Photography as an Escape: A Journey to Venford Falls, Dartmoor

Photography offers a way to escape and connect with nature. On a visit to Venford Falls in Dartmoor, I used my Fujifilm GFX100S II with a GF 35-70mm lens to capture long-exposure shots of the waterfall. Despite changing weather and moisture challenges, the experience was rewarding, highlighting the importance of patience, observation, and creativity. Post-processing in Lightroom and Capture helped enhance the final images. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about embracing the journey and appreciating the beauty of the outdoors.

This captivating long exposure image showcases the twin waterfalls of Venford Falls, a secluded natural wonder nestled within Dartmoor National Park. The silky flow of water cascades over moss-covered rocks, creating a dreamlike effect achieved through careful use of slow shutter speed. The lush green foliage clings to the rugged stone, adding depth and contrast to the scene, while the soft, diffused light enhances the tranquil atmosphere.

Captured with precision and patience, this photograph highlights the beauty of Dartmoor’s hidden landscapes, where water and wilderness intertwine in perfect harmony.

Shot with the Fujifilm GFX100S II, this medium format image brings out every fine detail.

The Allure of Venford Falls

Dartmoor is known for its rugged landscapes, dramatic skies, and hidden gems that reward those willing to explore. Venford Falls is one such location—a small but beautiful waterfall nestled within the dense woodland near Venford Reservoir. Unlike some of Dartmoor’s more famous spots, Venford Falls remains relatively quiet, making it an ideal setting for contemplative landscape photography.

The combination of flowing water, moss-covered rocks, and deep woodland shadows creates an almost mystical atmosphere. It’s a place that demands patience and a keen eye for composition. Many photographers overlook smaller waterfalls in favour of larger, more dramatic landscapes, but these intimate scenes offer just as much creative potential, allowing for fine-tuned control over elements like texture, motion, and contrast.

The Journey Begins

Arriving at Venford Falls, I was immediately struck by the sense of solitude. The gentle sound of cascading water, mixed with the rustling of leaves, created a calming atmosphere. This kind of setting is why I find photography so therapeutic—it allows me to slow down and focus entirely on my surroundings, free from distractions.

I packed light for this trip, bringing my Fujifilm GFX100S II paired with the GF 35-70mm lens. Given the conditions, I knew long exposure photography would be key to capturing the movement of the water in a way that emphasised its softness and contrast against the rugged rocks.

Setting Up the Shot

The first challenge was composition. The woodland setting around Venford Falls is dense, and finding a clear angle that showcased the waterfall without clutter was crucial. I took my time, exploring different vantage points before settling on a spot where the water flowed beautifully between moss-covered rocks, framed naturally by the surrounding foliage.

To achieve the desired effect, I used a sturdy tripod and a neutral density (ND) filter to extend the exposure time. This technique allowed me to create that smooth, mist-like effect on the water while maintaining sharp details in the rest of the scene.

I experimented with different shutter speeds, typically ranging from 1 to 6 seconds, depending on the light and water movement. Too long an exposure, and the water lost texture; too short, and it lacked the ethereal quality I was aiming for.

Beyond composition, I also paid close attention to leading lines. The natural flow of water created a perfect way to guide the viewer’s eye through the image, from the foreground rocks to the cascading falls in the background. The contrast between the dark, wet stones and the bright, silky water further enhanced the visual appeal.

This immersive long-exposure photograph captures the essence of Venford Falls from a dynamic perspective, drawing the viewer into the gentle motion of the water. Taken downstream, the image showcases the cascading flow weaving through moss-covered boulders, leading towards the twin waterfalls in the background. A fallen tree stretches across the frame, adding a natural element of rugged beauty and contrast to the lush greens of the damp woodland.

Captured with the Fujifilm GFX100S II and the GF 35-70mm lens, this image harnesses the exceptional detail of medium format photography, preserving the rich textures of moss, stone, and flowing water. The careful use of slow shutter speed enhances the sense of movement, creating a scene that feels both powerful and serene—an intimate glimpse into Dartmoor’s untouched wilderness.

The Challenges of Shooting in Dartmoor

Dartmoor is known for its unpredictable weather, and true to form, conditions changed frequently. Patches of sunlight occasionally broke through the tree canopy, altering the contrast and exposure settings. This required frequent adjustments, particularly to aperture and ISO, to maintain balance in the image.

Another challenge was moisture—spray from the waterfall quickly coated my lens, making it essential to wipe it down between shots. Small details like this can make or break an image, so patience and preparation are key. I always carry a microfiber cloth and lens wipes in my bag for these situations.

One of the biggest difficulties was maintaining stability. Even though my tripod was sturdy, the soft, damp ground made it tricky to get a perfectly level shot. I had to adjust the tripod legs multiple times, ensuring they were firmly planted before starting any long exposures.

The Rewards of Landscape Photography

Despite the challenges, the rewards of this kind of photography far outweigh any difficulties. Standing in front of a waterfall, carefully crafting a composition, and witnessing the transformation of an ordinary scene into something almost surreal through long exposure techniques is deeply satisfying.

Beyond the technical aspects, photography offers something even more valuable: a reason to be outside, to explore, and to see the world with fresh eyes. In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple beauty of nature. Photography forces us to stop, observe, and appreciate these moments of stillness.

It also strengthens the connection between patience and creativity. There were moments when I had to wait for the perfect light, or adjust my settings repeatedly, but those pauses in the process were just as valuable as taking the shots themselves. It’s in those moments that I fully appreciated the environment around me—the smell of damp earth, the sound of birds in the distance, the feeling of cool mist on my skin.

Editing and Final Touches

Back at my desk, I processed the images in Adobe Lightroom, making subtle adjustments to enhance contrast and bring out the textures in the rocks and water. I aimed for a natural yet slightly cinematic look, emphasising the depth and tranquillity of the scene without over-processing.

Key adjustments included:

• Enhancing the shadows to reveal details in darker areas
• Adjusting white balance to maintain the natural tones of the woodland
• Slightly increasing clarity to bring out the textures in the rocks
• Cropping strategically to refine composition and remove distractions

I also applied a slight vignette to draw the viewer’s attention toward the centre of the image, subtly enhancing the waterfall as the main focal point.

Final Thoughts

This trip to Venford Falls reaffirmed why I love photography. It’s not just about capturing a beautiful image—it’s about the experience, the connection with nature, and the creative process. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, I encourage you to take your camera, head out into the landscape, and embrace photography as an escape.

Have you ever used photography as a way to unwind and connect with nature? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences! Also if you would like a GPX route from the car park to Venford Falls click here.

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