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.
Continue reading Belle Tout Lighthouse SunriseDecember 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.
Continue reading Storm Darragh Newhaven LighthouseNovember has been a month of contrasts, with photography journeys taking me across the High Weald’s misty woodlands and golden autumn landscapes, as well as to the dramatic seascapes of Hastings Beach and Newhaven. The shifting seasons brought a mix of subdued, moody days and vibrant golden hours, each offering unique opportunities to capture the beauty of late autumn. From stormy coastal scenes to tranquil country lanes and ancient castles, November has been a celebration of the diverse charm of this time of year.
Continue reading Exploring November 2024: High Weald Landscapes and Coastal SeascapesStorm 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.
Continue reading Storm Bert at Newhaven LighthouseAugust 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.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review August 2024Embarking on a photography road trip to the Hartland Peninsula on the northwest coast of Devon, I set out with a plan to capture the rugged beauty of this remote region. My journey began on a cloudy July morning at Hartland Quay, where dramatic rock formations and the promise of stunning seascapes beckoned. The goal was to scout the best locations and compositions, returning later in the week under more favorable conditions to truly capture the essence of this spectacular coastline.
Throughout the trip, I explored a variety of awe-inspiring sites, from the cascading waterfalls of Speke’s Mill Mouth to the striking landmark of Blackchurch Rock. Each location offered unique challenges and rewards, from navigating single-lane roads and remote trails to finding the perfect timing with tides and weather. This adventure not only tested my photographic skills but also my endurance and creativity, ultimately providing a rich tapestry of images and experiences along the stunning Devon and Cornwall coastlines.
Continue reading Hartland Devon PhotographyJune 24 was an active month including a working road trip to the Peak District in Derbyshire and onto the Northumberland coast in north east England. June included some local locations too with some poppy field hunts over the south downs in both east and west Sussex. June 24 ended with a sunset from Dungeness on the Kent coast. What follows is a summary of my landscape photography adventures during June 24.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review June 24May 2024 was a month of diverse photography adventures, beginning with early morning excursions to the High Weald in East Sussex to capture the fleeting beauty of woodland garlic. The white blooms blanketed the forest floor, creating scenes reminiscent of a fresh snowfall. Despite multiple visits to capture the perfect light and mist, the desired compositions remained elusive, underscoring the patience required in landscape photography.
Mid-month, a bout of illness kept me indoors just as the Aurora Borealis made a rare appearance in Southeast England. Determined not to miss the next display, I ventured to Firle Beacon and Birling Gap, experimenting with night photography to capture the ethereal lights. Though conditions and timing proved challenging, these outings offered invaluable learning experiences. Later explorations included overcast hikes on the South Downs, moonrise attempts at Newhaven lighthouse, and sunset scouting at Camber Castle, each presenting unique compositional challenges and opportunities for growth. May’s blend of early spring and summer landscapes provided a rich tapestry of scenes and lessons to carry forward into June.
Continue reading May 2024 Landscape Photography ReviewWhat 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.
Continue reading March Landscape Photography 2024Embarking 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.
Continue reading February 2024 Landscape Photography ReviewAfter 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.
Continue reading Beachy Head PhotographyAs February 2024 unfolded, I set off on a working road trip to the alluring south coast of Devon, planning to make Torquay my base for a week. With the anticipation of serene mornings and tranquil evenings, I was keen to blend leisurely coastal walks with my passion for seascape photography.
Continue reading Devon Road Trip Photography
