Sychryd Falls sits within a wooded gorge in the Brecon Beacons, where the river flows over a series of rocky ledges beneath the surrounding trees. In autumn, the woodland takes on a different character as the leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and gold, bringing colour to the darker rocks and moss covered banks.

The sunlight filtering through the canopy is what makes this particular view stand out. Warm light catches the autumn leaves and reaches down towards the waterfall, contrasting with the cooler tones of the water and the deep greens of the moss. The longer exposure softens the movement of the river as it drops over the rocks, while the surrounding textures remain clearly defined.

I captured this view from low down beside the river, using the rocks in the foreground to lead towards the falls and the wooden footbridge above. The layered composition shows how the waterfall sits within the gorge, with the trees framing the scene and giving a sense of how enclosed the landscape is.

Sychryd Falls offers something different throughout the year, but autumn brings a particular contrast between the woodland colours and the darker landscape beneath them. On this occasion, the combination of golden leaves, filtered sunlight and flowing water came together to make the surrounding woodland just as much a part of the photograph as the waterfall itself.