Dartmoor Photoshoots for Creatives : Avoca - A Vocal Soundscape Artist
A Creative Collaboration on Dartmoor
Over the years I’ve found that Dartmoor has a way of drawing creative people together, and this session with Avoca was no different.
We’d been following each other’s work for a while, and when Avoca asked me to take some portrait shots of her, it felt like a natural fit. Her soundscape work is rooted in emotion, texture, and place and these are all qualities that resonate with the way I like to approach portrait photography.
Recently Lulu (Avoca) had an article published about her work in The Dartmoor News and it was accompanied by some of the photographs I’d taken for her on a wonderful session in August 2025.
Meeting Avoca — A Vocal Soundscape Artist
Avoca (Lulu) is a Dartmoor based vocal soundscape artist whose work blends voice, breath, rhythm, and environmental sound, it sits somewhere between song, ritual and physical theatre.
Her music feels both raw and elemental, so it made perfect sense to create some portraits in a landscape that shares that same wild energy.
Dartmoor’s wide open spaces and it’s ancient areas, shifting weather, and rugged textures becoming an extension of her artistic voice.
After first discussing the sort of visual language Lulu was hoping for from the photoshoot, we eventually found time to meet up on what was turning out to be a rather damp morning and made our way to Scorhill Stone Circle where I think we managed to create some amazing images.
“Very much enjoyed the creative process, even in the lashing rain 😄”
Avoca treats voice, landscape and the “spirit of place” as one continuous instrument, using improvised vocalisation, field recorded sounds and gentle movement to build live soundscapes.
Her background as a recording artist, actor, drama tutor and mentor means she’s as much interested in how people inhabit their bodies and the stories they tell as she is in the notes they sing.
The sessions she leads feel more like personally curated explorations than performances.
Working With Dartmoor’s Light & Weather
After our time at the Stone Circle, I suggested we wander down to the Tolmen Stone, where Lulu decided to climb through (as one of the many legends suggests, for purification) … it made for some incredible photographs.
Anybody who has ever spent more than a few days on Dartmoor will know that the weather is infamously unpredictable.
For my part, I feel that’s all part of its magic. The mizzle gave us beautifully diffused light, perfect for capturing Avoca’s connection with her surroundings. The moorland colours, granite, trees and vast moody skies added depth and atmosphere to the portraits, giving Avoca a set of images that feel at once, both intimate and expansive.
Drawing inspiration from the ancient, rugged landscape of Dartmoor, where she resides, Avoca weaves together vocalisation, sounds from nature and elements of movement and visualisation to create immersive soundscapes that encourage deep relaxation and a sense of tranquillity for the spirit, body and mind.
She works very directly with the land, tors, rivers, ancient sites. Using voice to answer back to ravens, wind and running water in real time.
In her own words, being on the moor lets buried feelings loosen and “a deep, bone‑level peace” wash through, she offers her voice to the sky, stone and rivers as a way of letting go, belonging and being seen.
This sensibility runs through her workshops and collaborations: participants are invited to step away from self‑conscious “singing” and into free‑form sound, movement and visualisation that arise from the place they’re in.
The emphasis is less on polished outcome, more on honest presence. Using breath, tone and simple gesture to reconnect with land, body and whatever the day happens to bring
Although the weather was less than perfect, Lulu’s presence and the location itself made it easy to capture some memorable shots for her website and social media.
Avoca is running workshops and events on Dartmoor throughout the year. To learn more, visit her website😍
If you’re interested in having a portrait shoot on Dartmoor have a look at my Portrait Gallery or Contact Me and we can discuss your requirements 💚📷 I’m always happy to help fellow creatives with their journey.
Even if you think you are not at all photogenic, I can assure you, experience has taught me that your soul will shine through 💚📷
FAQ: Dartmoor Photoshoots for Creatives
What are your “Photoshoots for Creatives” on Dartmoor?
These kind of grew out of realising that the majority of my work was coming from creative people, artists, writers and performers. It seem sensible to lean into a process that fitted well into my own way of thinking. My creative photoshoots are sessions designed around an artist’s identity, style, or an individual project.
I’ve found that Dartmoor’s rugged landscapes offer an amazingly cinematic backdrop that works beautifully for musicians, performers, writers, and all manner of visual artists who love imagery that reflects their work and personality.
Who are my sessions suitable for?
My shoots are ideal for all kinds of creatives.
If you like my work then I’m sure we can put our heads together and come up with something visually stunning. Anyone who wants expressive, atmospheric portraits, whether you need promotional images, album artwork, or visuals for an upcoming project, the moor provides a unique setting and a blank canvas for your imagination.
Do I need to have a idea in mind before booking?
Nope. Most artists arrive with a clear idea (or we’ve discussed this beforehand) others prefer to collaborate and explore possibilities together on the day with only the tinniest inkling of a concept.
I’m always happy to try and shape a visual concept that aligns with your creative practice, or we can “make it up as we go along”. Whatever you process.
How do you choose locations for creative shoots?
I select locations based on your personal preferences, the mood, style, and any practical needs of the artist.
Dartmoor offers everything from wide open moorland to wooded valleys, tors, rivers, and industrial ruins. As a qualified Hill & Moorland Leader, I make sure all chosen spots are safe and accessible.
Can these sessions be used for press, publications, or promotional material?
Of course. I’ll always retain copyright to any images that I produce, but you can use them yourself for absolutely any purposes to promote your own work.
People use their images for press releases, interviews, social media, album covers, and editorial features.
What should I wear?
Totally up to you. Maybe your artistic endeavours require a specific costume (in which case, make sure to bring warm, dry spare clothes as well as waterproofs to keep dry when we’re not shooting).
Otherwise, I suggest wearing something that truly reflects your artistic identity, or just something that you feel comfortable in. Don’t wear anything that makes you not feel like “you” 😍
What if the weather changes?
I personally believe that Dartmoor’s shifting weather adds to the atmosphere. Mist, wind, and mizzle can create powerful, emotive images, however if you’re a sunshine type of person, that’s fine by me. If conditions become unsafe or completely unsuitable, we simply reschedule.
How long does one of your creative photoshoots last?
Most of my sessions run between one and two hours, that gives us time to explore multiple locations and develop ideas as we move. I’m happy to arrange shorter or longer sessions depending upon your personal requirements.
Can you help with posing and direction?
Definitely. Most of the people I work with aren’t professional models, and I think that’s part of what makes my sessions so unique. I can guide you through movement, expression, and positioning or you’re more than welcome to let loose yourself.
How do I book a creative photoshoot on Dartmoor?
You can get in touch through my contact page or explore my portrait packages. I’m always happy to discuss ideas and help you shape a session that fits with your own creative goals.