Once you have smelt the aroma from a display of wild garlic wildflowers, you will not forget it for some time. Near where I live, Wychwood Wood is a small ancient woodland beside Purnell’s Brook. The wood is hidden behind houses and is not straightforward to visit. Only locals tend to know the public footpath that leads to its entrance.
The sun highlights a patch of the flowers on the crest of the hill.
The woodland consists of wet alder trees that thrive in damp conditions. The shade and the natural contours of the land allow the prolific growth of wild garlic towards the end of April. The flowers create a striking white carpet along the banks of the brook. Dark paths through the wood become beautifully outlined against the white and green foliage.
A single flower rises above the rest.A close up of the wild garlic. It is not possible to recreate the wonderful smell from the flowers.
My photographs capture the overall scene that greets you on arrival, followed by an example of how light breaks through the trees to highlight sections of the wildflower display. Finally, there are close-up images of the flowers themselves. I spent a good hour among the wild garlic, using macro, standard, and telephoto lenses on my Canon R6 Mark II camera body.
The bluebell season is always exciting, and this year I took the opportunity to visit three different locations. Each offered something unique, with each wood landscape shaping a different perspective of the blue-covered woodland floor.
Bluebells in Cawston Woods
Cawston Woods is located southwest of Rugby and is a small but charming area of woodland. There is a small lay-by for parking, and accessing the wildflowers is straightforward, as they are around 400 metres into the wood.
Cawston Wood near Rugby.
The tree canopy allows sunlight to break through onto the flowers, creating a pleasing display and offering excellent photographic opportunities. Several clumps of pink bluebells can also be found, adding variety to the scene.
Focussing on a section of the woodland covering.Pink flowers contrasting against the blue-purple background.
Bluebells at Ryton Pools
Ryton Pools Country Park lies to the southeast of Coventry and is managed by the Warwickshire County Council. There is a visitor centre, which I made a mental note to return to at the end of the walk.
The trees guard over the woodland floor.
Once I had oriented myself, I headed into the woods. I stepped away from the main path to capture some of the displays scattered throughout the woodland. In a clearing at the centre, there was a strong display clustered around several trees, extending deeper into the forest.
The bluebells gathered around a small tree.A visitor to the flowers enjoys what is on offer
The area felt peaceful, with only occasional walkers passing by. It’s easy to lose yourself in the quiet atmosphere, accompanied by the gentle movement of flowers in the breeze. Compared to Cawston Woods, this is a larger woodland, offering more expansive and varied displays. Also the cafe at the visitor centre is very good.
In the clearing the bluebells gather under a tree.
Bluebells at Heart of England Forest
Heart of England Forest is a privately managed woodland that only opens to the public for two days each year. Although I had booked in advance for the end of April, I was concerned that the main display might be over, as the wildflower season started earlier than usual this year.
The shadows of the trees lying over the bluebells.
Fortunately, the flowers were still in full bloom. The walk takes you through gently rolling hills, initially passing small clusters of blue. As you continue, the displays become increasingly impressive.
Bluebells in the Heart of England Forrest
The final stretch reveals a breathtaking scene with a vast carpet of bluebells sweeping up the hillside into the distance. It is truly spectacular. From my previous visit, I recognised many familiar views, though my favourite this year features an arching branch over the path, with sunlight filtering through the ancient woodland. Finally the wood opens up to a hill which is a natural burial ground. The views are beautiful and a lovely end to the bluebell walk.
The carpet of blue stretches along and beyond the hill.Having fun with zooming out of the scene of bluebells.
I enjoyed the pop up cafe at the end of the walk and we sat out in the sunshine with our coffee and cake reviewing our photographs that we had taken.
Final Thoughts
This year’s season has already felt like a feast of wildflower displays. Each woodland offered a different experience, from intimate clearings to expansive carpets of colour, making it a memorable exploration of spring in the countryside.
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.
Bluebells gather around the headstones in Key Hill Cemetery.Bluebells cover the grass verge in front of the catacombs.
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.
A place of red amongst the Bluebells in the cemetery.
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.
The camera zoom pulls you into the scene.
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.
The blue trams passing by match the colour of the bluebells.
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.
There are many war graves in the cemetery. On the high point over looking the area, there are benches that commemorate the fallen heroes.
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.
bluebells surround boken gravestone.
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.
A shadow cast by the sun may often produce lovely, interesting shapes on the ground or walls. There is a spot in Birmingham where shadows are created by the tall canal-side lamps that stretch over the towpath along the Birmingham Canal Navigations. The area around Brindley Place offers many opportunities for street photography, urban landscapes, and other candid moments.
I had planned a visit to Oozell’s Square, adjacent to Brindley Place. The blossoms there appear only briefly during March and April, and I arrived early to photograph them.
Being in Brindley Place on a bright early morning was a bonus. The combination of water and the warm red brick of the surrounding buildings create excellent conditions for reflections and shadow play. I spent some time walking along the canals before heading towards Gas Street Basin for yet another photograph of this beautiful area.
A cyclist and a pedestrian approach a long shadow of a street lamp.
I eventually sat on a bench opposite Brindley Place, near the ICC entrance. My attention was drawn to the shadows on the far side of the canal, cast by the canal lamps overlooking the towpath. The walkway runs beneath the “Black Sabbath” bridge into Gas Street Basin and is a popular place for pedestrians. As people passed by these elongated shadows, there was an opportunity for some interesting street photography. Positioning myself on the other side, I waited for the right moment.
Abview of the shadows created by the early morning sun at Brindley place.
The shadow formed a bold diagonal across the scene, with its far end resembling the outline of a UFO. A steady flow of pedestrians allowed me to capture several images using my Canon R6 Mark II with my 24-70mm EF lens. When I got home, I was really pleased with the images that I had captured.
One of these photographs was entered into the weekly #ShareMondays2026 competition on BlueSky. I was pleasantly surprised by the response as I recieved many likes and comments. The image proved particularly successful and was selected as the weekly winner of #sharemondays.
A chance meeting under a shadow.
I am very pleased with the outcome and hope the photograph continues to resonate with viewers. In the meantime, I shall continue exploring, always looking for compelling scenes to capture and share.
If you want to see how I have researched the area in the past for street photography then take a look at my blog “Walk on by”. As you can see the shadows do create interesting interactions with pedestrians.
Each spring, Oozells Square in Birmingham is transformed by a brief but beautiful display of cherry blossom. In this reflective piece, I capture the fleeting nature of the season, the atmosphere of the square, and the photographic opportunities created by light, colour, and passing moments.
The Open Exhibition in Birmingham, organised by PRISM photography in collaboration with IgersBirminghamUK and Darkroom Birmingham, brought together a vibrant display of local talent at The Old Print Works in Balsall Heath. Centred on the theme of “Community“, the open exhibition showcased a diverse range of images, highlighting both the creativity and strong sense of connection within Birmingham’s photographic scene. The project is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Exhibition Format and Display
Each photographer was allowed three submissions, with one image printed for display. All entries were also included in a rolling PowerPoint presentation, ensuring every photograph received visibility. Thirteen photographers, whose series particularly impressed the judges, had all three of their images printed and mounted on the surrounding whitewashed walls.
Selected artists had three of their submissions printed and placed on the surrounding walls.
The first floor of The Old Print Works features a long room with seating along the sides and a spacious central area, making it ideal for both viewing and networking. Visitors could move easily around the exhibition, engaging with the work and with fellow photography enthusiasts.
Opening Night Highlights
The opening evening of the exhibition was a clear success, with over 75 photographers participating and more than 100 attendees. Francesco Falcini welcomed guests, followed by Hannah Greenwood speaking on behalf of the Old Printworks charity. Additional contributions came from Dan Burwood (Darkroom Birmingham) and Nadia Malik (speaking on behalf of IgersbirminghamUK), while Oksana Birchin from PRISM photography encouraged attendees to select their favourite photograph from the exhibition.
Francesco enthusiastically greets the guests at the Open Exhibition at the Old Printworks.
Celebrating Birmingham’s Photography Community
The exhibition highlighted the enthusiasm for photography in Birmingham and showcased the region’s vibrant creative community. While attending, I found it challenging to balance capturing images with simply enjoying the event, yet I was pleased to document several moments from the evening.
The pictures were placed on metal stands in the centre of the room.
For those unable to attend the exhibition, the organisers’ Instagram channels feature a wealth of photographs and video highlights. Following PRISM Photography, Igers Birmingham UK, and Darkroom Birmingham provides a broader view of the exhibition.
A Personal Reflection
Events such as this demonstrate the strength and inclusivity of Birmingham’s photography scene. Exhibitions that combine printed work, digital displays, and opportunities for networking reinforce the city’s position as a hub for both emerging and established photographers. I look forward to attending future exhibitions and continuing to share my observations and images.
The exhibition open night was very successful with over 100 photographers and guests.
The following YouTube video shows all the submissions from the 75 photographers who submitted pictures.
A short video of the opening night of the exhibition is shown below.
My image that was displayed was from Birmingham Pride in 2024. If you want to know more about where my image originated from then please read the following blog
Overall, the Photography and Video Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham was an enjoyable experience. With so much to see and explore, the day passed quickly. I may differ from many delegates, as I was not there to purchase equipment or products on the spot. I consider myself a reflective photographer and, for the time being, I am content with my current equipment. My main interest lies in how to present my work through photobooks and in exploring accessories that might support my photography.
The Nikon stand at the Photography and Video Show 2026
A key feature of the show is the programme of talks, which I find can be somewhat variable. The open theatre sessions are often difficult to follow due to the noise from surrounding activities in the hall. In addition, space is limited for the more popular speakers. I particularly liked the Canon speaker setup, which felt more intimate and made it easier to hear the presenters. I found the talks given at the Amateur Photographer magazine festival of photography held in Greenwich earlier this year to be much more informative. Check out my blog on this event.
Helen Bartlett speakding at the Canon speaker talks.
One talk I was especially keen to attend was by Helen Bartlett on family photography. Her work is highly distinctive, with a strong preference for black and white processing. She also shared valuable insights on how to approach younger members of the family. I came away with several practical ideas and felt inspired to try them out with my grandchildren. I attended other sessions as well, including those on double exposure and Photoshop techniques. Whilst these were informative, the background noise made them challenging to follow at times. This is one area where the photography and video show 2026 disappoints.
Lots of fun costumes were on display at the Photography and Video Show 2026.
The show is also excellent for networking and meeting people. The Creator Playground (CreatorCon) was particularly enjoyable. One of my highlights was dressing up as a spaceman, and fortunately a local photographer, Jack Babbington, was on hand to take my photograph. The area was creatively set up with a variety of backgrounds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in scenes ranging from snowy landscapes to the casinos of Las Vegas.
Dressed as a spaceman in the CreaterCon playground (Photo – Jack Babbington)
The models on the stands attracted considerable attention from visiting photographers. I have learned to be cautious about joining these crowded groups, where many are competing for the same shot. On this occasion, I chose to keep a respectful distance and simply observe the atmosphere.
Model shoots always attract a large crowd of photographers.
I also enjoyed the virtual reality experience of deep-sea diving over coral shelves in the Seychelles. This carried an important environmental message, illustrating the contrast between healthy, dying, and regenerated coral ecosystems. However, the picture of people with their headsets on does look very dystopian.
VR experience of deep sea diving in the Seychelles.
Other favourites included the Disabled Photographers’ Society stand, where there is always interest in vintage cameras and accessories. I also enjoy trying the long lenses displayed on podiums, which allow you to appreciate the remarkable reach of such equipment. All the major manufacturers had impressive cameras and lenses on display.
Camera bodies on display at the Disabled Photographers stand. Lots of Choice.
One unexpected highlight of the photography and video show was the lucky dip at the SanDisk stand. After queuing to take part, I won an SD card holder. It was not something I had previously considered essential, but since the show it has proved to be a very useful accessory. Who would have thought?
I look forward to the next Photography and Video Show in London in 2027.
Sigrid played at the O2 Academy in Birmingham in March 2025. I went to her concert courtesy of tickets of my son-in-law. Small concert venues to me are the best places for live music. In contrast, I have never enjoyed music festivals preferring the intimate dark surroundings of a venue such as the O2 academy.
Sigrid on the piano playing “There’s Always More That I Could Say”
Prior to the concert we had drinks at the Craven Arms which is close by. Highly recommended but it did mean we missed the support act. When we arrived at the venue there was ample opportunity to find a good space to watch the show. As it happens, a few people taller than me were blocking the view. Despite this I was able to get a good view of Sigrid during the concert.
Sigrid on stage.
Taking pictures of concerts has changed for me over the years and I have used various compacts. See my write up on Steve Gunn back in 2019 at the Hare and Hounds where I was using a Sony RX100v5. This blog discusses the use of my iPhone17pro. A simple technique with the iPhone is to control the exposure using the inbuilt camera app. Reducing the exposure in this way helps to reduce the glare from the bright lights.
SigridThe crowd
.
I did take close pictures of Sigrid but most of the time I was in the main crowd enjoying her music. There are pictures of the crowd which show the audience participation led by the singer. Another tip with the iPhone is not to overuse the digital zoom as you will find your pictures are excessively noisy. Where possible I did not go over x2 zoom.
Sigrid and band say goodbye until the next time.
As to the concert, Sigrid is such an accomplished performer and has an exuberant personality. There is no fancy stage show as Sigrid prefers to showcase her excellent singing enhanced by her infectious personality. She played mostly from her new album “There’s always more that I can say” and favourite songs including “Strangers” were played much to the audience’s delight. The band were excellent including some excellent guitar solos. Sigrid’s set list shows the songs that were featured. Definitely an entertaining concert by an artist who is at the top of their game.
A student makes their way into the Teaching and Learning block.
A Wet Evening on Campus
The University of Birmingham campus is very beautiful at night. I enjoy wandering around with my camera, photographing the buildings when the lights are on. The bright lights from the buildings and the rain-swept pavements create wonderful reflections. I realise that this may not be the best environmental practice, but the campus does look splendid illuminated after dark.
People studiing in the teaching and learning block
Earlier in the evening I had attended a talk on therapeutic photography by Neil Gibson, which inspired me to take more pictures of the campus at night.
Old Joe Lights Up the Night
The rain was lashing down and, at first, the idea of an evening stroll was not particularly appealing. However, when I saw Old Joe lit up in vibrant colours to celebrate 125 years, I was captivated and could not resist taking photographs. There were puddles of water that offered several opportunities for reflections of the lights from the building.
Looking up at the colours of Old JoeUnderneath Old Joe, a car sits looking at the Aston Webb building.
Cameras for a Rainy Night
My Fujifilm X100VI is ideal for wet nights, as I have weather-proofed the camera. The iPhone 17 Pro is always with me and is also an excellent camera for capturing wet-weather reflections.
The steps at the entrance to the Muirhead Tower create interesting patterns in the dark
Starting at the North Gate
As the talk began at the Gisbert Kapp Building, the North Gate was an ideal starting point. There are some wonderfully cinematic night views here featuring Old Joe. It is difficult not to become distracted by the envelope of vibrant colours surrounding the clock tower.
The North Gate of the University at night with Old Joe in the distance.
Student Life After Dark
The newer buildings on the right were a hive of student activity. Both the Library and the Teaching and Learning Building were brightly lit, and I stayed nearby for a while to capture students moving in and out.
The teaching and learning block provides geometric patterns.
The trees in front of the Muirhead Tower looked particularly striking and slightly eerie in the rain.
Trees illuminated by ground lighting look very stark in the light.
The Classic Views of Old Joe
Everyone takes the classic views of the clock tower with strong leading lines, and I thought, why not? I headed to the usual Instagram-friendly spots around the Aston Webb Building to capture those iconic perspectives.
A classic view of the Chamberlain clock tower in lights for the 125 years anniversary.
A Quiet, Rainy Walk Back
After taking a few close-up shots of Old Joe, I wandered back towards the Muirhead Tower and along the walkways to the North Gate. It was a very wet night, so unfortunately there were not many people around. Once again there were several reflections creating photographic opportunities.
Railings on the steps leading to the walkways around the Green Heart.
I like to catch the occasional silhouette in the glare of the lights, but most people were sensibly staying inside the buildings. After one last look around the campus, I made a welcome retreat to the shelter of my car.
The lights at the Pritchatts Road highlight the rain.
Stannels Bridge is part of the Stratford Greenway, located just outside Stratford-upon-Avon. The disused railway track is now a haven for cyclists and walkers. A landmark structure near the start of the greenway is an old railway bridge. It was built in the early 1900s and formed part of the Great Western Railway. The steel girder structure allowed the railway line to cross the River Avon.
Close up of Stannels Bridge iron work shows patterns of rust and peeling paintwork.
Now used for recreational purposes, the rather grand structure shows signs of neglect, with rusting and peeling paint. The bridge has been well documented from a historical point of view. Many photographers have become fascinated by it, as this website demonstrates, with photographs dating back to 2012.
The interlacing pattern of iron girders of Stannels Bridge creates an imposing structure.
I spent time focusing on the details of the rust and peeling paint on Stannels bridge, then on the repeating patterns of the ironwork, and finally on an overview of the structure. I have taken several other pictures, as shown.
The paintwork of lStannels Bridge reveals the different layers added over the years.
I am adding a few of my own photographs to this interesting iron bridge.
Stannels Bridge spans the river Avon which is seen in the background of this picture.
Stannels Bridge is a distinctive structure found along the Stratford Greenway, the former Great Western Railway line that once connected Stratford-upon-Avon with the wider rail network. Accessing the Greenway by foot or bike allows you to take in the old railway line. Stannels bring is near to the start of your journey on the Greenway. Whilst you visit, you can add to the enjoyment of the day with two cafes offering refreshments. They are strategically situated along the Greenway and they are based in former passenger dining coaches.
Stannels Bridge is now part of the Stratford Greenway used by walkers and cyclists.
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