In Search of Heather - Part 3

Unlike my trials and tribulations with capturing photographs of thrift, photographing heather should be easier. It's not that the art of photographing heather is easier than thrift, it's just that Dartmoor National Park is considerably closer than Cornwall (where the thrift is). The closeness of Dartmoor means I can go there more often, greatly increasing my chances of capturing a heather themed photograph.

A week on from my visit to Grimspound in my last blog post, I decide this time to visit Chinkwell Tor. Chinkwell Tor has a special place in my photography heart as it's the only other place where I've captured good photographs of heather.

**Chinkwell Tor Heather, Dartmoor National Park** - Nikon Z8, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 24mm, f/22, 0.4 sec at ISO 64.

However, the saying "past performance does not guarantee future results" is true for a reason, but I arrived at Chinkwell Tor cautiously optimistic. I needn't have worried though. I soon discovered a few clumps of heather beautifully mixed in with the luscious yellow of the gorse bushes. But would I get the weather conditions? Would overcast or clear blue skies spoil the party?

**Honeybag Heather #1, Dartmoor National Park** - Nikon Z8, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 24mm, f/13, 1 sec at ISO 64.

As you can see from the photographs, the answer is no. It's not often everything comes together, but when it does, it's extremely satisfying. I'm not suggesting the photographs here are outstanding, but that's rarely the goal. The goal is always to spend some quality time on Dartmoor, experience the start of a new day, and if possible, capture some photographs that make me happy. And these photographs make me happy.

Saying that, I'll probably head out in a few days again. The heather was looking good, so no point in stopping now.