sky

Dividing the Frame

A serene view of the ocean with shimmering water reflecting sunlight under a clear blue sky. — English Channel from Brighton

An exercise in dividing the frame, using the specular highlights on the water to place the brighter part below the dividing line instead of above

Cloud Cover

A blooming hedge with white flowers under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. — Devil’s Dyke, South Downs

I liked the way the clouds appeared to follow the line of the Spring blossoms.

Walking Around

A scenic view of rolling green hills with trees along the slope, under a partly cloudy sky. — Devil’s Dyke, South Downs

From the bus stop and visitors’ centre, we walked around the shoulder of the valley, aiming for a view down into the valley.

In mid-February we went back to the Doughnut Groyne, between the Palace and West Piers to see the murmuration of the starlings again. This time they were rather further away from our vantage point but we still managed to capture something.

Black Sky

A serene view of the ocean under a dark sky, with a shimmering golden reflection on the water's surface. — English Channel, Brighton

The sky was deeply coloured, but by setting my exposure for the sunlight reflection on the sea, the sensor struggled with the dynamic range, leading to this black sky. In fact, it’s possible to bring up the exposure a couple of stops in software to get a deep midnight blue, but I prefer this stark contrast.

X Marks the Spot

Contrails in the sky forming an 'X' shape against a blue background. — Brighton, UK

The Palace Pier at Dusk

Wintery, Watery West Pier

Walking home on a wintery afternoon we came to West Pier in a dusky light and stopped to see the starlings gather for their daily murmuration.

Dusky Afternoon

Walking home along the beach on a wintery afternoon a week ago.

Bright Lines

Walking westward on Western Road, I noticed how brightly the sun was shining far out in the Channel and stopped whenever there was a broader opening in the street to get a picture of it.

Southward Street Views

Murmuration

A must see in Brighton is the starling murmurations, occurring at dusk between about November and February. We photographed them in mid-December (and may go back this month as their numbers increase with incoming Scandinavian birds).