Lockdown Landscapes
The onset of another lockdown after Christmas has put a stop to portrait photography for most of us. However every challenge is an opportunity so I have been using this time to focus on capturing landscapes around Brighton and the surrounding area. Photography is a creative pastime so it’s important to attempt different styles of shots and push your technical abilities further.
I have always lived in Sussex and became a ‘Brightonian’ in 2017. Luckily Brighton is not only by the sea, but at the heart of the South Downs and it’s stunning scenery. Lockdown may limit possibilities but there is no excuse not to explore the beautiful local area, and see what you can find!
Brighton is known for it’s stunning sunrises and sunsets - I enjoy both but have a preference for being the early riser. There is something about seeing that first light, when the streets are quiet, that is extremely calming and serene. Getting out of bed that bit earlier can be a struggle but once you are up and out, you’re glad you’ve made the effort.
Between about November and February every year Brighton is treated to beautiful starling displays at the Brighton Palace Pier. Locals congregate on the seafront a little before sunset, grab a space on the pebbles, and just take in the wonderful spectacle. They create all kinds of interesting shapes and movements which local photographers capture and share online. These are two which I have taken this year, the first is like an attack formation as they bend towards the end of the pier. The second is a swarm-like shot where the starlings take over a large area of the pier. I’m looking forward to November 2021 and continuing to enjoy this lovely show of nature.
My family and I used lockdown as an opportunity to discover some of the local walks around Brighton. Over some of the cold spells we spent time walking around Shoreham. One time it was particularly cold and all of the grass and trees were transformed into a winter wonderland! I particularly liked this photo of a lone tree I snapped - the way the icicles had formed from the branches was stunning.
And the windy, stormy sea created this snow-like affect on the beach.
I also spent a lot of time on Brighton & Hove promenade, it’s a great place for our toddler to run around without the worry of traffic. In these photos I used the puddles by the beach hits to create some interesting reflections. The photo on the left is actually flipped upside down, as I liked the way the ground suddenly became a cloudy, moody sky.
