The bluebell season is upon us, and I spent two consecutive days photographing these beautiful wildflowers. Most people head to woodland to see bluebells, yet the urban landscape can also light up with a carpet of blue. Key Hill Cemetery in Birmingham is one such place.
This historic cemetery, located in the picturesque Jewellery Quarter, houses the graves of many notable former residents of the city. As the name suggests, the site is built on a hill, and its undulating landscape is one of its defining features. Every spring, the arrival of bluebells transforms the area into a sea of blue. The two cemeteries in the Jewellery Quarter, Wharstone and Key Hill have been restored and looked after by the JQCemeteries project. The evidence is shown in the tidiness of the grounds, the landscaping and improved footpaths.
Gothic graveyard photography does not appeal to everyone, but the presence of bluebells adds a softer, more inviting dimension to the scene. There were also splashes of red that provided striking contrast. I experimented with zoom effects, using the shaded areas of the cemetery where slower shutter speeds made this possible.
I attended an Igers Birmingham UK photowalk at Key Hill Cemetery in April. The abundance of bluebells creates a striking contrast against the old gravestones, making the location particularly photogenic. Nearby train and tram stops bring visitors into the Jewellery Quarter, many of whom pass by without noticing this hidden scene just beyond the tracks. The blue trams do match with the wildflowers.
Taking part in a photography walk allows me to bring along my larger camera kit. I have been enjoying using my newly acquired Canon R6 Mark II, and the adapter allows me to use my EF lenses, including a 24–70mm and a 70–200mm. I also carry a polarising filter to enhance contrast and colour. With the technical talk aside, let us turn to the images.
As mentioned earlier, the day was organised by Igers Birmingham UK, and we were given a guided tour of notable graves. However, I do enjoy exploring independently, wandering among the gravestones and capturing the interplay of light and colour.
After the walk, we headed for coffee, where we discussed the photographs that got away and, of course, put the world to rights while enjoying the glorious sunshine in the Jewellery Quarter square.
I have visited Key Hill Cemetery with the IgersbirminghamUK gang before. At our last visit there were no bluebells but we were given the chance to see inside the Catacombs.
