Redbud and Rocks along the Merced River. Soft light emphasized the colors.
They’re late this year, but the redbud are finally blooming in the Merced River Canyon, along Highway 140 west of Yosemite. I’d say they’re just short of peak; some have not yet bloomed, but none have leaves. Photographically, this is the most interesting time, as once they start to leaf out they’re not as photogenic.
The big snowstorm two weeks ago damaged some of the redbud near El Portal, but further west they’re in great shape. Look for them everywhere near the river along the main highway, as well as the Merced River Recreation Area at Briceburg.
So far few poppies have appeared near the Merced River. They might be late, or it just may turn out to be a poor year for them—time will tell. But the best poppy blooms I’ve seen here have always occurred in March.
Frontlight helped balance the contrast between sky and foreground, while still emphasizing color, in this scene from the Kern River Canyon in 1988
Poppies and other flowers are blooming elsewhere in the state though. I haven’t heard raves about fantastic wildflower displays yet, but the usual hot spots like Antelope Valley, Figueroa Mountain, and Carrizo Plain seem to have good blooms. They might get better in the next week or two, as the flowers seem late everywhere. See these reports from DesertUSA for more details.
Light for Wildflowers
Finding the right light is vital to photographing redbud or other wildflowers. Shade or overcast often works best, as this soft, even light brings out subtle colors and color contrasts. But for sweeping landscapes with flowers in the foreground and sky above, soft light usually won’t work, as there’s too much contrast between bright sky and shaded landscape. Frontlight might be a better choice for these scenes, as it will also emphasize color, but without creating too much contrast between foreground and background. Backlight can also add a beautiful glow to flowers, shining through their translucent petals from behind. Backlight often works best for closeups or small groups of flowers, and requires care to avoid lens flare.
Good luck, and happy hunting! Let me know if you find any great patches of flowers out there.
Redbud and rocks along the Merced River. Soft light emphasized the colors.
Flower Reports
They’re late this year, but the redbud are finally blooming in the Merced River Canyon, along Highway 140 west of Yosemite. I’d say they’re just short of peak; some have not yet bloomed, but none have leaves. Photographically, this is the most interesting time, as once they start to leaf out they’re not as photogenic.
The big snowstorm two weeks ago damaged some of the redbud near El Portal, but further west they’re in great shape. Look for them everywhere near the river along the main highway, as well as the Merced River Recreation Area at Briceburg.
So far few poppies have appeared near the Merced River. They might be late, or it just may turn out to be a poor year for them—time will tell. But the best poppy blooms I’ve seen here have always occurred in March.
Frontlight helped balance the contrast between sky and foreground, while still emphasizing color, in this scene from the Kern River Canyon in 1988
Poppies and other flowers are blooming elsewhere in the state though. I haven’t heard raves about fantastic wildflower displays yet, but the usual hot spots like Antelope Valley, Figueroa Mountain, and Carrizo Plain seem to have good blooms. They might get better in the next week or two, as the flowers seem late everywhere. See these reports from DesertUSA for more details.
Light for Wildflowers
Finding the right light is vital to photographing redbud or other wildflowers. Shade or overcast often works best, as this soft, even light brings out subtle colors and color contrasts. But for sweeping landscapes with flowers in the foreground and sky above, soft light usually won’t work, as there’s too much contrast between bright sky and shaded landscape. Frontlight might be a better choice for these scenes, as it will also emphasize color, but without creating too much contrast between foreground and background. Backlight can also add a beautiful glow to flowers, shining through their translucent petals from behind. Backlight often works best for closeups or small groups of flowers, and requires care to avoid lens flare.
Good luck, and happy hunting! Let me know if you find any great patches of flowers out there.
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