Snapshot: Victoria Buchanan

Victoria Buchanan is a talented amateur photographer with a passion for macro and the therapeutic potential of gardening and the outdoors. We asked Victoria to tell us all about it and share some of her favourite pictures of Winterbourne along the way…

“My background up until recently has been within the student accommodation sector managing 2 private accommodation sites. Recently, however, I turned 30 and realised that I wasn’t truly happy with where my career was going and that I really wanted to work within the Charity Sector in order to give back to the community.”

Orange tree on the Terrace, photograph by Victoria Buchanan

“I was fortunate enough to be offered a fantastic role working for Thrive – a charity that uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. This is done through social and therapeutic horticulture and something I feel very passionate about – being outdoors & enjoying the world around us is something I feel we neglect in our busy lives.”

Autumn leaves, photograph by Victoria Buchanan

“Prior to working at Thrive I never appreciated the positive benefit for a person’s mental and physical health that horticulture can have. I think it is hugely underrepresented as a positive service on offer in the mass media. Using gardening as a safe and secure way to develop someone’s ability to mix socially and to help them be more independent is now a proven therapy. Working at Thrive has shown me how much of a positive impact horticulture and gardens such as Winterbourne can have on a person’s life.”

The Japanese Bridge, photograph by Victoria Buchanan

“I first got into photography when I became a mother in 2012 to my beautiful daughter Holly. I spent hours, like every parent does, taking photos of her and I quickly realised how much I loved it. In 2014 I became a mother of 2 when my handsome little boy Jacob arrived into our world. Being a mother of 2 and working at the same time can be pretty stressful so I use my photography as my way of relaxing.”

Sarracenia in the Carnivorous House, photograph by Victoria Buchanan

“I love taking photos when I am out and about and like to concentrate on macro photography especially when it comes to delicate flowers or insects – I think the detail you can capture is incredible (I use a Nikon D3400 & a 18-55mm lens). As an amateur photographer I am continually learning new skills and in doing so I like to return to places like Winterbourne throughout the seasons to capture new images using the skills I have learnt.”

The Printing Press, photograph by Victoria Buchanan

“I first heard about Winterbourne from my now husband when we were both a LOT younger and both studying at university. I never actually visited though until after our daughter was born. I love the greenhouses and the little area near the kitchen that usually has a seasonal display – that is always great to photograph. The Printing Press is also great due to the machinery and the angles you can capture.”

Harvest display in the Old Kitchen Courtyard, photograph by Victoria Buchanan

“I love walking out onto the Terrace and looking over the garden. I love the colour changes through the year and the plants growing at Winterbourne. I’ve found they are much easier to photograph than my kids! They are far more co-operative and they never complain about the weather conditions when I photograph them!”

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