Solitary

There's something powerful about a tree standing alone on a hilltop—it draws your eye immediately, becomes the anchor for everything around it. I'd been driving through the West Sussex countryside on this December morning when I spotted this magnificent oak perched on the ridge, perfectly positioned against what was developing into a spectacular sunrise.

I pulled over and set up quickly, knowing the best light wouldn't last long. As the sun rose behind the tree, the sky erupted in layers of fiery orange, deep red, and soft purple—those intense winter sunrise colours that only happen when the air is crisp and clear. The tree stood in perfect silhouette, every branch visible against that glowing backdrop. I used my telephoto lens to compress the scene, bringing the sun closer to the tree and emphasizing that sense of solitude and drama.

What I love about this image is its simplicity and strength. The tree needs nothing else—no other elements competing for attention. It's been standing on this hill for decades, maybe centuries, witnessing sunrise after sunrise. This particular morning, with the sun positioned perfectly behind it and the sky ablaze with colour, felt like the tree was having its moment in the spotlight.

When you look at this photograph, I want you to feel that sense of quiet resilience—of standing strong and solitary, beautiful in its independence, silhouetted against the dramatic canvas of a South Downs winter sunrise.