52 for 2021 a Variation on the Theme

[Topsy]

Not yet brave enough to join the official 52 challenge (maybe next year) but I did want to do a challenge so I've decided to do my own one without the list of subjects associated with the official challenge.

This one for week zero I suppose because I took it on 1st Jan (exif says 2nd because the date/time was set wrong) and there are only 3 days in that week (of 2021). A panorama of Dartmoor (Western edge between Tavistock and Yelverton) with a light dusting of snow.



Hand held multi shot using Fuji X-T2 and 50-140mm lens.

 

[vanishedbob]

That wouldn't look out of place in the Official 52. You should sign up. It's a friendly and supportive place.

 

[Topsy]

That wouldn't look out of place in the Official 52. You should sign up. It's a friendly and supportive place.

Thanks but given the new lockdown measures I am even doubtful that I will be able to get decent shots for my own version which is much less structured. Maybe next year.

 

[Topsy]

Week 1.

Given we have now been locked down I can now only get shots for this project whilst out on my exercise. I am working from home during the lockdown so my only opportunity for exercise is either lunchtime or evenings, I take the lunchtime option and I have a treadmill at home for running so that is what I use in the week. This leaves me only Saturday and Sunday to go out with camera to get a shot. Now I have an upcoming project which I start this spring which is landscape photography oriented and will involve big hikes with Bronica Medium Format kit so my Saturday exercise is a hike of about 5 miles from and to my door with my heavy pack to get into shape for the project. Additionally, I don't think setting up a tripod and waiting for the light is in the spirit of the current lockdown rules so I will only take hand held shots when I see something that looks interesting and hope for good light to be there at the same time.

Here's my shot for this week.



Of course once Spring comes and I am no longer working from home I will have more opportunity so I will stick at this for now and follow the rules in the spirit I believe them to be set in.

 

[Topsy]

Week 2

Another week of lockdown and working from home. Saturday exercise gave a nice light on these trees. Shot handheld to keep to the rules.

 

[Topsy]

Week 3

More lockdown and working from home so Saturday exercise is again the only time I can get out to take shots for this project. Where we can walk without needing to drive there are limited subjects for good shots, mostly trees and panos of the distant hills. Dead Ferns and thick mud make traditionally pretty shots almost impossible. Here's another tree shot since they are in abundance on our walk route, these seem to have become conjoined.

 

[Topsy]

Week 4

More lockdown exercise hand held shots, weather was poor this Saturday but we waterproofed up and went anyway, fortunately my Fuji X-T2 and lenses are weather sealed. This road junction is 2 1/4 miles on the outward leg of our route which is a big loop passing the sign on the return as well which was when I took this shot.

 

[Topsy]

Week 5

One from my Sunday (this week) exercise which was a much more gentle affair for various uninteresting reasons. Not that far from last week's shot and is one of the destinations on the signpost.

 

[Topsy]

Week 6

Another Saturday walk for lockdown exercise, I happened to be just in the right place when these 5 ladies turned up for a drink.

 

[Topsy]

Week 7

So this Friday was my last day of work before embarking on a 2 year self funded photo project. I had to go to our closest company site to return all my IT equipment that I had been using to work form home. This Castle is on m y way home so I stopped briefly and took a couple of shots hand held with my Fuji X-T2 and 16-55mm.



Given the current lockdown I may have made a bad move since going out to take meaningful photos is not allowed unless you are a professional Landscape Photographer.

 

[Topsy]

Week 8

First week of no job and a birthday to boot. This week we took our first lockdown walk on a weekday as I can now but the rules still apply so handheld only for the time being. Same walk of 5+miles with my landscape kit on my back and my X-T2 along for the handheld stuff. This tree is an interesting shape and if photographed from a distance with a long lens (50-140 + 1.4 converter) can be isolated nicely.


I think it will be a subject that I will get in all seasons.

 

[Topsy]

Week 9

Once again, out for the Saturday exercise walk, same route (for now) from the house and back to stay within the rules. I found this Lonely Daffodil struggling to survive almost overshadowed by the fallen tree. This time I was out with my Leica M9s this shot taken with the 21mm.



I did also have a stand-by image if I got nothing from the walk, Mrs T had a Triffid given to her for Christmas and it is in full bloom so I rolled out the GFX for a bit of still life.



Roll on the lifting of the restrictions, this is getting difficult.

 

[Topsy]

Week 10

Again, still in lockdown and having to stay local for exercise (hopefully on 29th March this will change) so same Saturday hike with handheld being the order of the day. Yesterday was a mix of heave showers and sunshine which always give good photo-ops for those in the right place at the right time.

Fuji X-T2 50-140mm.

 

[Topsy]

Week 11

More exercise photography handheld with the Fuji X-T2 and 50-140 f2.8. Another shot of a winter tree (they're in abundance on our walk route) this time with a Pony in the shot.



This was the last shot of this Winter, hopefully Spring will bring an easing of Covid restrictions so we can venture further afield and find some more interesting subjects to shoot.

 

[Topsy]

Week 12.

Here we are again another Saturday lockdown photowalk, hopefully the last as the restrictions are due to lift tomorrow. My walk route has an abundance of trees on the route, some silhouetted that look really impressive.

Here's one of them, Fuji X-T2 16-55 handheld;



Here's one from the garden on an overcast day, Leica D-Lux Typ 109 Spring is here.




Next week I'm able to travel a bit farther afield for my photography so should be able to post some different images.

 

[Boots]

I really like your tree silhouette, very good.

 

[Topsy]

I really like your tree silhouette, very good.

Thanks.

 

[Topsy]

Week 13.

It was nice this week to be able to go out farther afield, on Tuesday we took a hike on the high Dartmoor, the weather was the hottest in years for that time of March so the skies were just clear but beggars can't be choosers so we went anyway and took some photos.

Browns House ruins on Dartmoor



Copse on the North edge of Wistmans Wood



Lone Tree at Wistmans Wood



Panorama from Longaford Tor

 

[Topsy]

Week 14.

A few shots from another week of more freedom to roam that found us out on North Dartmoor on Tuesday in some "changeable" weather that saw snow storms as well as warm sunshine with some nice clouds for the skies.

 

[Topsy]

Week 15.

Another Dartmoor outing this week saw us going out to Grimspound and Hemmel Down Tor. Here are a few shots from the day.

 

[Topsy]

Week 16.

Spoilt for choice this week, we managed to get out on 3 walks on Dartmoor so plenty of shots to be had. One of the walks was the first outing this year for my Fuji GFX 50S kit for some "serious" landscape shooting at Venford Falls on Tuesday.



Venford Reservoir, Fuji X-T2 16-55.



Combestone Tor near to Venford Reservoir Fuji X-T2 16-55.





First though we went with friends to Burrator Woods for a look at some of the more obscure areas since they live very close and know the woods intimately, I only took my Leica M9s.





This is the remains of the old Blasting Powder Bunker from the quarrying days.



Found this old gnarly tree.



And one of the 3 Redwoods in the wood.



And yesterday we went for a walk along the old railway line that has been converted to a cycle/foot path, again Leica M9.

 

[Boots]

As you say, spoilt for choice. A very fine set!

 

[Topsy]

As you say, spoilt for choice. A very fine set!

Thanks. Its so nice to be able to get out with cameras these days after such a tight lockdown.

 

[Topsy]

Week 17.

This week was a little different as we didn't get out much for various reasons I won't bore you with, however, we did take the opportunity to re-visit last week's location to try a Pano of the falls with the Fuji GFX 50S and 23mm lens. The GFX offers Pano in a single shot 65x24 aspect ratio which makes it easy to frame the shot. It is tight on these falls and I had to take wellies and get into the river to get the shot.



Here's a shot Mrs T took of me at work getting the Pano.



Note to self, must get out more...........................

 

[Topsy]

Week 18.

Another week where we are spoilt for choice as a result of a fine hike over Dartmoor on Tuesday taking in the famous Widgery Cross on Brat Tor then out to the old Bleak House ruins, on to Green Tor then Gt Links Tor, Arms Tor and back to the Car Park.

Brat Tor and Widgery Cross







On route to Brat Tor we came across this Lone Tree (Arms Tor in the background).



Bleak House ruins.



Green Tor.



Gt Links Tor.





Arms Tor.



Another Lone Tree this one on the forward slope of Arms Tor overlooking Brat Tor.



Then on the last leg to the Car Park the obligatory Dartmoor Pony (and Foal).



Happy wanderings.

 

[Topsy]

Week 19.

This week we managed to get out on Dartmoor again despite poor weather. We went out on TUesday despite rain forecast and we were largely fortunate to miss the worst of it though sporadic showers did catch us from time to time.

Yar Tor.



And that Pony.

 

[Topsy]

Week 20.

Another outing on Dartmoor, this time on the North moor Black a Tor and the Ancient Oak Woodland known as Black a Tor Copse.



We struck out from Meldon Dam Car Park out over Longstone Hill and out to Black a Tor wind and rain on our backs pushing us on.





There are some splendin views around the Tor.





We then went down to the Copse and then to the river.





We followed the river back to the Reservoir then back to the car via the Dam.







From this edge of the Dam there is a good view of the Viaduct.

 

[Topsy]

Week 21.

Once again Mrs T and I went out over Dartmoor. Rain was forecast and rain came but not enough to spoil the ramble and by the time it came really heavy we were back at the car.

We headed this time over the North Dartmoor to Yes Tor and High Willhays the highest point(s) in the South of England. Our GPS could't differentiate between the heights of either top...............

The views form Yes Tor were spectacular and those clouds told a story that was about to unfold.



High Willhays in the distance was also in cloud.



The rain did eventually catch us up but we were on the way back to the car and fortunately missed the worst of it.

 

[Topsy]

Week 22.

Another ramble on Dartmoor this week in somewhat changeable conditions, we visited Sourton Tors and Branscombe's Loaf then on the way home stopped off at Brent Tor to recce for next week and I couldn't resist shooting the Church on top of the Tor.



And when I say on top of the Tor...........





The main walk took us up to Sourton Tors a deceiving Tor with great depth and a Trig point.







From Sourton Tors we made our way to Corn Ridge where Branscombe's Loaf sits.





On the way up we spotted a Viaduct but it was shrouded in low mist/drizzle but on the way back the light was a bit better.



And of course what Dartmoor ramble would be complete without the Dartmoor Pony (and Foal).

 

[Topsy]

Week 23.

A re-visit to Venford Falls on Dartmoor this week to try a shoot on film using my Bronica SQ-Ai, I haven't got the film back yet so can't post any of the images but as I normally do when out with the Bronica I replicate the shots with my Fuji X-T2 anyway.

This is the shot I was after and hopefully got on film too.



There are also many smaller water features on Venford Brook worth shooting.

 

[Topsy]

Here's the film version of shot 1, Portra 160 Brionca SQ-Ai 40mm lens.

 

[Topsy]

Week 24.

This week we visited one of Dartmoor's most famous rock formation, Bowerman's Nose. Although I have lived on the edge of Dartmoor for more than 30 years, this was the first time I have visited this famous landmark.



Of course while we were there I explored the different angles.



This is the first sight we got of the rock as we approached along the path.



There were other rock formations along the way worthy of photographing.



As we were parked below it we visited Hound Tor another honeypot location difficult to get without people all over it.



Loads of interesting rock formations on Hound Tor.









Sorry folks no cute Ponies this time but a rather twee cottage at the moorgate.

 

[Topsy]

Week 25.

This week saw Mrs T and me back on East Dartmoor around the Widecombe area, Specifically Bonehill Rocks, Chinkwell Tor and Honeybag Tor.
This was the view from our parking area.



First stop was Bonehill Rocks which from the car park didn’t seem all that interesting but once up close we realised that there was more to these rocks than we first thought.



As we left Bonehill Rocks we got our first look at Chinkwell Tor sitting behind Bell Tor.



We didn’t go the obvious route straight ahead instead we followed a really boring stone track in search of some ancient Hut Circles that we never found, however, there was a great view of Widecombe Church in the distance.



You can see the full story here if you are interested. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

That's all for this week folks.

 

[Topsy]

Week 26.

More from Dartmoor, this is a Hamlet in the centre of the Moor called Postbridge.



It has a rather unique pait of bridges.

 

[Topsy]

Week 27.

A trip to Vixen Tor on Dartmoor.





Via the famous Windy Post.

 

[Topsy]

Week 28.

A trip to Haytor and the Quarry via Saddle and Emsworthy Tors.







See the whole story in my Blog on Ephotozine (link in my signature).

Thanks for looking in.

 

[Topsy]

Week 29.

A trip to Kings Tor, Swelltor Quarries and Foggintor Quarries..........and a Pony.










See the whole story in my Blog on Ephotozine (https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog/52-for-2021-week-29-13888.)

 

[Topsy]

Week 30.

This week I was alone so I decided to try to find some bouldering areas on Dartmoor, The Miniscule Sausage Area and Cuckoo Rock. The Miniscule Sausage Area is not marked on the map, it is also known as Snappers Tor which is also not marked on the map. Whilst exploring I also wanted to take in the Down Tor Stone Rows and a couple of other locations which made the walk a rather convenient round trip.

Down Tor Stone Rows



The Miniscule Sausage Area



Cuckoo Rock



And of course Dartmoor Poines



See the full story in my ePHOTOzine blog, https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

Thanks for looking.

 

[Topsy]

Week 31.

This week accompanied by Mrs T I revisited the areas of the Miniscule Sausage Area (Snappers Tor) Down Tor and the Stone Row then went along to Combshead Tor. From there we followed the old settlements to the Tinner’s Huts at Deancombe before returning to the car via Middleworth Farm. On this trip I wanted to test a new setup I had fabricated for my Bronica SQ-Ai to do panoramic shots on 120 square film. I also took the opportunity to explore the rock formations on Down Tor a little more since last week I was more pushed for time having to navigate new ground.

Down Tor Rock Formations.



Miniscule Sausage Area (aka Snappers Tor) shot with the Bronica on Portra 400.



See the full story on my Blog, https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 32.

For this week’s Dartmoor jaunt I decided to take the trip out to Tavy Cleave in the Willsworthy Range area (military shooting range) we then went over to Ger Tor and on to Hare Tor. On the return we went to a rocky outcrop that overlooks the River Tavy.

Ger Tor and the River Tavy from Nattor.





The full story can be seen on my blog. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog