Winters Photographer’s Guide to Bowerman’s Nose in Dartmoor: Capturing Legends in the Snow

Dartmoor National Park is a haven for photographers, and Bowerman’s Nose is one of its most iconic and mysterious landmarks. Situated in the rugged and remote moorland, this granite outcrop offers an incredible opportunity for landscape photography, especially when it’s blanketed in snow. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a hobbyist, this guide will help you make the most of your photographic adventure to Bowerman’s Nose.

Getting to Bowerman’s Nose

Reaching Bowerman’s Nose during snowy conditions can be challenging, so preparation is key. The site is accessible via narrow, winding roads often ungritted during winter weather. A capable vehicle, preferably one with winter tyres, is highly recommended. For those driving standard front-wheel-drive vehicles, proceed cautiously, as the terrain can be slippery.

Bowerman’s Nose: A Landscape Shaped by Legends

Bowerman’s Nose stands tall, a dramatic granite outcrop that resembles a human figure. According to the folklore of Devon and Cornwall, it represents a hunter turned to stone by angry witches after disturbing their cauldron. Nearby, smaller stones thought to represent his hounds, are scattered across the landscape. The formation’s unique structure makes it an irresistible subject for photographers, with its striking silhouette and the surrounding moorland offering endless compositional opportunities.

The area takes on a particularly enchanting character in the snow, with the pure white blanket enhancing the stark contrast of the rocks against the landscape. Adding snow also brings out the finer textures and layers of the granite, creating depth and interest in your compositions.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit

Golden Hour: The soft, low light during sunrise or sunset provides the most dynamic lighting for landscape photography. The rocks catch the light beautifully, creating long shadows and a golden glow that adds warmth and contrast to your images.

Winter Snowfall: Snow is a rarity on Dartmoor, but it transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland when it does fall. Aim to visit after a fresh snowfall when the area is still pristine.

Overcast Days: Cloudy skies can create a moody, atmospheric backdrop, especially if you’re using filters to manage the brightness and enhance texture in the clouds. Overcast days are also excellent for capturing the fine details of the landscape without harsh shadows.

Photographic Techniques and Gear Recommendations

Lenses to Bring

• Wide-Angle Lenses (16-35mm): Ideal for capturing the entirety of Bowerman’s Nose within the frame along with the sweeping moorland. These lenses work well for dramatic foregrounds and emphasise the scale of the landscape.
• Telephoto Lenses (70-200mm): Perfect for isolating details, such as the cracks and textures in the granite or the surrounding snow-covered features.

Filters and Exposure

• Use a soft graduated ND filter (e.g., 0.9 strength) to balance the exposure between the bright sky and the darker foreground. This is especially useful during sunrise or sunset.
• A polarising filter can reduce glare off the snow and bring out deeper colours in the sky. However, its impact diminishes in low-light or overcast conditions.

Camera Settings

• Aperture: Shoot at f/8 to f/11 to ensure sharpness throughout your image, particularly when capturing wide landscapes.
• ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible (ISO 50-100) to minimise noise and retain image quality.
• Shutter Speed: Adjust based on the available light. Longer exposures can add a dreamy softness to moving clouds.

Snow-Specific Tips

Snow can confuse your camera’s metering system, often leading to underexposed shots where the snow looks grey. Overexpose by about one stop to ensure the snow retains its bright, white appearance. Use your histogram to confirm you’re not clipping highlights or losing shadow details.

Compositional Tips for Bowerman’s Nose

Foreground Interest

Use the unique textures of the snow-covered granite as leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye toward Bowerman’s Nose. Incorporate nearby boulders or tufts of grass peeking through the snow for added depth.

Framing and Angles

Experiment with angles to emphasise the height and scale of the rock formation. Shooting from a low angle can make Bowerman’s Nose appear even more imposing, while a side angle captures the profile that lends it its legendary “nose” shape.

Playing with Light

If you’re lucky enough to witness a sunset, position yourself to shoot into the light for a backlit effect. The glow around the edges of the rocks can create a halo-like effect, adding drama and warmth.

Post-Processing for Snowy Scenes

In post-production, pay attention to maintaining the natural tones of the snow while bringing out the textures and details in the rocks. Avoid pushing the highlights too far, as this can make the snow appear unnatural. Enhance the pastel hues in the sky for a dreamy, ethereal look that complements the starkness of the landscape.

 

Final Thoughts

Bowerman’s Nose is a location that combines the rugged beauty of Dartmoor with the intrigue of local legend, making it a rewarding subject for photographers. With the proper preparation, gear, and techniques, you can capture images that showcase its dramatic presence and the moody charm of Dartmoor’s winter landscapes. Whether you’re chasing the perfect sunset or exploring under cloudy skies, this spot promises a photographic experience like no other.

Don’t forget to respect the environment during your visit—stick to designated paths to preserve the delicate moorland and leave no trace behind. Happy shooting!

 

Meet the Author:

I am a Devon based photographer, who enjoys travel, hiking, rugby and photographing the beautiful world in which we live in, I see photography as a creative expression upon visiting beautiful places. Each picture often tells a story.

Thank you for reading this article, please feel to share it with your friends and please check out all my photography - Wall Art and Framed Prints and our Dartmoor landscape photography

Thanks

Sebastien Coell Photography