Get snapping in the South Downs this autumn

“Autumn is my season, dear. It is, after all, the season of the soul”

Famous words from the celebrated writer Virginia Woolf, who retreated to the South Downs for her literary inspiration and loved long tranquil walks in the chalk downland.

Woolf linked the transitioning nature of autumn to a deeper inner calmness. The approaching season really can be a wonderful time to enjoy gentle activities that soothe the soul before the bite of winter hits.

September and October are particularly lovely months in the National Park and, after a scorcher of a summer, most of us will appreciate some cooler, rainier days with some autumn mists, muddier tracks and stunning sunsets. Due to the intense heatwaves and drought, the National Park is not alone in experiencing a “false autumn”, with many crunchy leaves already on the ground and trees putting on a show of brown and orange hues.

Autumn photography
With so much woodland, the spectacle of colour in the South Downs never fails to disappoint and it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy some photography, whether flying solo or with friends or family.

Entries close for the National Park’s photo competition on 31st October, so there’s still plenty of time to enter the competition for a chance to win £250.

This year the theme is ‘Serene South Downs: Back to Nature’ and judges will be looking for breathtaking images that celebrate the National Park’s serenity and those moments of slowing down and taking stock. As always there will be a dedicated wildlife and youth category, as well as a new special monochrome category, supported by Rachael Talibart’s f11 Workshops.

Renowned Brighton-based photographer Finn Hopson, who is one of the competition judges, shared some tips for autumnal photography.

He said: “For maximum serenity it may be worth heading out when the wind drops, or when there may be a bit of magical mist floating around.

“Get out early, stay out late. There’s nothing quite like being the only one watching the sun come from the top of the Downs, or having the woods all to yourself on a peaceful morning. Similarly there is plenty of serenity to be found overnight, with the moon, the Milky Way or just a few nightjars for company.

“It’s worth learning more about the flora and fauna in your local area. Paying attention to the smaller details and noticing seasonal change can be a wonderful mindful practice and can bring a deeper appreciation of the quieter aspects of the landscape.”

Acclaimed photographer Carlotta Luke, who is based in Lewes and is also one of the judges, said lighting was key and later morning or earlier evening “golden hours” made autumn a superb time to capture stunning photography.

“I would say that the best time to photograph the landscape is both early and late in the day when the sun is low on the horizon,” she said.

“When it is high, the light becomes flat and harsh and shadows become too dark to read in a photograph. Low sunlight creates shadows and contours of the landscape that make for more interesting photographs. It can help give a sense of atmosphere.”

You can enter the competition here: southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photo-comp

Image: Autumn Path by Christopher Pearson