September’s Splendid Palette: A Landscape Photography Review

As the days grew shorter and the summer’s warmth began to wane, I embarked on a photographic journey through the landscapes of September. From the rugged cliffs of Beachy Head to the serene shores of Seaford, each location held its own unique charm and presented a canvas of nature’s ever-changing artistry. This review serves as a glimpse into my September adventures, a month when the world transitioned from the vibrant hues of summer to the subtle tones of early autumn. Join me on this visual odyssey as I capture the beauty of September’s landscapes and share the stories behind each image.

Devils Dyke South Downs

During my recent trip to West Sussex, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit Devil’s Dyke on the South Downs, near Brighton. This picturesque location never fails to impress, making it an ideal addition to my September landscape photography journey.

Upon arriving at the Devil’s Dyke car park, you might naturally head towards Edburton Hill. However, the real gem lies behind the pub, hidden from sight. It was my first time exploring these footpaths, and they led to the most stunning views of Devil’s Dyke.

I returned to Devil’s Dyke later that evening, hoping to capture a mesmerizing sunset. Unfortunately, the presence of clouds on the horizon played spoilsport, reminding me of the unpredictable nature of landscape photography.

Ditchling Beacon Scout

On a hot, humid, and hazy early September morning, I embarked on a photography scout mission around Ditchling Beacon, the highest point in East Sussex at 245 meters above sea level. It was a fitting way to bid farewell to the last days of summer.

As I descended the hill, my gaze turned eastward, revealing a promising canvas for September mornings. The mist that hung in the air added an enchanting touch to the landscape. Amidst this ethereal scene, a lone dead tree stood strong, becoming the perfect focal point for my lens.

Ditchling Beacon offered me the opportunity to explore its surroundings thoroughly. I ventured along new footpaths, winding my way through the undulating terrain. Along the way, I discovered fresh locations that held the promise of stunning sunrise and sunset photography.

Rock A Nore Sunrise Hastings

After missing a breathtaking September sunset the previous evening, I couldn’t resist the allure of the early morning sky. Hoping for a repeat performance, I decided to embark on a sunrise shoot close to home at Rock A Nore, a picturesque spot on the Hastings coastline. Despite the initial reluctance to leave my cozy bed, I managed to overcome it, even though my workflow was a bit chaotic once I arrived on location.

As the tide receded, I knew the stage was set for a stunning sunrise beside the rugged cliffs. The glistening rocks scattered across the beach served as the perfect foreground interest, adding depth and texture to the scene. However, arranging these natural elements into a pleasing composition proved to be a challenge, especially when aiming to capture a long exposure of the sea.

My intention is to return to this captivating location later this week, armed with the lessons learned from this visit. I’m determined to refine my photography skills and capture the essence of Rock A Nore’s sunrise in a more polished manner. Sunrises by the coastline are fleeting moments of magic, and Rock A Nore has beckoned me to unravel its beauty further.

Seaford Sunset

Early September, and I found myself strategically positioned along the serene stretch of Seaford Beach, with a special alignment in mind – capturing the sun as it gracefully set behind Newhaven lighthouse. This lighthouse typically stands as a symbol of tempestuous seas and stormy weather, but this September was different. We were amidst one of the hottest Septembers on record, and the hazy skies held the promise of transforming the setting sun into a radiant red spectacle. It’s amazing what you can learn from fellow photographers on social media, as this unique composition was shared by others who had ventured to this picturesque location.

Unlike many other spots along the East Sussex coast this time of year, Seaford Beach offers a distinct perspective. Here, the sun bids farewell out to sea, casting its warm hues across the water. As I set up my gear, the beach was abuzz with activity, even on a weekday evening. Finding parking along the lengthy esplanade proved to be a challenge, but armed with my trusty 400mm lens, I managed to steal a shot or two.

The Dance of Light and Clouds

As the sun descended on the horizon, its brilliant display was momentarily veiled by low-hanging clouds, teasing my eager lens. It wasn’t quite the perfect alignment with Newhaven lighthouse that I had hoped for, but it was a lesson learned. With the intention to return before the heatwave subsided, I left Seaford Beach with newfound insights about this captivating location, ready to chase the horizon once more.

Hastings Sunrise

As the early light kissed the horizon, I found myself wide awake, driven by a yearning for adventure. With errands on my list, including a stop for petrol, I decided to add a touch of magic to my morning and head to Hastings Seafront with my trusty camera and the ever-attached 100-400mm lens.

Hastings Seafront was buzzing on this September weekend morning. The seaside came alive with fishermen casting their lines, joggers finding their rhythm, and others like me, eager to witness the sunrise’s enchantment. It’s as if the eastern sky over Hastings refuses to veil itself with low-hanging clouds, delivering a clear canvas for the rising sun.

Yet, amidst this splendor, one thought crossed my mind: the absence of a strong focal point. Unlike lighthouses that often steal the show, this viewpoint lacked a defining feature. Contemplating a long exposure to simplify the vastness of the sea, I encountered a minor obstacle – the step-up filter wouldn’t attach to my lens. Also when the composition is just of the rising sun lacking any location specific detail it could have been shot anywhere.

In the end, I embraced the challenge, capturing the essence of this unique Hastings sunrise, where the beauty lies in the simplicity of the sea meeting the sky.

Seaford Sunset Triumph

On a scorching September day during a relentless heatwave, I returned to Seaford Beach with a clear goal in mind – capturing the Newhaven Lighthouse against the setting sun. The conditions were nearly perfect, but I couldn’t ignore the bustling crowd that had gathered.

Armed with a 560mm lens, I embarked on a challenging journey, handheld, along the shoreline. Weaving through sunbathers and fishing rods, I pursued the perfect shot, aligning the setting sun precisely with Newhaven Lighthouse.

This endeavor was one of the toughest I’ve undertaken, yet it stands as one of my best photographic achievements to date. The meticulous planning and unwavering effort were well worth it, resulting in a breathtaking image that I’m proud to share.

Beachy Head Sunset

Inspiration can be a powerful force, and a striking sunset image shared on social media beckoned me back to Beachy Head. With my camera in hand, I returned to capture the magic of a coastal sunset, this time with my focus set on the layers of undulating hills that lead the eye to Belle Tout lighthouse and beyond.

This particular composition was a delicate dance of elements. I aimed to encompass not only the iconic Belle Tout lighthouse but also the setting sun as it gracefully dipped into the vast sea. To achieve this, I positioned my tripod precariously on the cliff edge of Beachy Head, where the winds, luckily, remained relatively calm. As the sun descended, nature unveiled its magnificent palette. Moody, medium-level clouds adorned the sky, creating a dramatic backdrop. Yet, nature’s hand left a gap, allowing radiant shafts of golden light to stream through. These warm hues cascaded over the undulating layers of the South Downs hills, creating a captivating play of light and shadow. In that moment, Beachy Head transformed into a dreamscape, where the lighthouse stood as a sentinel and the sea absorbed the sun’s fiery embrace.

Wilmington Hill Misty Morning

In the quiet embrace of September’s misty mornings, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Wilmington Hill in the South Downs. The promise of ethereal landscapes drew me out of bed before the sunrise, guided by the whispers of morning mist. As the first light gently kissed the Long Man of Wilmington, I found myself amidst a dreamy world, shrouded in soft veils of mist. Bo Peep’s brow, a mystical silhouette, rose from the mist as the sun’s patient artistry painted the skies.

Amidst this enchanting scene, flocks of birds added a dynamic touch, dancing through layers of mist and light. Though the sunrise didn’t unfold exactly as envisioned, the misty morning gifted moments of serene beauty and wonder. It’s a journey I’ll cherish, a testament to the quiet, awe-inspiring magic that September’s transition from summer to autumn brings to the South Downs.

Firle Beacon Misty Morning

In September, I embarked on a misty morning journey to Firle Beacon, nestled in the heart of the South Downs in East Sussex. The allure of this picturesque location beckoned as the mist hung in the valley between the Cuckmere and Ouse rivers.

Despite a somewhat complicated parking situation, the summit provided a breathtaking view, with the morning sun casting a golden glow. The unexpected discovery of Firle Tower and the undulating hillsides painted by the rising sun made this visit an unexpected gem.

I spent the remainder of September on a road trip through Wales visiting the Pembrokeshire coast and Brecon Beacons. Will save that for a separate post. Looking forward to Autumn.