Hellebores are just starting to open their beautiful flowers. They make the perfect companion to the snowdrops in the garden, adding a splash of colour amongst all the white.
H. Argutifolius.
When photographing them with my old little point and press camera, it was quite easy to hold the flower up in one hand and operate the camera with the other.
It is now a different matter with my larger, heavier Digital SLR, especially as I have found that I take better close up photos by standing back and using the zoom lens on the camera.
There are ways and means though…
…..there are always a few twigs around to prop the flowers up!
Some though don’t need propping, they stand up all by themselves.
There are lots more to come, but they are still in tight bud at the moment. I think they might stay tightly closed as, guess what………. it is snowing!!! We hardly ever get any snow here, but I don’t think it is going to stick, the flakes are just lightly drifting down, looking very pretty at the moment, I really hope they don’t stick!
I’m sure even if there is a bit of snow sticking it won’t be long-lasting. Our snow on the other hand is a different story… but then we also don’t have hellebores open yet!
As usual the hellebores look beautiful. It’s so nice to see color and life returning to the garden again after it’s winter rest.
It didn’t last long Frank, it was gone by lunchtime when it turned into rain. Slowly colour is returning to the garden, soon I won’t be able to keep up with it all!
I love your Hellebores, Pauline 🙂
Thanks Rosemarie, they are pretty aren’t they?
I smiled when I read this Pauline, as I know exactly what you mean about having a free hand when using a ‘point and shoot’ camera, while needing them both to support an SLR. I try to use my tripod but it always seems such a hassle ! Hellebores are the hardest to shoot because they hang their heads down.
Hellebore flowers are so low down, it is hard to take a decent photo of them, I think I need to be a contortionist! I’m sure I will find an easier way eventually.
Hellebores are so hard to photograph. I have the same problems when using my point and shoot vs. the digital SLR. I hope your snow doesn’t stick around. Ours has finally melted. Still a few large piles, but most has melted.
Our snow has disappeared already Alison, thank goodness. It was nice while it lasted but I’m glad it has gone as I’m sure you are with yours. It’s just as well no-one can see me while I’m photographing my flowers, I’m sure I don’t look very elegant, especially from the back!
Some fabulous faces there Pauline. Who needs a gym when there are snowdrops and hellebores to take photos of?
Quite Anna, all the bending and stretching should be doing me some good!
Seen the forecast for tonight? Big bits! But even if it does settle, it’ll be 10C by Monday. Bye bye snow.
No Jessica, I’ve not seen the forecast for tonight, hopefully my plants and I can cope for one night and a day of snow. Thank goodness for Monday!
You have a lovely selection of hellebores Pauline and well done on taking such good photos. Glad to hear you’re not snowed in!
You would have wondered what all the fuss was about Denise if you had seen our tiny little bit of snow. It barely turned the garden white for a few hours! No more snow overnight as forecast, temperatures are due to rise soon, so my plants and I are safe for the time being.
Isn’t it strange how late they are this year? Only a couple of mine are in flower – and only just. Good to get a preview with yours
I agree Cathy,most of them seem to be in a state of suspended animation, maybe higher temperatures this week will make a difference.
Snowing! Well, I doubt it will hurt your hellebores at all. I would love to have some of the double and frilly looking hellebores. Mine are all singles, though I love the variation in color they display. Getting photos can be a challenge. I find myself in the most embarrassing positions while trying to get good shots of them; I just hope my neighbor doesn’t drop by while I have my rear in the air!
The snow didn’t last Deb, such a tiny amount that it was gone by lunch time! We are lucky with the selection of hellebores that we have to purchase, sometimes the choice is bewildering! The older I get, the more difficult it is to photograph the flowers!
Sheer joy Pauline; well done with the propping!!
Thanks Christina, all things are possible with a bit of imagination!
Great photos! I’m not sure I can convince Judy to prop up the flowers with twigs before taking their picture, though. But they probably won’t bloom for another month, so I have time to work on her.
Thanks Jason! The twigs are removed straight after the photo has been taken, it really would be impossible without them, unless of course I was lying down on the grass or soil and I refuse to do that in the cold and wet!