PAD 130 - Bluebell Wood

[Mike Farley]

Day 130 and finally an opportunity to photograph some bluebells now that they are fully out. I set off with the sun shining, but it was behind a cloudy sky by the time I got to my destination. Having shot in overcast conditions, I ran out of time and had to return, only for the sun to come out again when I got home.

Canon EOS 7D
EF-S 17 - 55 f/2.8
Focal length 31 mm
4 secs
f/11
ISO 100
0.6 soft ND graduated filter
Polarising filter
Tripod

This is a composite of two images made from the same Raw file. The white balance is different for the bluebells and the trees to get the best colours in both.

[davidc]

Was this up in croham hurst woods?

[Peter Boughton]

My guess would be Littleheath Woods?

Assuming that is we're not missing the obvious and it is actually a place called Bluebell Wood, somewhere near the railway in #131.

[Mike Farley]

My guess would be Littleheath Woods?

A bit further afield, Peter. It's Staffhurst Wood, just south of Limpsfield and a favourite place for me to take Bluebell shots. I was going to try some other places this year, but the time and opportunity just did not seem to coincide.

[Rose]

I went up to staffhurst Wood a couple of weeks ago but the bluebells are late this year and there weren;'t so many out. I also like Andrews Wood in Shoreham

[Mike Farley]

I went up to staffhurst Wood a couple of weeks ago but the bluebells are late this year and there weren;'t so many out. I also like Andrews Wood in Shoreham

When I went, the bluebells seemed to be at their peak. I would like to make a return visit when there is some sun, but that has been in short supply on the occasions when I have been free. This might be my only bluebell shoot of the year.

I tried Andrew's Wood a couple of years ago, but for some of the time there was a woman in the distance having her photo taken so I was having to compose to keep her out of the picture. When we met at club a few days later, I found out that it was you! You had been too far away for me to recognise, otherwise I would have said hello.

On balance, I have had more success with bluebell shots at Staffhurst Wood, but both are good locations.