The tail end of October included more autumn scouts over the high weald in east Sussex and into Kent. What follows are photo walk scouts as I attempt to cover more of the high weald searching for that elusive autumn landscape composition.
October Weather
Landscape Photography in October mostly consisted of autumn scouts over the woodland of the High Weald. Got out a lot more during October although mostly wet and overcast weather, just like last year where we seem more to have a monsoon season now. Wet weather gear is key to getting outside when the weather is damp windy or cold, and a lightweight pack, compact camera, if more oriented towards scouting.
Snape Wood, High Weald, East Sussex
The high weald in the south east of England covers a large area 1461km2. Its a hilly patchwork of medieval woodland and farmland. Driving down the main trunk roads, A and B for a particular area can open up new locations to then scout on feet. So it was driving down the B2099 near Wadhurst that I discovered Snape Wood on the high weald.
On previous October photo walks scouting locations over the high weald, was gaining experience taking panoramics using manual focus mode with a lightweight compact camera. Feel more the telephoto end panoramic shots are more suited to the landscape of the high weald.
The autumn colours of October are apparent although still have some way to go. The dark shadows of the wood and bright light of the morning sky required HDR bracketing using a 2 stop gap.
Brede High Wood, East Sussex
My last day of freedom, before returning to full time work, included a walk from Sedlescombe though Brede High Wood on the high weald in east Sussex.
Woodland photography is hard, within the forest due to the chaotic scenes. It can be hard to find some order within the chaos. One technique is to get intimate with backlit leaves.
Handholding the camera in low light is not ideal. The only way to increase the shutter speed to avoid blur is to open up the aperture and increase the ISO.
Mayfield, East Sussex
Mayfield looked like an interesting village to visit perched up on the high weald in east Sussex. It was a wet weekend day when I visited Mayfield, there is a free long stay carpark in the village where you can begin your autumn walk over the high weald. On days like this, lightweight breathable waterproof gear is essential if you are to enjoy your walk, a flask of hot coffee helps to and some snacks.
A nice view over the high weald greets you from the carpark in Mayfield. Was still going out with my lightweight kit including a compact camera.
One of my favourite autumn shots to date is of an autumn spring deep within Vicarage wood near Mayfield. Stood in the middle of the stream, focus stacked the above shot shooting in vertical or portrait mode. When a composition is more elongated in the vertical, like standing in a stream or in front of tree its better to shoot portrait.
Further along the walk around Mayfield discovered a small waterfall and got pretty excited about this. In my lightweight kit have a mini tripod, wanted to get a long exposure to blur the water. Set the mini tripod up on tree trunk nearby and took some shots.
Mini Tripod Restrictive
It was only post processing in Lightroom that realised the tripod had really restricted my frame or viewpoint. Handholding the camera is much more freeform there are no restrictions on where you can frame your composition from. You learn lots post processing your images on the big screen, you see things then you not see at the time.
Wet Woodland Photography
One positive of being under the canopy of thick woodland, it protects you from the elements, the wind and rain. The wet is suppose to be good for woodland photography, the colours are more saturated. Recent heavy rainfall will ensure those streams, rivers and waterfalls are flowing.
Kippings Cross, Kent
Driving down the A21 towards Tunbridge Wells there are some great views north on the border between east Sussex and Kent. Back home using OS Maps online, tried to find a location that included some public footpaths I could scout. Kippings Cross in Kent looked about right with some footpaths covering some high areas of the High Weald.
Headed north first towards Brickhurst farm but nothing of interest came into view. Then followed the path back linear towards Elmhurst Farm and then up to a high point. At that point there was a break in the clouds and some dramatic sunlight was thrown over the landscape.
Again post processing realised a fundamental compositional mistake had be made. Almost half of the frame above includes a field in the foreground. In the field at the time I thought the shadows cast would add interest. But the composition should have included lots more sky adding Negative Space and colour contrast. Back home post processing analysing the images this was a eureka moment.
Looking Back
When you go on a walk scouting, exploring, its great if its circular as that will maximise ground covered. But as a landscape photographer you have to teach yourself to look back, else you will miss many compositions. A photo walk benefits from a linear walk, there and back rather than circular. That way on the way back will ensure you have not missed any viewpoints.
Wrong Location
Although a good scout and walk from Kippings Cross and some lessons learnt I was not in the right place. Driving further north along the A21 the views open up pass Pembury at a place called Castle Hill west of Southborough on the high weald in Kent. So added a further place to scout in the future.
Bewl Water Kent
The last walk on the last day of October included a return to Bewl Water in Kent. There was a few hours in the morning before the rain set in. Generally when the day is overcast and photographing woodland not really matter what time you arrive. But on the drive to Bewl water missed some dramatic morning light.
On arrival at Bewl it was clear should have brought my bike and scouted the whole reservoir of 13 miles this way. When scouting if the terrain allows lots more ground can be covered on a bike. Coincidently just on the other side of the A21 is Bedgebury forest which is also popular with cyclists on mountain bikes.
One of the more interesting autumn landscape photos was shot just off of Bewl water with sheep grazing on farmland. There is interest throughout the frame. In the foreground the autumn leaves on the ground. In the midground the grazing sheep. In the background the woodland and even cloudy foreboding sky. Although wrong aperture, needed more depth of field.
End Of October
October was an active month, getting out more than usual, due to low expectations and a bias towards just scouting and walking. Autumn is often landscape photographers best month due to the autumn colours, the shorter days and cooler temperatures. Like spring, autumn is a transitional season, from summer to winter.
Although dont think captured anything outstanding on the high weald so far during autumn, both my technical and compositional skills have improved. This is due to getting outside and practicing with just a compact camera.