December was a month of diverse landscapes, captivating light, and the quiet beauty of winter’s embrace. My photography journeys captured a variety of scenes. These included the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the mist-shrouded woodlands of the High Weald. I explored serene seascapes, historic landmarks, and enchanting rural scenes. Each location presented its unique charm. This charm was showcased through dramatic weather patterns. It was also highlighted by tranquil long exposures. The timeless character of abandoned buildings added to the charm. The interplay of light, weather, and composition was a constant theme, shaping my creative process and resulting in memorable captures.

Long Exposure of Beachy Head Lighthouse at High Tide

December began with a serene long-exposure seascape featuring the iconic Beachy Head Lighthouse, captured from the dramatic cliff edge. The weather was predominantly overcast. Occasional breaks in the clouds offered fleeting opportunities for sunlight. These moments illuminated the stark white chalk cliffs that make this location so distinctive.

This shoot was also an opportunity to experiment with my new 10-stop ND filter from Kase. The calm conditions were perfect for a 30-second exposure. I used a tripod to create a silky-smooth effect on the water at high tide. Yet, the lack of wind meant there was minimal motion in the sky. The waves beneath the towering cliffs were also still, lending the scene a contemplative atmosphere.

Why Visit Beachy Head for Photography?

Beachy Head is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs and the historic red-and-white lighthouse standing steadfast against the sea. This location offers endless potential for landscape photography. During high tide, the water comes close to the cliff base, adding depth and drama to the scene. Even on overcast days, the contrast between the cliffs and the lighthouse stands out. The muted tones of the sky and sea can also produce captivating results.

East Dean Farmhouse Ruin

On a sunny December afternoon, I set out for a hike from East Dean in East Sussex. I crossed the rolling South Downs en route to Belle Tout Lighthouse. Along the way, I stopped to capture this abandoned small farmhouse or shepherd’s hut. I’ve photographed it before. This time, I chose a different perspective, facing northeast instead of south.

The building itself, though weathered by time and the elements, is full of character. The vibrant hues of the lichen-covered roof tiles stand out. The sturdy chimney and the flint stonework whisper stories of a bygone era. It’s easy to imagine a shepherd or farmer warming their hands by a fire in this remote yet picturesque location.

The farmhouse is situated in a truly exposed spot on the South Downs. Open fields stretch far and wide. They offer an idyllic view of the landscape. The scene embodies the charm and history of rural England, making it a rewarding topic for landscape photography.

Belle Tout Lighthouse Sunset

I was inspired by a striking sunset photo I had seen on social media. I set out to capture my own take of Belle Tout Lighthouse. I explored a composition I hadn’t tried before. I used a 100-400mm lens and a 1.4x extender to achieve a compressed perspective. Then, I followed the public footpaths over the South Downs from East Dean to this new vantage point.

The weather forecast initially looked promising for a dramatic sunset, but storm Darragh had other plans. Thick clouds rolled in from the southwest, quickly snuffing out the golden glow I’d hoped for. Despite the conditions, the experience was far from a loss. I discovered a fresh angle of Belle Tout Lighthouse. It was nestled among the rolling hills of the South Downs. The lighthouse was set against the moody backdrop of a low December sky.

Even without a fiery sunset, the scene carried a quiet beauty. The lighthouse stood as a solitary sentinel from Frost Hill. Its light reached across the landscape. It was framed by undulating green pastures and a subdued, pastel-toned sky.

Storm Darragh Newhaven Lighthouse Sunrise

One of December’s highlights was photographing Storm Darragh at Newhaven Lighthouse. Unusual northwest winds brought a unique challenge. The subdued waves shifted the focus to the dramatic interplay of storm clouds and golden sunrise rays.

Adapting to changing conditions and moving to Newhaven West Beach rewarded me with breath-taking compositions. Read the full story and see the images here →

High Weald Misty Woodland

This December, the High Weald turned into a misty wonderland. Dense fog blanketed its rolling hills and ancient woodlands. Inspired by the rare weather, I ventured out to capture the ethereal beauty of winter woodlands in foggy conditions. The fog simplified the chaos of the forest. It softened the background and emphasized the stark, graphical shapes of bare tree trunks.

One of the highlights of the month was exploring Deer Wood and Netherfield. These locations, with their mature trees and natural spacing, provided the perfect canvas for foggy woodland photography. The muted tones of winter were punctuated by pops of colour from low-hanging beech branches. The branches still cling to their autumn leaves. This creates strong focal points amidst the mist.

If you’re intrigued by the transformative power of fog in woodland photography, you can read the full post here. It provides tips on scouting locations. You will find technical advice for shooting in misty conditions. I also share my reflections on these unforgettable winter days in the High Weald.

Lewes Castle Sunrise

With December mist lingering and inspiration drawn from earlier visits to Blackcap, I set off early for a sunrise hike. The hike starts from the outskirts of Lewes and leads onto Landport Bottom. This spot offers some of the finest views over the historic townscape of Lewes. Its iconic castle is framed by the sweeping hills of the South Downs.

The clouds parted for the first time in days. The sun rose over Firle Beacon. It cast golden rays across the landscape. The light beautifully highlighted Lewes Castle, perched proudly on its hill. The shadowed foreground created a natural sense of depth and layers. This drew the eye through the composition. Mount Caburn rose majestically in the background, its silhouette softened by the lingering mist.

I used my 200mm lens. I chose to compress the scene. This brought distant landmarks like the brows of Firle Beacon and Wilmington Hill closer to the castle. This telephoto perspective added a sense of grandeur to the already dramatic South Downs landscape. Within minutes, the light vanished as the clouds returned, flattening the scene.

Although the light disappeared quickly, the brief golden rays transformed the scene, making the early start worthwhile. I continued my hike up to Blackcap. The mist had already dissipated. I was content knowing I’d captured some atmospheric photos of Lewes Castle and the South Downs.

Capturing the Magic of Belle Tout Lighthouse at Sunrise

This December, I returned to the stunning East Sussex coast. I went for a sunrise shoot at Belle Tout Lighthouse, near Birling Gap. The sunrise was at 8 AM due to the shorter winter days. It provided the perfect opportunity to capture the lighthouse silhouetted against the glowing dawn sky. I used tools like PhotoPills. I planned my position on Went Hill. This allowed me to align the lighthouse with the sun’s trajectory. The result was a striking composition. We needed patience when a bank of clouds initially threatened to block the horizon. The sun broke through, and persistence paid off, bathing the scene in golden light.

The serene beauty of the moment captivated me. The quiet effort of preparation showed me why I keep returning to this iconic location. I experimented with different focal lengths on my 100-400mm lens. This technique emphasized the visual impact of the cliffs, the lighthouse, and the rising sun. I kept the shadows in a clean silhouette. This was just one of the highlights from December—a month of planning, shooting, and chasing rare moments of beauty. Read the full story and see the photos here.

Newhaven Dawn Return

Another December morning with strong winds not quite a storm though. Another weather prediction of clear dawn skies to the east. Another return to Newhaven lighthouse to try to line it up with the sunrise.

Another bank of low cloud on the horizon blocking the rising sun. Just goes to show the truth. The best compositions come from many repeat visits to the same location. This is going to take years.

I was more flexible with my position this shoot. I used the tripod while moving around more to try and align with the sunrise. Careful this time to keep the horizon below the seawall, something I only notice before post processing. Patience was needed to try and include all elements of interest. This included crashing waves, the light on in the lighthouse, soaring seagulls and the sun peeking through the clouds.

Beddingham Church Mount Caburn

While driving back from Newhaven along the A28, I had to pull over. I wanted to try another shot of Beddingham church. It’s situated under Mount Caburn on the Lewes Downs.

Its a busy road but found a layby nearby and had to walk across a sticky muddy field. The challenge was trying to balance Beddingham church with mount Caburn rising high behind. An interesting element adding scale are the two hikers on top of mount Caburn.

Discovering Woodland Waterfalls in the High Weald this December

December’s foggy weather brought a serene beauty to the woodlands of the High Weald. My exploration of Dallington Forest turned into an unexpected adventure. While initially setting out to photograph the foggy trees, I stumbled upon a series of enchanting woodland waterfalls. The streams wound their way through the mist-shrouded forest. Recent rainfall enhanced them, creating a magical atmosphere that was impossible to resist.

Trailing the streams through the forest revealed hidden gems around every bend. Each waterfall had its own character, from small cascades tucked under holly canopies to larger falls framed by towering trees. Navigating the slippery terrain was challenging but rewarding, as these secluded spots felt untouched and timeless.

For tips on photographing woodland waterfalls in foggy conditions, read the full post here. It includes advice on gear, compositions, and exploring terrain. It’s a celebration of the High Weald’s natural beauty and the joy of discovering its hidden treasures in winter.

End of December and 2024

This month reaffirmed the magic of persistence, preparation, and exploration in landscape photography. Each outing offered new perspectives. It did so whether blessed by golden sunrises or subdued by stormy skies. These adventures provided opportunities to refine my craft. December’s adventures were not just about capturing images but also about the stories and emotions behind them. As the year comes to an end, I feel inspired by these moments. They motivate me to keep seeking beauty and wonder in every season. Thank you for joining me on this photographic journey—I look ahead to sharing more in the year ahead. Happy New Year!