California Wildflowers Photography

Photo of the Day "Colossal California Wildflowers"
"Photo Tips to Create Images with Impact"

"Colossal California Wildflowers"
High Desert Wildflowers, Orange California Poppies Eschscholzia californica, Purple Arizona Lupine Lupinus arizonicus,
Yellow Goldfields Lasthenia chysostoma and Yellow Sunflowers
Cumulus clouds, bright blue sky, Gorman, California 05-3121-DYM

Photographed: April 2005
Location: Gorman I-5 freeway
© 2011 Don Kreuter ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Photography Tips Information:
Camera: Nikon N80 SLR 35mm
Lens: Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm
Polarizer: Hoya 67mm
Settings: 1/125” f8 - 1/125" (or faster) needed to freeze any motion from the breeze or wind
Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod, shutter release, Nikon HB-28 lens shade
Film: Fujichrome Provia RDP 100 ISO Professional Film
Bracketed Exposure: +.5 / -.1 f stop 4 shots minimum, 1 shot right on, then -1, -.5, proper exposure, +.5
Slide film handles underexposure better than over exposure and more then +.5 f-stop will blow out highlights

ALWAYS use a tripod for wildflower photography. Professionals use tripods - amateurs do not. When using a tripod you will create in focus photographs that may later be printed, framed and exhibited. Once you are comfortable using a tripod it will be easy scan the edges of the frame to eliminate distractions for the best photos. It is easier and quicker to use a tripod and bracket (multiple shots of the same subject at different exposures) with a tripod – rather than trying to handhold the camera and keep scanning the edges of the frame for distractions and composition. Bracketing is the ONLY way to ensure getting the best exposure on the original slide film with the camera.

The secret to great compositions is using a tripod to make a photograph!

This close focus wild angle photograph used the hyper focal distance. It means getting the maximum depth of field (area in focus) focusing on the nearest subject of importance and adjusting the focus point while depressing the Depth of Field Preview Button (before shooting) to make sure the subject and important items are in focus.

The wide angle view close to the ground perspective is unique and creates the captivating pull drawing you into the field of wildflowers and making you a part of the landscape.

Always wear good polorarized sunglasses when out shooting. Take the sunglasses on and off to check the polarizing effect. The white clouds will pop against a defined blue sky background with the polarizing filter on the lens, without the filter the photo looks drab during harsh mid day light. Usually 10 am to 3-4 pm is the best time to use the polarizing filter. Under exposing slightly by -.5 f stop or less saturates the colors in the vivid orange, yellow and purple flowers with or without a polarizing filter.

Celebrate Life by enjoying the beauty of wildflowers everyday!
"The earth laughs in flowers" Ralph Waldo Emerson
Make only photographs, Take only trash and Leave only footprints.

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