Spring in Charleston is usually several weeks ahead of the NC mountains where I live. We try to go there every year to get a head start on photographing flowers outdoors. Magnolia Plantation http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/is the oldest public garden in the USA, first opening in 1870. The plantation itself has been around since 1676. Many photography tours go there, especially in the early spring. It is well known for its azaleas and was the first place in the country to grow them. As I wandered through the gardens there were many beautiful varieties of camellias. I photographed them using my Fuji X-T1 with my Lensbaby Velvet 56 lens to give them a dreamy, soft look.
There were lots of azaleas out. We were told that they were three weeks early this year. I have photographed the stunning arrays of azalea bushes in the past, but this year I enjoyed the camellias. Well I did photograph some cherry blossoms too.
