Driving underneath the orange blanket of colour is a short yet precious part of the year for me. The nostalgia of autumn comes in many ways for me, and rather than seeing it as a farewell to longer days, I use it to mark a new chapter. Each time I have managed to go home over the past couple of months, I have noticed how clearly the countryside shifts through its continuous adaptation of colour. It’s this that reminds me to slow down, and to appreciate the days we aren't wrapped in grey clouds, and to reflect on what is left for the rest of the year.

Instead of feeling guilty for not being outside, I find this season encourages me to recognise this fleeting time. My family will know I love a walk in the rain, so the weather doesn't usually stop me, but it certainly does when I want to take my camera for a walk. As someone whose documentary work is inspired by colour and light, I take this time to immerse myself in that last little offering of warmth before winter settles in.

Although colour is not the only reason this season feels special to me, it’s the events that make it memorable. Rutting season, for example, offers the chance, with caution, to observe the deer dance in the parks as they compete for their companion. Although this can feel slightly daunting, having the opportunity to witness such a natural event is truly memorable, and my personal favourite spot for this is Petworth Park. Bonfire night is something that I have also reflected on recently. It’s rare to see such a large community of people gathering for something like this. But the idea of your local village coming together, donating offcuts from their gardens to build something only to burn it down again, still feels slightly odd if you really think about it — but undeniably magical, even if the tradition’s true meaning is far from this idea I have. Remaining loyal to my local village, I would proudly say that it is grander than any of the other neighbouring ones, and certainly nothing in London compares. My only feedback for this year—please don’t run out of mulled wine, especially when I’ve just reached the front of the queue!

And finally, I must note the magic of “oh I need this layer… no I'm too hot…hang on where are my gloves? Ah, that’s another pair gone…” Or the moments when you completely forget that it's getting colder and immediately run back into the house (bonus points if you're running late) to grab the closest thing. I love the slightly mismatched appearance that comes with practicality taking over, and I am someone who fully embraces this.

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