First pictures of 2012

I feel rejuvenated by the longer daylight hours of January and at the prospect of spending 2012 exploring new parts of Sussex. On my list of places to visit are the High and Low Weald, the Ashdown Forest, Amberley, Stanmer Down and the South Downs between Woodingdean, Peacehaven and Kingston near Lewes. Of interest are the range of escarpments between Clayton and Offham. Site visitors will be seeing less of Brighton beach and Friston Forest, although be assured that important events, such as the spring low tides, Brighton's starling murmurations and the fiery reds of autumn will be featured on here.

2012 will see a continuation of my trend towards subtler colours and tones. The South Downs is a quiet, gentle landscape, deserving of brighter, lighter pictures. My approach will be directed on obtaining more complete, well-exposed photographs at the time of taking them, aided by the purchase of four and six stop neutral density filters.

I am going to spend every available opportunity searching for vantage points — this could mean going against my natural tendency to spend mornings in a horizontal position. By the end of 2012, I will have built up a formidable portfolio of photographs taken in my beloved home county of Sussex. I hope that the mild winter we are experiencing will be followed by a long, warm summer. Hydrangeas are flowering in Kingston near Lewes, while hedges of wild roses bloom in Rodmell. Let us hope that the summer doesn't betray our expectations with an unseasonal inversion of the elements.

Scabby Brow, South Downs

Scabby Brow, South Downs

Stump Bottom, South Downs

Stump Bottom, South Downs

Starling Murmuration over Brighton Pier

Starling Murmuration

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