Kind Words

I treated myself to one of Dartmoor Shoemakers "Shoemaking experiences" as I have a long-term goal of making my own hiking boots that are comfy, long lasting, waterproof and non slip (the holy grail of hiking boot) - Sarah and Ed were absolutely lovely. Friendly and accommodating (and very polite about my terrible stitching!). I had a great day, and learnt a lot (The Ultimate Hiking Boot is some way off yet) however, I do now have my own most comfortable pair of best boots (even if some of the stitching is a bit wonky). Highly recommended.

The best cheese shop we have ever found, and a mandatory visit any time we are in Tavistock!

Not being a cheese fan myself I was looking for advice about a present for my partner, who absolutely loves cheese. The two ladies in the Tavistock shop were wonderful (and patient) and sorted me out with a gift card. My partner loved it - she's been back now twice to refill on lovely cheeses!

I met Kate several years ago now when I first moved up to the northern side of the moor. She has always been massively supportive of my work and not been afraid to tell me the truth when she thinks I'm on the wrong track. She has also happily got involved in some of my weird photography projects. My partner and I have both bought books from her brilliant shop and also attended several of the wonderful events she organises. Support your local bookshop!

I bid on and won a sword from Dartmoor Auctions (don't ask!) - I did this online, but went to pick up my "winnings" in person after I had taken a walk on the moor. The happiest and friendliest bunch of ladies I've met in a long time 😍 An absolute pleasure to do business with - I am keeping my eye on their next auction 💚

I've met up with Ewan and walked on Dartmoor a couple of times now and he's not only great company but also a patient and considerate teacher - we walked to Lints Tor and did some En Plein Air oil painting (which was a first for me).

I met Kate several years ago now when I took her on a photography walk around Scorhill, since then I'd like to think we've become rather good friends and we've collaborated on several different projects. Kate is a wonderful subject to photograph, her quiet, gentle personality belies the passion of her poetry and beautiful artworks. Kate also takes part in the Devon Open Studios - where artists open their homes to visitors. Make sure you visit if you have a chance 😍

I first met Alan when he was hosting a walk to the newly discovered Metheral Stone Circle for the Dartmoor Outdoor Festival. It was absolutely bucketing down (anybody who knows what a Dartmoor downpour is like, will know I'm not exaggerating when I say it was "Biblical") - needless to say that sort of weather makes it rather hard to concentrate at the best of times. Alan made the weather and the discomfort melt away with his obvious enthusiasm for his chosen subject. I have been lucky enough to meet Alan on several occasions since and he is most definitely exemplifies the dictionary definition of "gentleman" 😍

I've know Kristina for a good few years now, we first met when she modelled for me as a photographer and we have kept in touch ever since. I can categorically say her chocolate truffles are absolutely gorgeous! If you've never tried any, I can heartily recommend them - last Christmas I got my Mum & Dad some and now I think it'll become a tradition (so long as I don't pinch them first!) 🤣

Helen initially roped me into helping out with a Dartmoor Preservation Association event and since then we've collaborated on numerous events, ideas and generally spent a lot of time messing about on Dartmoor🤣 Helen's enthusiasm for anything Dartmoor related is truly contagious and her work, both personal and for the DPA is a wonderful reflection of the love she has for the moor 💚

I met Paul good few years ago now and he has always been truly supportive of my work - He's actively promoted my photography and we've run a couple of combined walks together. "Dartmoor Paul" is probably the most well deserved title for a gentleman who lives and breathes Dartmoor! Friendly, knowledgably, generous and maybe a little bit unhinged, if you want a guide to show you around the moor - Paul is your man 😍

Max is an amazing young man, knowledgeable, funny and always willing to help whenever he can. If you have a query about Dartmoor, Max is your man! I personally enjoy sending him random phone photographs of landscapes lacking any real detail and having him guess where I am. I'm not sure how he does it, but he's still right 90% of the time 🤣

I needed a photoshoot for headshots and publicity stills for my book, however, I had one slight problem. I hate having my photo taken. The remit was to include my beloved Dartmoor in the shots, and also, to look fairly natural. The day of the shoot was fabulous - I felt like I was simply going out for a walk with an old friend, who happened to bring a camera along. Glavind Strachan immediately put me at ease, and the results were fabulous. I am really happy with my photos, and would recommend this service, and will return again for more photos in the future.

What truly sets Paul apart is his cinematic quality and skill-set, nothing short of mastery. Each image is like a carefully crafted still from a film, composed with atmospheric cloudscape and the natural world. Lichen, moss, twisted ancient oaks, storms and wind are his tools which he captures and cleverly uses to highlight and bring forth the essence of who you are and the immersive visual narratives you are co creating. The photos are both timeless and yet also romantically gothic, evoking a poets heart as he translates and transforms like the true magician he is. I highly recommend hiring Paul if you are looking for unique, beautiful, authentically composed pieces of art.

Paul is not only an exceptional photographer but also a really nice man. I have been following him now for a good few years but it wasn't until July 2022 when we first met. Paul took several amazing portrait shots capturing not only me but also the surroundings. Paul's demeanour made me feel really comfortable and I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and the photoshoot, learning about different compositions too. I never knew how someone could make me look so interesting!

That said, it is Paul's landscape photography that, for me, is his best asset. No other photographer captures the moodiness of Dartmoor as successfully. I was very pleased with the two prints I bought and I'm looking at buying a few more!

A really fun, personalised experience. Thank you, Paul!