Five Calendar stories plus more

Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas holiday – especially those who have purchased or received a 2026 Beautiful Estpix Calendar. As is custom, here are a few ‘behind the scenes’ stories about some of the photos in the 2026 edition. All the photos were taken between September 2024 and September 2025, which is when they are selected by the very talented Kathleen Spears (Insta: @kathleenspears) and then sent to the printers.

1. Baggy Reflections.

This photo was the most routine for me, as this is my daily walk and I always take a camera of some sort. A classic mid-winter sunset with light winds and dropping temperatures.

 

2. Detail from Hoar Oak Water.

It’s so easy to over-cook the shutter speed, and then the flowing water gets washed out in a blob of white nothingness. Fine if you are going for an ethereal look on a minimalist composition, but for this shot I was looking for champagne. So grateful for the peaty water and pleased with the bubbles.

 

3. Hanmers, Lundy Island.

Dawn on mid-summers day 2025. Originally built as a fisherman’s hut in 1900, and now holiday accommodation, Hanmers has fabulous view of North Devon and entertains fabulous sunrises.

 

4. Lundy Puffins.

5. An Exmoor lane.

Moss, mist and mahogany coloured beach leaves; quintessential components of a typical Exmoor lane. Taken December 2024 near Badgworthy water.

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And here are a few of the photos that ended up on the cutting room floor,.  Nearly pix, so close yet so far away from notoriety.

13. Long Pool.

A popular and infamous swimming spot on the East Lyn river, looking splendidly green last spring.

14. Sea Holly, Woolacombe.

Late summer sea holly in the dunes at Woolacombe beach, something lacking in the composition but lovely colours non the less.

15. Putsborough surfers.

Mid winter, mid weekend at a misty Putsborough beach. I’m not too certain if my calendar regulars are ready for a whole month of a black and white photo? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for looking.

Buy the Beautiful North Devon (and surrounding areas: Exmoor and Lundy) Calendar 2026

here : Check it out!

Cheers.

#Buy local.

#Take photos.

#Play it your way.

Check out my portfolio  https://www.esterspearsphotography.com/

Or if you want:

Buy me a cuppa tea.