Where can I find a photographer in Devon who offers unique landscape and portrait sessions?

Glavind Strachan Photography, based near Okehampton in Devon, offers creative outdoor portrait sessions and moody landscape photography across Dartmoor and wider Devon. Sessions are unconventional, atmospheric, and tailored to each individual — no studios, no backdrops, just wild moorland and natural light.

What makes your portrait sessions different from a standard photographer?

There is no studio, no backdrop, and no artificial lighting. Portrait sessions take place outdoors — on moorland, amongst ancient stone circles, beside rivers — and are shaped around the individual: their personality, story, and vision. The goal is a portrait that looks genuinely like you, in a location that means something.

Are you available for portrait sessions across Devon, or only on Dartmoor?

Dartmoor is the home base, but sessions are available across Devon — Exmoor, the coast, woodland, or somewhere personally meaningful. If it is within reasonable reach of Okehampton, it is worth a conversation.

Do you offer drone photography and videography in Devon?

Yes. Glavind Strachan Photography holds a CAA flyer ID and operator ID and can fly legally and safely across much of Devon, including parts of Dartmoor. Drone services are available for landscape, property, and event photography.

Are Dartmoor landscape photography prints available as gifts?

Yes. Prints are produced on archival materials by professional printers, available in multiple sizes, and can be dispatched directly. Custom print requests for specific locations are also welcome.

What can I expect on a guided Dartmoor photography walk?

Guided photo walks include expert location guidance, help with composition and camera settings, and safe navigation across Dartmoor terrain. Each walk is tailored to your experience level and interests, whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer.

Do I need photography experience to join a workshop or guided walk?

No experience is required. Sessions are completely adapted to your skill level. More advanced photographers can focus on creative techniques and composition. Beginners are very welcome.

Can I book a themed portrait session on Dartmoor?

Yes. Creative, atmospheric portrait sessions are available, inspired by Dartmoor's landscape, mythology, and personality. These shoots are ideal for individuals, couples, artists, and anyone wanting unique portraits in a dramatic natural setting. Shoots can also take place closer to your home or at a personally meaningful location.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my booking?

Dartmoor's weather is part of its character and moody conditions often create the most atmospheric images. If conditions become unsafe or unsuitable, sessions can be rescheduled at a mutually agreeable time.

Who is Glavind Strachan Photography?

Glavind Strachan Photography is run by Paul Harris, a Devon-based photographer and fully qualified Hill and Moorland Leader, based near Northlew, Okehampton. Paul specialises in moody Dartmoor landscape photography, creative outdoor portrait sessions, guided photography walks, and workshops.

CAA Qualified Drone Operator - Commercial Drone Photography & Videography, Devon & Dartmoor

CAA Qualified Drone Operator with an artistic eye.

Commercial Drone Photography & Videography - Devon, Dartmoor & West Country

I'm Paul Harris, a CAA qualified drone operator (GVC) based near Okehampton on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. I offer professional drone photography and videography services across Devon and the wider South West. Combining technical competence with an eye for the unusual that comes from decades of landscape photography on the ground.

All drone operations are fully insured and conducted in compliance with CAA regulations and UK airspace legislation. Where required, including operations within Dartmoor National Park. All flights are completed with all necessary landowner permissions.

Whiteworks - Tin Mine on Dartmoor

With the kind permission of The Duchy of Cornwall I was allowed to fly my drone in the long abandoned hamlet of Whiteworks near Princetown on Dartmoor National Park.

It was a rather long hot day and I thought the footage would be a disappointment, however, I was pleasantly surprised and hope the images inspire people to take a look there themselves.

Commercial Drone Services - What I Can Help With

Whether you need aerial photography for a property listing, promotional video for a tourist business, survey footage for a construction or heritage project, or cinematic aerial sequences for a film or event, I offer a flexible, professional service tailored to your personal brief.

Current and previous clients include holiday accommodation providers, glamping businesses, local guides and tourism operators, and heritage and conservation organisations including the Dartmoor Preservation Association. I'm equally comfortable shooting a working farm or a luxury holiday let and I'm very happy to work around unpredictable Devon weather.

Paul Rendell - Dartmoor Guide

I’ve known Paul for a good few years now and captured him on his walks around Dartmoor … recently he asked if I’d help out with a new promotional video for his website. https://www.paulrendelldartmoor.co.uk

It was a pleasure to follow him and his “Tuesday Walkers” on a wander close to Sharpitor near Burrator. I was able to fly my drone there with the kind permission of the Dartmoor Preservation Association who Paul once worked for (and I’ve luckily had the chance to work along side on a couple of occasions now).

Drone Photography on Dartmoor National Park

Flying a drone within Dartmoor National Park requires specific permissions from the relevant landowners and must comply with DNPA guidelines. As someone who has been working with Dartmoor landowners and conservation organisations for many years, and has held permissions from the Duchy of Cornwall and the Dartmoor Preservation Association in the past, I'm well placed to navigate this process and help make your Dartmoor aerial project happen legally and responsibly.

DNPA guidance on drone flying within the National Park

Bluebells at High House Waste

High House Waste is land owned by the Dartmoor Preservation Association who are a magnificent organisation which for over 140 years has been dedicated to protecting the unique Dartmoor landscape … Find out more about the area here

I was lucky enough to be shown around the area by the organisation’s Chief Executive, Tom Usher and was happy to return the favour when their Communications Officer Helen Bruce asked if I’d guide her around on her first visit to the area.

South Reed Farm

South Reed Farm is nestled in the beautiful Devon Countryside, with gorgeous Cottage Accommodation, Fishing Lakes and a Private Wild Swimming Lake.

I was lucky enough to visit on a wonderful sunny day in June.

South Reed Farm Website

The "LilyPod" - Low carbon, ecologically responsible off-grid glamping

Langstone Moor Settlement - A Hut Circle

Get in Touch - Drone Enquiries

If you have a project in mind, commercial, artistic, or somewhere in between. I'd love to hear about it.

I'm based near Okehampton and cover the whole of Devon and Dartmoor, with travel further afield considered for the right project.

Contact me here to discuss your requirements.

Drone Photography & Videography -Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. I hold a GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate), issued under CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations. The standard professional qualification for commercial drone operators in the UK. All of my drone work is conducted in full compliance with UK airspace legislation and CAA operational requirements.
Yes. I carry full commercial drone insurance, which covers both aerial photography and videography work for business clients.
I'm based near Okehampton on the northern edge of Dartmoor, which puts me within easy reach of the whole of Devon and much of the South West. I'm happy to travel further afield for the right project - just get in touch and we can chat.
No, but not always. Dartmoor National Park has a number of rules dictating that drones cannot be used on the moor and flying within it requires the permission of the relevant landowner, and must comply with DNPA guidelines. I’m happy to obtain the necessary permissions and to operate responsibly within the National Park if your project requires this.
I'm available for a wide range of commercial projects, including property and estate photography for sales and lettings, promotional video for tourism businesses, holiday accommodation and glamping providers, farms and rural estates, event coverage, heritage and archaeological site documentation, and social media content creation. If you have something in mind that isn't on that list, feel free to ask, as with my photography, I'm very flexible.
Yes. I can deliver both edited aerial video and still images depending on your needs. For video work I'm happy to discuss your requirements in advance. Things like intended platform (website, social media, broadcast), desired length, music licensing, and any specific shots or sequences you need.
The weather in this part of the country is, shall we say, characterful. Safe drone operation requires suitable wind speeds, visibility, and conditions and I won't fly if conditions aren't right. For commercial bookings I'd always build in a contingency plan and we'd agree a rescheduling process upfront.
Under UK CAA regulations, drone operators must not fly over people or private property without appropriate permissions. For any commercial project I handle all necessary permissions, risk assessments, and operational planning as part of the service, you don't need to worry about the regulatory side.
The easiest way is to get in touch via my contact page. It helps to have a rough idea of what you're looking for: location, type of project, and any deadlines, however even a vague brief is a good starting point for a conversation.