Having seen butterflies in the Glasshouse two weeks ago, I was back for one of RHS Wisley’s butterfly photography sessions which are held while the event is on. Although fully booked I was lucky enough to get a cancellation. So two days later there I was, camera in hand waiting patiently at the entrance. It was 7.30am.
RHS Wisley is often peaceful but being there out of hours was wonderful. Ducks happily washing themselves and gardeners already busy at work.
The Glasshouse was slightly cooler than it was on our last visit so there were no steamy lenses. This pleased everyone greatly as it meant we could get stuck in straightaway.
There was a good vibe within the group. We supported each other when we needed a leaf held and shared what we’d seen. I was hoping to catch a Blue Morpho with it’s wings open (they’re an amazing turquoise colour) or spot a Big Billy (a huge black and red butterfly) but it wasn’t to be.
Nevertheless I did capture a great selection of butterflies and it was an excellent session. The slideshow showcases some of the photographs taken and below are a few favourites. This an Asian Swallowtail.
This White Morpho looks like it’s wearing headphones!
This is a Scarlet Swallowtail I think.
This an Owl butterfly – I just love the detail on these.
And this is an Indian Leafwing.
Hats off to the team at RHS Wisley, they did a sterling job. There were drinks available in the Clore Learning Centre as well as hot pastries. I bypassed these in favour of capturing the butterflies but what a wonderful experience. Just brilliant.
We’re linking this post up with #HDYGG at Mammasaurus.
Absolutely beautiful you have made me smile
Thank you very much Becky – glad I brought a smile to your face 🙂
i love butterflies, so this is wonderful!
Thank you very much Laura 🙂
so much beauty!!!!! it just amazes me because it all looks like it belongs here. how does it do well there? everything looks like it belongs to the fairchild botanical garden. a place i have told you about wanting to return to but haven’t had a chance to yet. amazing pictures!
Thank you Claudia, it’s wonderful isn’t it. Wisley has a tropical zone in the Glasshouse with temperatures of c.28 degrees. That’s where the orchids and butterflies are. I presume it’s similar to what you have every day in Miami! You must visit the Fairchild Botanical Garden, I bet it’s amazing 🙂
I have been to a couple of butterfly conservancys and it is always a grand site to see all those beautiful butterflys in one spot.
That must have been amazing Terry. It’s great seeing them all in one spot and being in a small group too, fabulous stuff 🙂
Just beautiful!
Thank you very much indeed – too far too many photos!
Sounds like you had a lovely day out! I love the owl butterfly. x
Thank you – it was a great session 🙂
Thank you Em, there are some amazing butterflies there 🙂
saying this in a strickly voice FAB U LOUS
Brilliant! Thank you so much Helen 🙂
Oooo how bright and beautiful! Wow wow wow. And a photography session there – what a greta idea, oh I am green with envy! I really must look these things up *pokes self*
I love the owl one to bits too – his wings almost look like they are carved from wood! Just all so good! Now I have to say thank you for joining in again and head back up to the slideshow!
x
Thank you so much Annie – the courses always get so booked up at Wisley, was chuffed to get a cancellation. Took way too many photos though – you can probably imagine 🙂
Stunning photography, I love butterflies. Must find a farm to take Syd to for a visit this year.
Thank you very much Sonya. You must find somewhere to take Syd if you can, it’s wonderful. This event is only on once a year – hence going twice in a month!
Stunning photo’s of those flappy things I hate again!
So sorry you don’t like them Jen – there are flowers too, just for you 🙂
Stunning photos and stunning butterflies!! x
Thank you very much 🙂
Stunning pictures definitely lifted the spirits.
That’s good to hear Ruth, thank you 🙂
The White Morpho is beautiful, what some beautiful captures of them. x
Thank you very much Sarah, really kind of you. I do love that White Morpho 🙂
Stunning, stunning, stunning! x
Thank you so much Jocelyn 🙂
Stunning shots of this beautiful creatures!
They are all so pretty.
Thank you very much 🙂
Wow Charly these are really stunning photo’s. Sounds like a really good day. I have been thinking of trying out a photography course too x
Thank you very much. This was just a private session without a tutor (that was fully booked) but still great to do though. Would love to do more 🙂
They are absolutely stunning. Best of luck with the MADs
Thank you very much Joy. Hope today went ok. You made a brilliant Mr Blobby 🙂
I have always been obsessed with butterflies. These photos are stunning. I am in awe of your photography as always. #HDYGG
You’re too kind Jenny, thank you so so much 🙂
These pics are AMAZING. Sadly, I have an irrational fear of big butterflies, so would have run screaming if I’d actually been there. I’m glad you braved the scary beasts and came back with these stories to tell of their beauty!
They’re not that big I promise! You’ll have to come next time, it might be quite entertaining! They’re great to photograph even if they don’t always stay still 🙂
What an amazing location for a photography session and you have taken some absolutely stunning photographs. I had no idea that they run sessions like this at Wisley so I’ll be keeping a beady eye on future opportunities like this as I can imagine it really was fantastic. Good luck in the MADS x
Thank you so much Kirsty. They do a tutored session and this (untutored) one while the butterflies are on. Lots of other courses throughout the year though on a wide range of subjects 🙂
What beautiful butterflies. I’m not sure I’d have the patience to wait for them to settle!
They’re wonderful aren’t they. I can be very patient when I have a camera in my hand 🙂
I would love to go to an event like this. Your pictures are stunning, so sharp. It’s amazing how many variations there are in butterflies, I used to know a butterfly expert and that was a lot of fun learning more about them all.
You really should Sam it was excellent, even untutored. Met some interesting people. There are different courses held throughout the year here and at other locations too. Thank you for the lovely comment 🙂
Great photos! I have always wanted to go to one of the photography mornings but too scared of all the pros like you 😉 x
That’s hilarious Charlotte! You should definitely go next time, you’d love it 🙂
Wow, you are a really talented photographer! You have inspired me to Take my camera out and try to get some shot of nature. Beautiful!
That’s very kind of you Alison. Do get that camera out in the garden though, you’ll be amazed what you’ll find 🙂
I would love to do a photo session with butterflies – couldn’t take the kids though as they hate them lol – beautiful pictures, love the Asian swallowtail
You should definitely do one on your own or with help at some point. That way you can concentrate 🙂
Stunning. Absolutely gorgeous. X
Thank you so much Sarah 🙂
We haven’t been to a butterfly garden for a really long time and this post makes me want to go. Beautiful photos! The detail is so fascinating on butterflies.
You really should Tas, they’re amazing places and Little Z would love it 🙂
Simply gorgeous photos as always. Those orchids are stunning.
I am resolved to go to Wisley at some point this year, mostly because of your posts!
Thank you very much Laura. You really must go to Wisley for a visit – the butterflies are only there until March but it’s a beautiful location any time of year 🙂
[…] It was tough choosing a photo for this day but I like this one of a White Morpho as it looks like the butterfly is wearing headphones! You can see more photographs at Butterflies in the Glasshouse (part two). […]
These are so, so beautiful. We haven’t been to a butterfly house since I was pregnant with Miss J and she’s 2 now! Will put it on our list of things to do.
such beautiful photos again, I really must try to visit RHS Wisley! x
Oh Charly – beautiful photos. You make the butterflies look like works of art.
Wow all the colour has almost burned my eyes. I’m not used to it after all the grey of recent days. I love the orchids in particular.
you’ve captured photos of those butterflies so well! They’re lovely xxx
wow how amazing are these pictures, every one of them are amazing but I like the Asian swallowtail and the white and yellow flower with the drop of water on the end of it.
Amazing shots! Must have been great to be able to really focus on taking good shots.
That sounds like bliss-a day of photography! Mind you, I might be a little intimidated too 🙂 Great photos, as always x
[…] If you’d like to see more photographs, head over to Butterflies in the Glasshouse (part two). […]
[…] or spotting exotic butterflies in a state-of-the art Glasshouse. […]