Revisiting Venford Falls: Spring Landscape Photography in Dartmoor

I In this reflective springtime photography adventure, I return to Venford Falls in Dartmoor with just one camera and a 35–70mm lens. Swapping ultra-wide angles for a more thoughtful zoom range, I focus on the smaller details — moss-covered boulders, soft light through the trees, and the textures of flowing water. This session is about more than just photography; it’s a reconnection with childhood memories of the woods and a slower, more intentional way of creating. No tutorials or gear talk — just pure, immersive landscape photography in one of Devon’s most enchanting places.

Revisiting Venford Falls: A Springtime Photography Adventure

There’s something magical about returning to a familiar place with fresh eyes — especially when it’s somewhere like Venford Falls. Nestled in the heart of Dartmoor, this location has become something of a touchstone in my landscape photography journey. I’ve visited before, but this springtime trip offered a new perspective, not only visually but emotionally as well.

This time, I set myself a challenge: to push further into the woodland than I had previously. On my last visit, I was stopped by some minor obstructions — nothing too dramatic, but enough to make me turn back. I promised myself I’d come back and venture deeper, and with the days getting longer and the weather warming, it felt like the right moment.

As soon as I arrived, I noticed the change in atmosphere. The air was softer, the colours more vibrant, and there were hints of spring all around — small splashes of green, fresh buds on the branches, and the feeling that the land was waking up. The water level, however, was noticeably lower than during my previous trip. I wasn’t quite sure how that would impact the photography. Would the shots be better or worse? It could go either way, but that’s part of the adventure.

A Childhood Revisited

Woodlands have always had a special place in my heart. Growing up, they were my playground. Long before I picked up a camera, I spent countless hours racing around the trees on my chopped-up bike, building dens out of fallen branches, and damming up any stream I could find. The only rule we had was to be back in time for tea.

I think that early connection to nature shaped how I see the world now. Even today, I come back from woodland shoots muddy, wet, sometimes bruised — occasionally even a bit bloody — but always happy. There’s a simplicity to it that I find incredibly grounding. It’s not about capturing perfection; it’s about engaging with the landscape in a way that feels honest and personal.

The Light Dilemma

On this visit, I was hoping to capture more woodland images, though I wasn’t sure if the light would cooperate. That’s always the gamble with outdoor photography, isn’t it? You turn up, you assess the conditions, and you work with what you’re given. In some ways, that’s what keeps it interesting.

As it turned out, the light was kinder than expected. After a rather squinty start — the sun really was quite strong at points — things began to soften, and I felt like the photography gods were smiling on me for once.

I started by focusing on the main waterfall, even though a large piece of wood had inconveniently lodged itself at the base — the same piece that had been there last time, in fact. It would have been nice for it to have floated away over the winter, but no such luck. Still, I managed to find a good composition, working around it rather than against it.

With the water level lower, I could actually access a better position than before. This allowed me to shoot the waterfall more directly, without having to stitch multiple images together. Just one clean frame. Exactly how I like it.

A Shot Improved

What I love about revisiting locations is the opportunity to build on previous attempts. I’ve photographed this particular waterfall before, but the conditions and my access were better this time, resulting in a stronger image. That’s a rewarding feeling. It’s not always about discovering new places — sometimes it’s about seeing an old one with new eyes and learning from the past.

Unfortunately, I forgot to hit record on my vlogging camera during that shot — a classic mistake — so there’s no behind-the-scenes footage of the setup. But in some ways, that made the experience feel even more personal. Just me, the camera, and the sound of the waterfall.

Moving Downstream

After capturing the main falls, I moved a little further downstream to see what else I could find. The sun was still quite harsh, so I waited a while for the light to soften before attempting another image. Patience is definitely part of the process. It’s amazing how much waiting is involved in something that often looks so instant when viewed as a finished photograph.

I lined up another shot and waited. The water shimmered, the breeze picked up, and eventually the light settled into something I could work with. I find that it’s in these quiet, observational moments that photography becomes almost meditative.

The Gear: GFX 100s II and Familiar Friends

For this shoot, I was using the Fujifilm GFX 100 — a camera that’s become a bit of a workhorse for me. I paired it with lenses I’ve grown to trust, though I wasn’t overly concerned with gear this time. The focus was on composition, light, and connection to the place. That said, the extra resolution and dynamic range certainly help when dealing with tricky woodland light.

One of the joys of returning to a location is the confidence it brings. You already know the terrain. You remember where the slippery rocks are, which direction the light comes from, and which compositions have potential. That familiarity allows you to experiment a little more — to push boundaries and try something new.

Beyond the Image

For me, landscape photography is more than just chasing pretty pictures. It’s about getting outside, being present in the landscape, and documenting the experience. I’m not trying to create postcard-perfect images; I’m trying to tell stories. Stories about place, about connection, and sometimes even about myself.

This trip to Venford Falls felt like a return to roots — both literally and metaphorically. It was a reminder of why I started taking photos in the first place and why I still find joy in it today. It’s easy to get caught up in the technical side of photography, but every so often, it’s good to strip it back and simply enjoy being in the landscape.

Looking Ahead

As I packed up and made my way back, I couldn’t help but think about what comes next. The signs of spring were everywhere, and I’m hopeful that bluebell season is just around the corner. I already have a few locations in mind for that — spots that come alive with purples and blues for just a few weeks each year.

For now, though, I’m content with how this visit turned out. I came home muddy, wet, and grinning from ear to ear — which, in many ways, is the perfect result.

Thanks for reading. If you haven’t already, feel free to check out the video version of this trip on my YouTube channel. Until next time, happy photographing.