Nature photographer Ines Goovaerts tells you everything about photographing bluebells

Every spring, forests and meadows across Western Europe turn a stunning purple as the bluebells come into bloom. Who wouldn’t want to capture that spectacular display of colour? In this article, nature photographer Ines Goovaerts tells you everything about photographing bluebells, also known as wild hyacinths. From thorough preparation to her best tips: Ines takes you by the hand and leads you into the woods, so you’ll soon be taking beautiful photos of bluebells.

Head out prepared

Right, you’ve decided you want to photograph bluebells. Then it’s important to prepare. That starts with reading up on bluebells. Above all, it’s useful to know when bluebells bloom and where you can find them.

When bluebells bloom

Bluebells bloom for about a month, from mid-April to mid-May, forming dense carpets of purple flowers. It’s always a good idea to plan several outings to capture the flowers and to keep an eye on them, as they may bloom earlier or later depending on the weather.

Where to find bluebells

Did you know that bluebells mainly grow on the moist soil of deciduous woodland and grassland? You’ll often find them under oak, beech or chestnut trees. That’s why these beautiful purple-blue flowers are mostly found in the forests and meadows of Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom. The flowers contribute to the biodiversity of these forests and can even help prevent soil erosion.

Of course, there are a few locations where you’re almost guaranteed to find the flowers. One of the best-known places to see bluebells is the Hallerbos in Belgium. During the flowering season, the forest floor turns into an enchanting purple carpet. You can also admire wild hyacinths in the Zoniënwoud and De Kalmthoutse Heide in Belgium. In the Netherlands, head to the Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe, Zuid-Kennemerland or the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. In Germany, you’ll find bluebells in several forests in the Eifel region.

Everything you need to photograph bluebells

It’s also important to bring the right gear and accessories when you head out to photograph bluebells. Here’s a handy overview of everything you need to photograph bluebells:

Lenses

It’s wise to choose your lenses based on your preferences and the possibilities. A macro or zoom lens can come in handy for close-ups of the flowers and perhaps even wildlife. On the other hand, a standard or wide-angle lens gives you more flexibility for landscape shots. So weigh up what matters most to you and choose your lenses accordingly.

Tripod

A sturdy tripod is essential, especially for macro photography, where stability is crucial. A tripod helps prevent motion blur, particularly with slower shutter speeds or when you’re working with a shallow depth of field.

Spare batteries and memory cards

Make sure you have enough batteries and memory cards with you, especially if you plan to spend a long time photographing in the woods. It would be a shame to run out of power or storage in the middle of a shoot.

Lens cloths

In wooded areas, dust, dirt and even dew can end up on your lens. That’s why it’s wise to bring lens cloths to keep your lenses clean for clear, sharp shots.

Tips for photographing bluebells

Tip 1: Head out early in the morning

Set off before sunrise so you’re already in the heart of the forest when the first sunlight peeks through the trees. The rays of sunlight, still shining almost horizontally at that hour, are absolutely gorgeous and make for magical images. Plus, at this time of day you have an extra chance of spotting deer amid all that purple splendour: bonus points!

Tip 2: Keep an eye on the weather

Before you head out, it’s wise to check the weather forecast. Pick a morning when sun is forecast, or when temperatures drop after rain. That increases the chance of mist, giving you a wonderfully atmospheric scene with mist drifting between the trees.

Tip 3: Dress warmly

If you’re up early in spring, it’s often still quite chilly. So opt for sturdy walking boots, a thick coat, a scarf and a hat. When you’re standing still, you can cool down quickly. A thermos of hot tea or coffee can work wonders at moments like these, too.

Get started!

With these tips and absolute must-haves, you’re well equipped to take beautiful photos of bluebells in their natural environment. Do stay on the marked paths, so that everyone after you can enjoy this natural beauty too. And the most important tip of all: don’t forget to enjoy the process and the beauty of the forest while you’re photographing!

Share your results

Have you photographed bluebells? Then share your beautiful photos with us on Instagram! Use #KameraExpress or tag Kamera Express in your post. And be sure to follow us and Ines Goovaerts (@inesgoovaertsphotography) for plenty of inspiration.

Get inspired

Heading out for more beautiful spring photos this season? From colourful crocuses to adorable lambs: there’s more than enough to capture in spring. We’re happy to inspire you.

• Interview with Ines Goovaerts
• Everything you need for spring photography
• 10 tips for macro photography in spring
• The most beautiful locations for spring photography

< Read all about photographing in spring here