Snapshot: Susan Georgiou

Susan Georgiou, 61, has lived in Birmingham all her life and worked for the Department for Work and Pensions for the past 43 years. Now semi-retired, Susan finds plenty of time to indulge her passion for photography at Winterbourne.

Prunus ‘Kanzan’, photograph by Susan Georgiou

“I have always taken photographs but it was the digital revolution that really sparked my interest. I loved the fact that you could review any picture instantly and enlarge everything on the computer so that you could see every detail.”

Echinacea in the Walled Garden, photograph by Susan Georgiou

“My preferred shots tend to be close-ups, or macro, as I am fascinated by the intricacies, colours and shapes of flowers and insects. I use a Canon 750D digital SLR with a Tamron 18-300MM lens, which together are perfect for close-ups as well as wide-angle garden or landscape shots.”

The Herb Circle and Pergola, photograph by Susan Georgiou

“I was introduced to Winterbourne many years ago at which time, if you were a member, you could let yourself into the garden whenever you wanted to. It was a lot more untamed then though. I would sometimes be the only person there and it felt like it was my own secret garden.”

Clerodendrum trichotomum, photograph by Susan Georgiou

“I have since become a ‘Friend of Winterbourne’ and have got to know the staff quite well. When asked to donate a few pictures I was delighted and honoured to be able to give something back to a place that had given me so much pleasure over the years.”

The Japanese Bridge, photograph by Susan Georgiou

“My pictures have regularly been used for postcards, guides and of course the website. These winter scenes were actually taken with a compact camera proving that you don’t have to have expensive kit to take a decent picture. You just need to be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.”

The Woodland Walk, photograph by Susan Georgiou

“I have seen the gardens evolve over the last few years with parts being restored to their original design and becoming more formal but with a much wider range of flora. I hope it keeps its character and charm and does not become too commercial as so many other gardens have.”

Winterbourne House, photograph by Susan Georgiou

“Winterbourne is a safe, tranquil and contemplative place and there is always something new and exciting to see and photograph, but some things just can’t be captured with a camera; the scent of a flower, or birdsong, or the emotion I feel when I turn a corner and am stunned by the beauty of a particular part of the garden.”

Got a favourite? There’s more than one way to dig it! Let us know using the comments box below or share on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter using the icons at the top of the page.