Behind the Lens with Lloyd Lane

Lloyd Lane is our 2025 Photography Competition winner, with his stunning photo - Fiery Heathland Dawn at Stedham Common. We caught up with him to find out a bit more about him and his photography.

Tell us a bit about yourself

 I'm a landscape photographer based in Brighton. By day I'm a software developer, but my passion is capturing the stunning landscapes of Sussex and the South Downs. When I need a change of scene, I may travel further afield, such as recently I visited Assynt in the Scottish Highlands.

About the winning photo?

I went to Stedham Common before sunrise to photograph the heather. While walking through a wooded area of the heathland, I noticed the sky illuminating with a fiery glow. I quickly made my way to a clearing where I spotted mist rising in the distance, adding an extra layer of magic to the scene.

Tell us about your wildlife photography

I'm primarily a landscape photographer, but I've branched out into wildlife work during the seasons when landscape photography is more challenging. In summer when the long days and intense light make landscape photography difficult, I focus on macro photography of butterflies using an extension tube with my 100-400mm lens. In winter, I photograph Starlings on the Sussex coast, primarily at Brighton. It's been a wonderful way to stay creative year-round and has given me a new appreciation for the smaller details of Sussex's natural world.

What equipment do you use, in brief?

Camera: Sony A7RV Lenses: Sony FE 16-35mm F4, Sony FE 24-105mm F4, Sony FE 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 GM.

What would be your dream photo?

 A misty morning on the South Downs. I've captured this scene many times before, but each time the mist appears it's always different. I'm always trying to capture that perfect combination of light, mist, and atmosphere.

Any tips for other photographers?

• Don't be afraid to explore new genres – when your main genre has slower periods, trying something different like macro photography can keep you creative and teach you new skills.
• Learn your local locations intimately – visit the same spots in different seasons, weather conditions, and times of day. Sussex and the South Downs offer endless variety if you're patient.