Living in the UK we are lucky enough to see many woodland areas carpeted in blue during the end of April and beginning of May. I read somewhere that around 80% of the World's bluebells are found on our tiny Island and they have to be one of my favourite flowers to photograph.

Taking a wander through a local woodland last weekend I found myself taking rather a lot of photos so thought it might be worthwhile noting down a few tips for anyone who wants to get out and grab a few photos themselves.

1) Shoot wide but have a focus

Showing the bluebells in their wider context is a great idea. That vivid blanket of blue is definitely worth capturing but try and find an additional focus for your image to give it that added bit of interest. Winding paths and tree trunks are great, as is including a person for scale. 

2) Get in close

These beautiful, delicate flowers deserve to be given the benefit of a close-up but choose wisely. Find some flowers that Have a particularly nice shape, that are full open and not squashed. Try and find a plant that stands out from the crowd. Isolating the flowers by taking photos of them in front of tree trunks is a good idea. If you have a good DSLR then you can also try reducing your depth of field so that the background is thrown out of focus.

3) Find another angle

Why not shoot from directly above the flowers or even lie down on the floor and shoot up from beneath? You can create some interesting abstract images by trying to capture something a little different.

4) Keep an eye out for other interesting elements

Our local woods are a haven for what my nieces call "Gruffalo Dens" and "Bluebell Bugs". We have a lot of fun wandering around the woods trying to discover them and I love trying to capture photos of both.

Do you have any tips to add to the list? I would love to hear them.

Don't forget, these beautiful woodlands are there to be enjoyed by everyone and it is actually illegal to pick the flowers. Trampling the plants is also hugely detrimental as it can take each one a few years to recover during which time it will not flower. So get out and enjoy them while you can but be sure to tread carefully!