Category Archives: wildflowers

How to photograph Cambria

The upscale town of Cambria and its small tranquil fishing village neighbor, Cayucos, have retained most of their small town charm. Remaining independent from the influence of retail chains, restaurants, and the real estate development boom, these idyllic towns are perfect summer gateways. Located along the Pacific Coast, far enough from the bustling Southern California cities, Cambria is a perfect vacation destination, if you can afford the lodging.

Even if lodging is too expensive for your budget, a visit to both cities, a stroll along main street, a photography session in one of the many parks, and a short stop at the pier does not cost anything, leaving enough to sample the fine food in Cambria. The romantic old town area, hiking and wildlife viewing choices, and numerous quiet places make Cambria such a desirable place to visit and to photograph.

Bench Fiscalini Ranch

Old Coast Road – Bixby Bridge to Andrew Molera

The stretch of California Highway 1 that hugs the coastline between Carmel and San Simeon is among the most iconic drives in world. Featured in countless movies, commercials, and print advertisements, this section of highway symbolizes the freedom of the open road. Countless drivers from around the world come here each year to enjoy this spectacular scenic detour.

Although driving without stopping is one of the greatest joys, we will take a detour from the detour and explore a backcountry road that leads us through the nearby mountains, where we will find tranquility from Highway 1, which does tend to get too busy occasionally. The green meadows, hills, and creeks offer a glimpse of another California, where time paces itself.

Overlooks with spectacular views, wildflowers, and Bixby Creek Bridge itself abundantly provide us with photo subjects that make this also a worthy detour for photography.

Bixby Bridge from Viewpoint

California Poppy Reserve – Antelope Valley

California Poppies are the official state flower of California. Early explorers who saw fields of poppies mistook them for gold. California became the golden state, foreboding the Gold Rush that followed later. The Gold Rush days are long gone, but poppies still color the hills and attract people from all over.

The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve has the highest concentration of poppies. Meadows and rolling hills burst with color when the orange poppies and a wide variety of yellow flowers mix to create dazzling splashes of color. The sight attracts many landscape photographers. It is one of California’s most impressive natural miracles, lasting only a few weeks.

Come visit this natural wonder and see how California got its name.
California Poppies

Death Valley Wildflower Update

Even the hottest and driest place in California harbors life. Wildflower seeds hibernate years below the surface waiting for a tiny drop of water. After the El-Nino rains shower the desert, life shifts into overdrive. Colorful flowers pop up and cacti put on a show, competing for pollinators, spectators, and photo-creators.
Death Valley Flowers

Wildflower Routes through Southern California

Spectacular wildflower meadows and colorfully dotted rolling hills turn the Southern California landscape from burned brown into vivid scenery, all courtesy of the wet El Nino rains. As if a landscape painter slipped with his color palette and threw all colors onto his painting at once, the brilliant colors compete for your and the bees’ attention. I am not sure about the bees, but humans swarm all over, humming while enjoying the colors.

If you travel in California, you can easily plan a detour that takes you past a wildflower viewing area. Even if you have no immediate travel plans, the wildflowers are a worthy travel destination in their own right. The bright colors will lift your mood and reinvigorate you after the long rainy or snowy winter.
Wildflower Meadow on Highway 58

How to photograph Wildflowers near Big Sur

The fascination that is Highway 1 is still holding me in its tight grip after all these years. I remember most of my trips and my amazement and the incredible landscape unfolding behind every turn and hill. I used to ride this road even before I was a photographer for the pure joy of the drive.
Yellow Flower Field near Garrapata Beach

How to photograph the Wildflowers of Bear Valley

The remote area around Bear Valley road cannot be found in many guidebooks, but holds one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in Northern California. Flower lovers and macro photographers will enjoy the blossoms along this long stretch of partially unpaved road.
Bear Valley Poppy field

How to photograph Wildflowers in Death Valley

Spring turns the barren landscape of Death Valley into a colorful oasis. Wildflower carpets cover much of the valley, adding visual interest to many otherwise bland compositions. In this article I describe the best areas to look for wildflowers and how to shoot them.
Desert Gold Wildflowers in Death Valley

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