A Photoshoot with NaturePenny
On Shelstone Tor
“People have asked me for the purpose of these pictures, and I don’t really have an answer. Saying ‘just because’ makes it sound a little shallow and self-indulgent, but it felt deeply meaningful.
I think that comes across in the images. ”
A while ago now, the fabulous “NaturePenny” spotted my work on her Instagram feed and got in touch.
There was no real plan made, nor any expectations.
We just loosely agreed that at some point in the future, I’d shoot some images for a project that Penny had in the back of her mind.
Many months passed and then, almost out of the blue, she let me know she’d be on Dartmoor in the near future, and asked if we could meet up for a shoot.
On the edge of Shelstone Tor - by the hawthorn
There being no set plan, we discussed several locations and I made suggestions that I thought gave us the greatest number of opportunities. One location in particular had come up when Penny had been discussing Dartmoor with a friend only a few days prior.
We took this as a sign 😍
So in August we set off from Prewley Moor to wander across to Shelstone Tor and then down to Black-a-Tor Copse.
“Paul walked me to some beautiful spots, as we spoke about nature and creativity. I am impressed with the evocative colours and arrangements of the pictures. You can be playful or stoic, he’ll make it work.”
We pottered around on Shelstone Tor for a while, enjoying the company of a few ponies and the amazing views into the West Okement Valley, then made our way down to the river near the waterworks walled off bit and easily crossed the river (it was August, and had been fairly warm, this route isn’t recommended at wetter times of the year or after heavy rainfall!)
I wanted Penny to see this spot as there is a fantastic little waterfall in amongst the oaks and rowan that crowd the river and I thought it might make for some interesting images if she was happy to jump in the water 😁
Once we’d traversed the boggy bit and meandered along the rivers edge to the copse, we paused to have a snack and gather our ideas, before quickly realising that “making it up as we went along” was a way superior plan 😍
As Penny already had an inkling of the types of portraits she wanted, I was happy to follow her lead and just point out areas I knew looked great in photographs.
It was hard not to get wonderful images!
“I believe in the power of creative expression. This ‘just because’ photoshoot is a reflection on myself, but I’ve come to realise how transformative creativity can be, even when pursued for its own sake. Having these pictures done felt good in itself, but I believe materialising these images of my self has created a ripple effect in my life, so the creative force continues.”
As we made our way back we passed the small waterfall and Penny was keen to get in the water.
I’m never one to dissuade people from getting into rivers. It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
We messed about in the rapids for a little while and then made our way to the weir near the thin bridge and jumped in the water there as well. I’d brought along my underwater housing, but I’d not thought through the location, so the water there was very muddied with peat.
Although cloudy and without any bright sunlight to “jazz” up the images, the results were still rather pleasing and I think the experience definitely added to my knowledge of underwater photography. Most importantly, Penny liked the results.
It was an absolute joy to meet NaturePenny and to show her a part of Dartmoor she’d not visited before.
I wish her the best with all her future projects - please follow her on Instagram or visit her Etsy shop to see some of the things she’s been making (she made the woven rucksack in our photographs) 😍