Winter is a great time to stay indoors and keep warm, and many people, including myself, prefer to do so rather than brave the cold, wind, and rain outside. However, winter also offers some of the best natural light, and the more extreme weather conditions provide some fantastic opportunities for photography. I would like to share with you some of my favourite winter locations with the hope that they will inspire you to embrace the great outdoors.

Murmuring starlings in Eastbourne and Brighton

If you are looking for an exciting winter experience, Eastbourne or Brighton is the perfect place to be. From late November to March, you can witness the murmuration of starlings around the piers, creating unique shapes and patterns that are perfect for photography. To capture this amazing sight, make sure to arrive half an hour before sunset.

The South Downs

One of my favourite winter destinations is the South Downs hills. The longer shadows created by the winter light produce fascinating textures and abstract lines. It's hard to beat the experience of watching the sunrise at Seaford Head or over the meandering river at High and Over.

Illuminated Gardens Leonardslee and Glow Wild

I enjoy taking photographs of illuminated gardens during the Christmas season. These artistic displays are a great way to get into the festive spirit and are visually stunning, inspiring me each time I visit. My top picks for illuminated gardens in Sussex are Leonardslee Illuminated and Glow Wild at Wakehurst.

Frosty mornings and snowy days

During winter, I love waking up to see the morning frosts and the occasional snowy days. It fills me with excitement like a child. I often go to the coast or a picturesque village to capture the essence of winter in a postcard-like manner. The sound of crunching earth underfoot and the feeling of cold on your cheeks are sensations that make you feel alive.

Stormy Seas

The winter storms are a sight to behold. The huge waves that crash against the cliffs and harbour arms are both fascinating to witness and great to capture in photographs. Many people visit Newhaven for this reason, but Brighton and Saltdean also offer fantastic opportunities for photography.

Street Photography

Finally, street photography often produces compelling images in miserable conditions. Misty windows distort the ordinary, and umbrellas add a pop of colour to lift a scene.

New Workshop Dates for 2024

I’m delighted to announce that my workshops for next year are now in the diary which can be seen and booked below. Or if you are uncertain which course to book on, you can purchase a gift voucher and use it when the time is right for you. These also make fantastic Christmas presents and birthday gifts for friends and family.