If you’re going to pose anywhere, pose by the sea – the sea of bluebells.
The bluebells are properly out now in woodland around the UK and it is truly magical if you find yourself suddenly surrounded by those carpets of violet-blue.
I am so pleased with some of my bluebell shots. Considering I no longer have a professional camera in my possession, my humble Samsung Galaxy A12 is doing a fantastic job of capturing the various essences and personalities of the bells. Ok, the quality leaves something to be desired which I can see now they are uploaded on to the blog (they looked better on Instagram) but still, it’s more the perspectives I’m wanting to convey here.
It is partly the camera my phone has, partly the positioning and angles that I am opting for, but mostly forgiving lighting and beautiful natural surroundings.
I ADORE this capture; the abstract positioning of the old trees, their branches snaking through the shot which helps to create an ethereal effect as the spring sunlight rays wash the image. It looks almost like a painting – which is one of the best things about bluebell woods; the feeling that you’ve stepped into a Mary Poppins paving stone painting.
This slanted woodland shot offers an interesting perspective. I am so glad that I got to sit and enjoy the blooming woods in the sunshine the other day because now the sun is beginning to be outdone by unrelenting downpours. More walks still to come though – that won’t put me off! It won’t be long before the bells revert back into hibernation so we need to make the most of them, but we will just require our raincoats and wellies!
The combination of leaves wrapped around the tree and the army of bells dominating the foreground makes for an enchanting scene here. It is like they have all gathered for a meeting by the landmark tree, as if a wapentake, to discuss punishment for any dogs or humans that try to trample them.
A creative passage I wrote, inspired by the bluebell wood one evening:
‘There was something even more beguiling about the bluebell wood one late evening in May; more spellbinding shades of violet-blue affected my motor that screeched to a halt in search of answers.
Answers for the petrification I was experiencing upon entry, soon calming with the familiarity of the ancestral Mother.
But was black magic at play? Were those folkloric beings there with me? Feigning paralysis beneath the bluebell sea while I finally made my intrepid lap across.
They were there with me, I have no doubt. And it had never felt less lonely, to be alone.’
After a very enchanting and successful visit to the bluebell wood last night, this capture is definitely one of my all time favourites!
It is like ‘Land of the Giant Bluebells.’ All I did, at around 7:30pm, was prop my quite basic Samsung Galaxy A12 against a fallen branch, set a timer and stand there.
Being so far away, I look miniscule and due to being so close to the lens, the flowers look gigantic.
So, once again, the beauty of the woods has worked its magic; something it does over and over again in a multitude of different ways.
I’ve visited the bells more times than ever before this year and it has been different – but just as captivating – every time!
I think this looks like I’m about to burst into song and that the bluebell in front of me is a microphone!
I’m truly loving some of the perspectives of myself and the bells that I’m managing to get this year in the woods – true accolades for me as I am by no means a professional photographer, just very creative and willing to try.
It is so much fun just ‘trying’ and having no expectations, but then having my expectations surpassed in finding I’ve captured something interesting and thought-provoking.
I walked through a section of the wood last night and noticed a few dying bells – they are slowly leaving us for another year.
Very much still here but it is the beginning of a slow revert back to the standard, more familiar personality of the woods that we are all accustomed to for ten months of the year; those greens and browns, then yellows, reds and oranges come autumn.
No violet-blue until next April once these guys have departed.
A final visit to the wood for this year informed me that the bluebells are nearly gone again. I am wistful and am going to miss them as they bring me so much joy! But at least we have more beauties to look forward to throughout the summer.
The house opposite to mine has a crawling rose plant just by their front door and it is currently in full bloom with pretty pink roses, so I’m admiring that from my kitchen window, and it is something nice to look at while I’m washing the dishes!
