When we had blooms

JohnDC

Because of the drought, the last three springs have been duds for wildflower blooms in Southern California. 2010 was the last year of good spring blooms in the poppy fields of the Antelope Valley. These are some photos of the 2010 bloom out of the vault.

1. Antelope Valley 2010. Poppies furl their petals if the weather is not warm and sunny, but even the rolled up flowers carpet the landscape on this cool, cloudy afternoon.



2. Backlit poppies at sundown.

bristlecone

Wow! That first one does it for me. Stunning color - good work.

-Len

Stumblebum

Both are awesome! I have heard of Antelope valley, not that far from me, now I look forward to it next year! Cheers

Insightfulimages

Great shots! I love the balance in the first one. The golden hill at the midway point pulls the dramatic colors of the bottom, and the darker tone of the top together perfectly. Thanks for sharing!

JohnDC

bristlecone wrote: »

Wow! That first one does it for me. Stunning color - good work.
-Len

Thanks, Len!

JohnDC

Stumblebum wrote: »

Both are awesome! I have heard of Antelope valley, not that far from me, now I look forward to it next year! Cheers

Thanks! Regarding next year, it is very hit-or-miss, so Google Antelope Valley poppies starting in February/March and you will find plenty of information on the progress or failure of the bloom. Also, the Theodore Payne Foundation will carry not only this information, but also current wildflower info for spring blooms between you and Antelope Valley.
---John

JohnDC

Insightfulimages wrote: »

Great shots! I love the balance in the first one. The golden hill at the midway point pulls the dramatic colors of the bottom, and the darker tone of the top together perfectly. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks very much for your comments. I really appreciate your taking the time to analyze why you like the image. --- John

Cornflake

They're both terrific but I particularly like the second. The sunrays compliment the colors below.