Tag Archives: dawn

Belle Tout Lighthouse Sunrise

Belle Tout Lighthouse Sunrise: Capturing a December Dawn at Birling Gap

When the weather forecast predicted a beautiful late-December sunrise, I knew I had to get out with my camera. Familiar with the stunning vistas of the East Sussex coast, I started planning a shoot featuring Belle Tout Lighthouse, one of my favourite subjects. This time, my focus was on a thoughtfully composed sunrise shot rather than scouting a new location.

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Storm Darragh Newhaven Lighthouse

Capturing Storm Darragh at Sunrise: A Morning at Newhaven Lighthouse

December 2024 was marked by a series of storms, and following Storm Bert, Storm Darragh was next in line. According to weather apps, there was a promising chance of a perfectly aligned sunrise behind Newhaven Lighthouse, with breaks in the clouds creating ideal photographic conditions. I decided to take the opportunity to capture this unique combination of weather and light.

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Storm Bert at Newhaven Lighthouse

Capturing Storm Bert at Newhaven Lighthouse: A Dawn Adventure

Storm Bert brought chaos to the East Sussex coastline, with crashing waves and fierce winds transforming the familiar landscape into a dramatic seascape. For photographers, such conditions offer a rare opportunity to capture the raw power of nature in action. When the forecast hinted at a potential sunrise breaking through the storm clouds, I knew I had to head to Newhaven lighthouse—an iconic subject that stands resilient against the elements.

In this blog, I’ll take you through my journey of photographing Storm Bert. From a dark pre-dawn drive to experimenting with long exposures in relentless winds, witnessing a fleeting sunrise, and trekking along the dramatic Newhaven cliffs, every moment was a lesson in adapting to the forces of nature. Along the way, I’ll share the challenges, techniques, and creative decisions that shaped each composition—and reflect on what I’ll do differently when the next storm rolls in.

So, join me as I relive this stormy dawn adventure, a reminder of why we photographers embrace the unpredictable beauty of the natural world.

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Photographing Ashburnham Place in Late Autumn

Capturing the Beauty of Ashburnham Place in Late Autumn

Nestled near Battle in East Sussex, Ashburnham Place is a hidden gem in the High Weald countryside, boasting historic charm, mature woodlands, and vibrant autumn colours. Formerly a stately home and now a Christian retreat, Ashburnham is open to visitors, offering serene grounds and a chance to immerse yourself in centuries-old natural beauty. Late autumn, with its golden hues and tranquil atmosphere, is an especially magical time to explore this picturesque location—whether you’re visiting to soak in the scenery or to capture its beauty through your lens.

In this blog post, I’ll share highlights from two recent visits to Ashburnham Place, my experience photographing its magnificent beech woodlands, and tips for making the most of your time here.

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Landscape Photography Review October 2024

As October unfolded, so did the rich colors and shifting light that make autumn one of the most captivating seasons for landscape photography. This month’s adventures took me through misty valleys, ancient woodland, and scenic coastlines across the High Weald and South Downs. From early morning sunrises over quiet villages to hidden paths lined with centuries-old trees, October offered a wealth of inspiration.

Autumn photography brings its own set of challenges and rewards—ever-changing weather, low-angle sunlight, and a kaleidoscope of colors that can transform even the most familiar landscapes. In this blog post, I’ll share the highlights of my October shoots, each scene capturing a fleeting moment in the heart of the season.

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Landscape Photography Review August 2024

August 2024 has been a month of dynamic weather and breath-taking landscapes, offering countless opportunities to capture the beauty of the changing seasons. From the dramatic storm clouds over Butts Brow to the vibrant fields of sunflowers and poppies near Woodingdean, each location presented its own unique challenges and rewards. My camera and I journeyed through misty mornings and golden sunsets, always in pursuit of the perfect shot.

The highlight of the month was undoubtedly my time spent in Ashdown Forest, where the heather was in full bloom, transforming the landscape into a sea of purple. Whether battling the elements or waiting patiently for the light to be just right, this month’s adventures have not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us. Join me as I reflect on these August days, full of discovery, challenges, and the simple joys of landscape photography.

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Ashdown Forest Heather Photography

As the August bank holiday approached, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the vibrant purple hues of Ashdown Forest’s heather, eager to capture its fleeting beauty before the season’s end. Nestled in the heart of East Sussex, Ashdown Forest is a vast expanse of heathland, renowned for its scenic beauty and as the inspiration behind A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. Each August, this sprawling landscape, with its rolling hills and open skies, transforms into a breathtaking sea of purple as the heather reaches its peak bloom.

With my camera in hand and a mission in mind, I set out to explore the forest’s ten square miles of public open access land, determined to find the perfect compositions amidst the sweeping heathland. This journey was not just about photography but also about immersing myself in the tranquillity and natural beauty of one of England’s most enchanting landscapes.

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Garlic Woodland High Weald

Happy with my April bluebell photography, for the first bank holiday weekend of May, the plan was to head out to the high weald woodland to try and capture some wild garlic.

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March Landscape Photography 2024

What follows is a review of Landscape and seascape photography during March 2024. The majority of the time spent outdoors was on the south downs and coast of East Sussex.

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February 2024 Landscape Photography Review

February 2024: A Photographic Expedition

Embarking on a journey across varied landscapes, February 2024 presented a tapestry of photographic opportunities, from the undulating hills of East Sussex to the captivating seascapes of South Devon. Despite the challenges of an exceptionally rainy season, perseverance and timely excursions resulted in a diverse collection of over 50 striking images. These visual treasures, now ready to grace the galleries of stock photography, capture the essence of the month’s dynamic moods. However, an unforeseen bout of illness post-adventure has temporarily paused the wanderlust, leading to a reflective pause in early March.

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Beachy Head Photography

After my road trip to Devon and settling back into life in East Sussex, the last couple of weekends of February 2024 saw me making some repeat visits to the cliff edge of Beachy Head for a sunset and dawn moonset.

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Brighton Pier Photography

On the return from my road trip to Devon and Dorset made the decision to stop off in Brighton east Sussex for a few days. The plan once again was to stay in a seafront hotel and get in some sunrise and sunset photography with the Brighton Piers as the main focal point. It was also prime time for the starling murmuration’s.

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