Laburnum time.

Yes, it’s that time of the year again - Bodnant and the Laburnum Arch! We’re taking advantage of the late opening over the next two weeks - something I wish they did more often. The garden is so lovely in the early evening, soft sunlight filtering through the trees, dappled light falling on the many flowers. And, of course, it’s much quieter too! 

Each year I’m faced with a dilemma: should I go for the ‘postcard’ image of the arch, head on, arch central, and completely free of people; or should I go for something more creative? Of course, I try both - but then which one to post? It’s hard to beat the impact of the glorious tunnel of yellow pendulous blooms, but when you photograph it every year, the urge to capture something else is irresistible. 

So for my main, there’s the archetypal Bodnant shot, with a few alternatives in extras. I love watching the response of other visitors, and take several photographs of the ‘lady in red’ taking iPhone shots - which I actually  prefer to my main if I’m honest. And there’s another extra of a ‘lady in purple’ - a very flouncy ball gown - who seemed to be on some sort of photoshoot with photographer in tow!