I’ve been up to the Pebblebed Heaths several times without discussing these here. I’m still finding my way around what I want from them personally. Stylistically, I’m attracted to the paths, especially where these braid or are rutted by heavy machinery, as these give me the striking lines I’ve enjoyed so much enjoyed in photographing the M5 bridge at Exminster/ Topsham. Yesterday’s shoot was particularly successful, as the frost picked the lines out still further – something that can be problematic where there is deep shadow or a lack of contrast in overcast conditions.

Likewise, I’m continuing my explorations of the ground with the ‘pebble portraits’. The pebbles are a central part of the heath and I think should form a major focus in a photographic exploration – I’m going to challenge myself to tell as much through these about land use (bike tracks, dog prints) and the seasons (acorns, frost). The pebbles are often visually arresting and I should choose pebbles for their attractiveness as well as their context.

I’m also considering ways to use the picturesque. I think this is important in capturing what the heaths ‘mean’ to their users, as the visual sense is formed by cultural experience, whether or not a photograph is being taken. I could do this unproblematically by following the aesthetics of attractive amateur photography, I could represent the picturesque being formed through photographing photographers, or I could subvert standard picturesque content. All three tactics are demonstrated below.