In Search of Heather - Part 5

If you've been reading my blog over the last few weeks, you'll know that I've been busy exploring Dartmoor looking to capture some compelling images of heather. After a slow start, I've had a good run of capturing photographs I am happy with. Not one to quit while I'm ahead and finish on a positive note, I decided to push for another photograph by heading to Hookney Tor.

In part 2 of this mini heather themed series of blog posts I mentioned that I struggled with finding a balanced composition at Hookney Tor, so I eventually changed location and photographed Grimspound instead. However, I was sure that with a bit more exploration I would find a composition featuring Hookney Tor. One observation I made during my previous visit was that I thought that Hookney Tor might be better at sunset rather than sunrise.

Despite some pleasant evening conditions up on Hookney Tor, I continued to struggle to find a composition with the tor and the heather. In a moment of frustration, I walked to the viewpoint of Grimspound to capture some photographs, but I was using the same composition as my previous visits, and arguably, the images weren't as good.

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

Over the years that I've been photographing Dartmoor National Park I've come to the conclusion that not all tors are worth photographing. Perhaps Hookney Tor was going to fall into this category? When it started to cloud over, I packed my bag and started walking back to the car.

It was at this point that I got inspired. On the path was a small rocky outcrop which was catching the light from the setting sun. There was even a small clump of heather to include in the composition. I frantically got my camera back out of the bag and grabbed a few shots. I was just in time as no sooner had I captured the image the light was gone.

**Hookney Heather, Dartmoor National Park** - Nikon Z8, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 23mm, f/13, 1/4 sec at ISO 64.

While the image isn't as good as my previous heather photographs this year, I am still pleased with the result. Especially as I thought I was going home with no photographs. But I also learnt an important lesson. During my visits to Hookney Tor I had been very focused on the large rock stacks and making them part of my composition. What I also need to keep an eye out for is the small things. The small rocky outcrops of Dartmoor, that despite their size, can still make for good photographs.

Will there be a part 6 to my Dartmoor National Park heather series of photographs? I don't think so, but you never know!