Autumn Landscape Photography (2023)

In Search of Autumn (2023)

Capturing the beauty of a diverse season
A wideopen empty field of wild grasses sits in the gorge flanked by a dense canopy of vibrant autumn coloured trees.

Hey everyone! How's it going?

Autumn surprised me this year. I worried that the constant gloom that had lingered throughout summer would make autumn landscape photography similarly challenging. However, this season turned out to be surprisingly diverse and full of vibrant moments. While I didn’t capture the morning mist and inversions I was hoping for, the gloomy weather handed me lemons, and I made a veritable fountain of lemonade.

A picturesque river meanders through a dense forest, dotted with moss covered rocks and framed by lush autumn coloured trees, inviting exploration.

Embracing Autumn's mood and atmosphere

Autumn is often known for its damp and gloomy days, which are perfect for capturing mood, atmosphere, and a touch of magic in landscape photography. After enduring several grey summer months, I had hoped for a change. Thankfully, autumn offered some striking displays of color during the few cloud-free days.

One of the highlights was at Allen Banks, which looked resplendent as the low autumn sun pierced through the valley. The waters of the River Allen subsided just enough to create the perfect amount of white water as it cascaded over the lip.

This explosion of color was a breath of fresh air after weeks of seemingly endless grey skies.

A vibrant autumn forest showcasing colorful trees and fallen leaves, capturing the essence of fall's beauty
A person relaxes momentarily on a rock, gazing into the low sun against an autumnal backdrop of vibrant trees as a wide river cascades in the foreground.

Challenges and Thrills in the Autumn Landscape

The beginning of the season brought unexpected challenges to my autumn landscape photography. A storm chase around the North York Moors nearly ended in disaster when my windscreen wipers failed during a core punch. Additionally, a hike up the Simonside Hills in Northumberland, intended to capture the vibrant heather, turned into a midge-infested ordeal as a downpour transformed the path into a river.

A rugged rocky outcrop overlooking a vast landscape backdrop as moody heavy clouds hang in the air.

Yet, these trials were not without rewards. A thrilling encounter with Storm Babet at Tynemouth Priory showcased the spectacular crashing of waves against lighthouses, adding a unique dimension to my autumn photography portfolio.

Tynemouth lighthouse is enveloped by tumultuous waves, symbolizing safety and guidance in the face of nature's fury.
A powerful wave crashes dramatically over South SHields lighthouse, showcasing the force of nature against man-made structures

wondrous Waterfalls

The prolonged rainfall brought by Storm Babet and other rain-bearing systems transformed rivers and waterfalls, creating mesmerizing scenes for autumn landscape photography. Summerhill Force, Birkey Burn, Routin Linn, and Wharnley Burn were particularly enchanting, with High Force shrouded in mist, providing a mystical backdrop for the vibrant autumn colors against the grey landscape. These moments turned out to be some of the most rewarding of the season.

A picturesque waterfall tumbles over a rocky ledge in a forest setting, enveloped by leafy trees and a rich natural landscape.
A waterfall in full spate flows through a dense woodland, framed by green trees and autumn-hued leaves.
A stunning waterfall tumbles over a rocky outcrop, surrounded by golden autumnal trees, illustrating a dramatic outdoor landscape
A serene river Tees flows gently, with a majestic waterfall cascading in the background, surrounded by lush autumn foliage.

Discovery and Loss

As September came to a close, my focus shifted to hunting for ancient trees and reflecting on the loss of a beloved landmark. In preparation for the misty mornings I hoped would come, I explored local forests, seeking out withered and twisted old trees. Holystone Forest was especially fruitful, revealing ancient oaks and eerie coppiced trees that added depth to my autumn landscape photography.

An ancient, twisted oak tree rises out of the vibrant fiery foliage of autumnal ferns.
A crooked and bent coppiced tree with sprawling limbs standing beside an ancient moss covered stone wall.

Unfortunately, late in September, the iconic Sycamore tree at Hadrian's Wall was felled in an act of malice. This tree was more than just a landmark; it was a symbol that resonated with people worldwide.

I was fortunate to have captured one last poignant image of this beloved tree earlier in the month, a moment that now feels bittersweet and foreshadowing.

The solitary tree of Sycamore Gap as it stands within lush green hills under a clear blue sky, symbolizing tranquility and nature's beauty.
A solitary tree stands in the furrow between two hills under a serene pink sky, creating a tranquil and picturesque landscape.

Nature's Spectacular Finale

The cherry on top of this unpredictable season arrived at the beginning of November. Before the fireworks lit up the sky, nature treated me to a spectacular aurora display on Guy Fawkes Night. This celestial event was a breathtaking conclusion to my autumn landscape photography journey. The aurora was clearly visible even in twilight, and once the night fully set in, it became the most magnificent display I had ever witnessed. (Edit: until the following May that is)

A stunning view of the aurora borealis illuminating a windfarm sat in the Northumberland countryside with vibrant colors against a night sky.
The aurora borealis illuminating the night sky above a row of wind turbines, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

Reflecting on a Unique Season

As I look back on this incredibly varied season, I realize that autumn landscape photography didn’t deliver exactly what I initially sought, but it certainly provided what I needed. Despite missing some anticipated moments like inversions and additional storms, the breadth of my captures has given me a unique and intimate portfolio. As I contemplate the upcoming winter, I am filled with excitement about the possibilities ahead in my photography journey.

A tranquil river leads past the vibrant autumn landscape, framed by trees of red and yellow in the background, embodying nature's beauty.
A tranquil stream meanders through a lush autumnal forest, veiled in a thin mist, with moss covered rocks and vibrant red leaves creating a picturesque natural scene.
A tranquil river leads past a vibrant autumn landscape, framed by trees of red and yellow in the background, embodying nature's beauty.
A vibrant tree in a lush forest, adorned with bright yellow leaves, showcasing the beauty of autumn.
Bystushortphotography 29/11/2023 Journal
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Snow falls around the majestic ruin of Edlingham Castle blanketed in snow, showcasing its grandeur against a wintery backdrop.

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