Slope & Sky

I discovered this view quite by accident while exploring one of the quieter corners of the South Downs, away from the busier viewpoints. Looking out toward Edburton Hill on this July evening, I found myself captivated by the interplay between the land and sky. The light was that perfect quality you get as evening draws in—warm, soft, casting long shadows across the fields that really emphasize every curve and fold in the hillside.

What made this scene special was the drama happening above. The sky was performing—a wonderful mix of blues and whites with those fluffy cumulus clouds adding such incredible texture and depth. They weren't just decoration; they became an essential part of the composition, their shapes and shadows creating a dynamic contrast with the gentle, rolling contours below.

I used my telephoto lens to isolate this particular section of the Downs, compressing the perspective to bring the distant Edburton Hill closer and emphasize the layering. The meadow in the foreground, that graceful slope, and those defined clouds—everything just felt balanced, like the landscape had arranged itself perfectly for this moment.

When you look at this photograph, I want you to feel that sense of discovery and scale—finding a hidden corner of the South Downs where the rolling hills meet dramatic summer skies, creating one of those timeless Sussex scenes that makes you pause and appreciate the simple grandeur of the countryside.