Hi All,
Greetings from Johannesburg, South Africa & new to the site and relatively new to bonsai. :woohoo:
I acquired this Camellia japonica from the local garden center and i am undecided on what i want to do.
I have styled the tree to where i think i can start to work on it as spring is about 2 weeks away and my bonsai are beginning to bud.
I have no experience with Camellia and would like help or suggestions on what i should do? does and dont`s with this species.
I always appreciate constructive advise.
Thanks all

Daz wrote: I have styled the tree to where i think i can start to work on it

Is it just me or...? I really do not understand the above line.

In other words, i have cut the Camellia back to where i think, i can begin to develop the tree. Make sense? or ill rephrase it.....
So should i leave it as is? or cut more back or trunk chop it?

Daz wrote: i have cut the Camellia back to where i think, i can begin to develop the tree. Make sense?

Not really. You have already cut it, pruned it, repotted it, so you are not beginning to develop, you already started.
It would have been a good idea to ask questions before you started.
Seems you have done a lot in a short time. Leave the plant alone now, let it recover first.

Leave it be and see if it comes back. Camellia is an evergreen and should not be pruned like a deciduous tree (specifically removing most of the foliage.)

I agree with Auk and augustine. Let it grow freely for 1/2 years. Here in Italy camellias grow slow, if they behave the same where you live i think you'll need some years to have a good branch structure. Good luck!