Did you know the UK’s woodlands are home to almost 50% of the world’s population of the bluebell? Bluebells are one of my favourite family photoshoot backdrops and suits all ages, babies that can lie or sit within the bluebells, toddlers walking through and big kids balancing on logs surrounded by a carpet of bluebells. It works for all.
In May I had several families book in with me and we managed to get the timing right with the weather and the late arrival of the bluebells, check out some of the photos below. I thought I would share some of my top tips for bluebell photoshoots and will be booking in next years shoot’s before the year finishes!
Tips for a beautiful bluebell family photoshoot:
- Who: A bluebell photoshoot is perfect for the whole family from 6 months to 90! Family dogs are a welcome addition and always add an extra level of fun too
- Finding the bluebells: My favourite bluebell wood is on the edge of Stanmer Park just outside Brighton, you have beautiful field backdrops, tumbling down flint walls, huge tall trees ready for climbing and in the spring a carpet of Bluebells.
- What time of day is best & the weather: The best time of day for capturing bluebell photos is during the ‘golden hour,’ which occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. During these periods, the sun is low in the sky, providing a soft, diffused light that enhances the natural beauty of the bluebells and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. When you book your photoshoot with me I will go through timings and your availability, naps and childcare are all worked around.
- Planning your Outfits: When planning outfits for a bluebell backdrop, it’s essential to consider colors that complement the vibrant blue and purple hues of the flowers. Soft, pastel shades such as blush pink, lavender, mint green, and light blue can harmonize beautifully with the bluebells, creating a cohesive and serene look in your photos. Neutral tones like beige, cream, white, and light gray are also excellent choices. These colors won’t compete with the bluebells and will help the subjects stand out without overwhelming the natural beauty of the setting.
- Perspective: I shoot from low down and at your eye level with the bluebells either as foreground to give a beautiful purple blur at the front of my image or finding gaps in the bluebells, a log to sit my families or children on so that you are surrounded by a sea of bluebells.
- Bluebells are protected: Bluebells are a protected species so paying attention to where you sit/stand is very important. Always use the natural paths and step in gaps when walking through the bluebells.
Contact me for fun family photoshoots – in or out of the woods!
If you would like to book a family or newborn photography session, please don’t hesitate to contact me here and we can discuss a bespoke package that meets your needs.
