared, leaving flat and uninspiring light by late morning.

While my fixation on capturing the church spire meant I missed some opportunities in the thick fog, the reward of realizing my vision was worth it. Sometimes, photography is about balancing artistic intent with adapting to the conditions, and this morning was a lesson in just that.

Why October?
October is a magical time on the South Downs, with misty mornings that transform familiar landscapes into ethereal scenes. The vibrant autumn foliage, combined with the soft, golden light of sunrise, creates an unbeatable combination for landscape photography.

Check out the full review of October 2024 autumn photography here.

November – Storm Bert – Newhaven Lighthouse

November 2024 brought a dramatic highlight as Storm Bert swept across the East Sussex coast, creating the perfect opportunity to photograph the power of nature at Newhaven Lighthouse. My vision was to align the November sunrise with the lighthouse, framing the scene with crashing storm waves. However, thick low cloud on the horizon had other plans, blocking the sunrise initially.

But nature has a way of surprising you—just as I was about to pack up, a break in the clouds allowed the sun to briefly pierce through the stormy skies. In that fleeting moment, I captured the sunrise glowing softly through the mist, while a massive wave crashed against the lighthouse wall, creating a scene of raw energy and beauty.

Why November?
November on the East Sussex coast is a month of dynamic weather, with storms and turbulent seas creating opportunities for capturing the raw power of nature. Combined with the warm hues of sunrise during late autumn, it’s the perfect season for dramatic coastal photography.

Check out the full review of November 2024 autumn photography here.

December – High Weald Foggy Woodland

December 2024 offered some of the most atmospheric scenes of the year, as deep fog descended over the woodlands of the High Weald in East Sussex. The dense mist simplified the chaotic tangle of branches, transforming the forest into a minimalist wonderland.

Foggy conditions are all about stripping a scene back to its essentials—graphical shapes, contrasting tones, and carefully chosen focal points. The mist softened the background and muted the colors, making the bare trees stand out as striking silhouettes. Composing in these conditions required patience and a keen eye, as finding an anchor—a strong tree trunk or an interesting shape—was key to creating a compelling image.

Why December?
Winter fog has a magical ability to transform woodlands, simplifying cluttered scenes and highlighting natural shapes and forms. December’s bare trees and muted light provide the perfect canvas for creating minimalist and moody woodland compositions. The High Weald, with its ancient forests and rolling hills, is an exceptional location for exploring these conditions.

Check out the full review of December 2024 autumn photography here.

Conclusion for the Year in Review – 2024

Looking back on 2024, it’s clear this year was as much about the experiences as the images themselves. From storm-chasing at Newhaven and tranquil mornings in the High Weald to the vibrant colors of Thailand and the South Downs, each moment offered something new to learn and appreciate. The diversity of landscapes, weather, and light reminded me of the beauty in both planning and spontaneity.

As I close the chapter on 2024, I feel grateful for the opportunities to explore, create, and grow as a photographer. This year has reinforced the importance of staying curious, embracing the unexpected, and finding inspiration in even the simplest scenes. Here’s to a new year of discovery and creativity in 2025!