Introduction

Introduction

You're joining me on an afternoon in February at Colesbourne Gardens, near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. We're here to photograph Galanthus - or snowdrops - and we'll be capturing a wide view, some mid-range views, and some close-up details.

Preparation and Choosing When to Shoot

Before setting off to your location, I'd highly recommend checking a range of weather apps. I find the BBC and the Met Office to be reliable. You're looking for:

• adequate light levels (check the sunrise and sunset time)
• low winds, less than 15 mph

As a photographer, you want to be putting yourself in a position to get the best light, and that is always later in the day, or first thing in the morning.

Think about what you're hoping to photograph, and how the wind or light levels might affect that subject specifically. For snowdrops, low winds are essential, as they are delicate flowers and grow very low to the ground. It's also a good idea to photograph them later in the day, as they need a bit of light and warmth to open up slightly throughout the day and look their best.

Photographing Private Gardens

Often, owners of private gardens are understanding and will consider granting permission for photographers to gain access before the public, in the early morning hours, or slightly after the public have left, later in the afternoon.

Every year, the National Garden Scheme releases The Garden Visitor's Handbook, which lists all the private gardens you can visit in the UK and includes information on where you can find certain plants and flowers, as well as opening times, calendars and maps.

To purchase a copy, click on the link below.

https://ngs.org.uk/shop/books/garden-visitors-handbook-2023/