Landscape Print – Sunrise Over The Veil

The escarpments of Firle Beacon at the eastern end of the South Downs are hugely popular with local photographers, especially so when an inversion laps at the lower slopes. On this morning however, there wasn't another soul so I was able to soak up the moment in peace and solitude as birds chirruped eagerly in the fields.
So iconic is this location with the folds of the escarpments that its almost become a checklist for photographers new and old, myself included. The views from up on top of Firle Beacon and the surrounding hills can be stunning and whenever I forecast in inversion, this is my go-to location. I've seen mist and fog literally crashing against the full height of the slopes on more than one occasion but on this day there was a sense of peace and tranquility in the stillness of the morning. Filaments of mist drifted slowly through the village and surrounding countryside like wandering ghosts unwilling to pass on.

What I love most about this scene - and is purely serendipitous I might add - are the subtle leading lines of the trees marching toward the rising sun that draw your eye across the image. Maybe I saw this unconsciously at the time but when I shot this 6 frame pano I just wanted to take in the breadth of the scene and those painterly pastel colours.