Being Connected

This year, 2026, I am committed to continuing to deepen my connection with Dartmoor. From discovering more about its history and geology, to photographing new places or returning to familiar ones in different conditions, my aim is simple. As I said in my Discovering Dartmoor series, learning about Dartmoor is not something to be completed, but a lifelong journey.

Exploration is one aspect of that journey, but just as important is familiarity and experience. This is especially important when I am leading workshops or guiding someone in one to one tuition.

**Rippon Tor Sunrise #1, Dartmoor National Park** - Nikon Z8 with Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 19mm, f/13, 0.8 secs at ISO 64.

Why I Keep Returning to Rippon Tor

One of my favourite locations to take people is Rippon Tor. If you have been reading this blog for a while, you will know I photograph Rippon Tor regularly, but why?

There are a couple of reasons. Firstly, as a location it is a great place to teach people how to approach the photography of Dartmoor’s tors. With scattered rocks, interesting formations and panoramic views, there is a great deal to work with. Aside from being a strong teaching location, it is simply a wonderful place to photograph.

Located on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, with clear views down to the coast, there are few better places to watch the start of a new day. It is those clear views to the coast that make it a firm favourite for me, because if you are going to catch light from the rising sun anywhere, you are likely to catch it on Rippon Tor.

**Rippon Tor Sunrise #2, Dartmoor National Park** - Nikon Z8 with Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 23mm, f/13, 0.8 secs at ISO 64.

When the Light Transforms the Landscape

That light can transform the scene right in front of your eyes. One minute the tors look grey and flat. Then, as soon as the sun peeks its head over the horizon, or more likely over a bank of cloud, those solid lumps of granite are transformed into wondrous monuments of Dartmoor’s geological history.

I love watching the light move across the landscape, creating areas of brightness and shadow, contrast and colour. Sometimes it lasts only a few minutes, but in that time I feel completely connected to the landscape. My camera becomes an extension of me. I am not fiddling with settings or worrying about gear. I am simply watching the scene unfold and change around me, capturing photographs when I feel inspired.

It is a truly magical experience. Even if it only lasts two minutes and my hands are frozen from the constant wind that sweeps across Rippon Tor, I head home knowing I have experienced something that few other people ever will. And if you would like to experience mornings like this for yourself, I would be delighted to welcome you along on a future Dartmoor workshop.