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 LighthouseHastings, with its rich history and stunning coastal views, offers endless opportunities for photographers. This November, after weeks of gloom, I finally got the chance to explore and photograph some of the town’s most iconic locations during golden hour and sunset. The results were as rewarding as they were instructive, with each shoot offering its own challenges and lessons. Here’s a detailed account of my recent trips to East Hill and Hastings Beach.
Continue reading Hastings Coastal Sunset PhotographyAs 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.
Continue reading Landscape Photography Review October 2024July 2024 was a month of exploration and discovery as I ventured through the picturesque landscapes of East Sussex, the South Downs, and embarked on a road trip to the rugged coastlines of Devon. My journey began with evening hikes across Butts Brow and continued through iconic locations such as High and Over, Glynde, and Seaford, where I experimented with various lighting conditions, compositions, and technical techniques to capture the dynamic beauty of wheat fields and coastal vistas. Each location presented unique challenges and opportunities, from the strong winds creating motion blur in the wheat fields to the dramatic sunsets and moonrises that illuminated the rolling hills and fields of Phacelia.
Despite the unpredictable weather and the physical demands of navigating remote terrains, my passion for landscape photography drove me to capture the essence of these stunning locations. Through careful planning and spontaneous exploration, I discovered new compositions and honed my skills in capturing wide-angle shots that highlight the harmony between foreground elements and distant horizons. This month reinforced the importance of persistence, preparation, and the continual pursuit of perfecting the craft of landscape photography.
Continue reading July 2024 Landscape Photography ReviewEmbarking 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 24From the Peak District the road trip continued to the north east of England and the Northumberland coast. I had visited Northumberland before but then more along Hadrian’s Wall. What follows are my landscape and seascapes photography experiences on the first visit to the Northumberland coast.
Continue reading Northumberland Coast PhotographyMay 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 2024
