“I wish that all of nature’s magnificence, the emotion of the land, the living energy of place could be photographed.”
~Annie Leibovitz
Carrizo Super Bloom
Fiddlenecks
A Field of Goldfields
Purple Phacelia
“Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.”
~John Muir
Yellow Explosion
Purple Sea
Draped
Soda Lake
“Where flowers bloom so does hope.”
~Lady Bird Johnson
Happy Together
Carrizo Hills
Baby Blue Eye Fans
“Take nothing but pictures
Kill nothing but time
Leave nothing but footprints
To show you came by”
~John Kay
Leave No Trace, Please!
Spot of Purple
Loved it! 😀
Thanks very much, Nuno! 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂
Wow. I love that you seen yellow even on the mountains. What an amazing spot. I also love the blue and yellow together. My favourite.
Thanks, Lisa. The super bloom year was a great time to see this incredible place. The largest native grassland in CA. Mother Nature knows how to work colors. 🤗
She sure does. One day I will see some of these places.
True expression of Spring
It was an amazing experience to see and photograph. Thanks, Ecopoet. 🤗
Ahhh…such a place. I do like your colourful photographs.
Thank you, John. It was quite a treat to see. Happy you like the images. 🙂
Wow…. so stunning! Can’t imagine being there.
Hi Amy, Thank you! It was overwhelming at first…then I settled in. So much beauty to take in. Thankfully it was a weekday so the crowds were minimal. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
WOW WOW WOW. So beautiful.. I don’t have words.. I’m just in awe. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Mackenzie! It was incredible to see. 🙂
Spectacular. Amazing how well California does when it gets a little rain. I found Annie Leibovitz’s quote interesting – I’d always thought of her as a portrait photographer, didn’t know she had an interest in landscapes.
Hi Dave, Thank you – pleased you enjoyed this colorful explosion. So true about the magic of rain. Much needed.
Agree about, Annie. Shows she’s always looking even beyond her faces.
Wow so incredibly stunning Jane!
Thanks, Nicole! It was an amazing surprise. The largest remaining grassland in CA. Glad you enjoyed this wildflower explosion. 🌼🌼
Glorious Jane! I want to paint them all, especially the Purple Sea 🙂
Thank you so much, Andrew. Please, be my guest. 🤗
I yearned to see this super bloom in person, but your images were the next best thing. Amazing! Such a reward after the recent drought. Looks like you and Jet were on the same wave length this time around! 😀
Hi Gunta, I was happy that we could make a side trip on our way up from LA. Carrizo is a remote gem! So glad you enjoyed these images– it was lucky we could go on a Monday– few people and a relaxed atmosphere. Yes, Jet and I are on the same wavelength — the wildflowers are now starting to bloom for us in the Bay Area. Thanks so much and hope you are doing well!
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
Thanks for sharing, Chuck. 🌼🤗
These pictures are simply spectacular, Lauri. I’ve been promised myself to go there one day, but why, I probably could see better views than what you showed us here!
Hi Stephen, I’m so glad you like these– thanks so much. It’s remote but well worth the beautiful drive and amazing scene once you get there. Appreciate that you stopped by. 🙂
Spectacular, Jane! I’m guessing you used a wide-angle lens for most of these shots?? Your images are breathtaking. Nature is amazing.
Hi Patti, Thank you so much! The majority of them were with my 90mm f/2 from further away. Some were with the 18-55mm f/2. Happy you enjoyed!
The explosion of yellow was a big one. The purple one, not too shabby. Fortunately you didn’t have to jockey too much to photograph. We have patches of green here and there among the prairie grasses. Though spring has begun, we have rumors of late winter storm/blizzard to take shape later this week … maybe beginning on Wednesday. If we do get the snow, it would really jump start the spring season here.
Hi David, Thank you, and Mother Nature sure knows how to pair complementary colors. 🙂 Does a spring snowstorm get the bloom going? I do miss the beauty of snow….
Yes it does. A late winter storm is the only moisture the wildflowers in the high mountain meadows receive to get things going. Also loaded with the “right kind” of nutrients. I think I might have a photo or two of mountain wildflowers. If not, my bank calendar does.
Wow! What a sight. How intoxicating it must be to witness this in person.
Glorious photography, Jane!
It was incredible to see, Karen. What you would do with your lens. Glad you enjoyed these- thanks very much.
Spectacular! Thanks so very much, Jane, for sharing this explosion of wildflowers in Carrizo Plain. Your photos give us a rush of exhilaration, expressing the magnificence of this wildflower extravaganza. Loved that you included the names of the flowers, and as always, really liked the quotes. I appreciate, too, that you included a quote from Lady Bird Johnson, the queen of wildflowers. I have enjoyed the Carrizo Plain in spring, and know the vastness there; your photos captured it well. Really well done.
Thanks so much, Jet! I could’ve used your identification skills. It really is a special place– I am always amazed at the vast and remote places in California. The drive through Los Padres National Forest to get there was exciting, too. Lady Bird is smiling down on Carrizo this spring. I really appreciate your warm response. 🙂
Oh my, as always, you blow me away…keep blowing as hard as you like!!
Hi Paula, Thank you so much. I will, I will! 🙂
Jane, you absolutely filled your amazing images with Annie Leibovitz’s quote.
Thank you, Cornelia. I am thrilled that they convey the awe-inspiring energy that comes from this place. Pleased you enjoyed this collection. 🙂
Stunning and beautiful!!!
Thanks so much, Tim. It was marvelous. Have you been?
Jane you’re welcome. Yes, in 2016. It was not as dramatic as it appears to be from your photographs. It wonderful to see yours and look back on some I’d taken earlier. His is a link to one of those images https://allentimphotos2.wordpress.com/2016/03/14/desert-blooming/
Lovely! 2017 was a big year, too.
Oh wow! And wow again. I wish I could see this. At least I get to see your exquisite photos. Thank you. I’ve seen other photos on FB. Was it something special about the weather this year?
Alison
Thank you so much, Alison. It is quite remote but we happened to be coming up the coast which made it doable. Yes, super blooms happen after a rainy winter season plus some other variables. It is supposed to happen about once a decade but we had one in 2017 as well. Happy you enjoyed these!
Amazing
Thanks very much, Sherry. Pleased you enjoyed this collection. 🌼
Beautiful images. What a lovely place, amazing colors. Still waiting for the flourishing spring here in Sweden. It’s just around the corner.
Thanks so much, Göran. It was exciting to be there and photograph all the colors. Hope your spring is on the way– and I know it will be gorgeous! 🌼
Love the purple sea Jane, didn’t see any of that during our visit. Beautiful captures as always
Thanks, Tina. Not sure if the Purple Phacelia is in the desert. Glad you enjoyed– it was a thrill.
A beautiful collection. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m pleased you like these, Garry. Thanks so much. 🌼
Super photos, super post, fit for a super bloom!
Thank you, Hien. It was super all around. 😄🌼Happy you enjoyed them! Soon the blooms come to the SF area.
I was about to contact you and find out how it went. Now I know. What an amazing bounty! Your shots, especially with the mountains in the background, are stunning. My wife and I will be there on Tuesday. Can’t wait.
Hi Michael, Thanks so much! We were there on Monday and the crowds were minimal. It was amazing and vibrant– don’t think it’s even at peak yet. We came up from LA and another surprise was driving through Los Padres National Forest. Wow!
Roads were dry and passable around Soda Lake.
Happy shooting!
Thank you very much. Especially glad to see that the roads are dry and passable. We will go down 101 and turn east from San Luis Obispo. Get there in time to shoot late afternoon and golden hour, then spend the night in San Luis Obispo, rising early for sunrise shots. Then we will drive to Lancaster for Antelope Valley the next day. Then to Santa Barbara, which should take us through Los Padres.
Sounds wonderful. I would love to see Antelope this year…photographed it two years ago but read this bloom is even better. Have a great trip!
We shall see. Thank you.
A really beautiful series!
Thanks so much, Belinda. You would have a field day there…literally. 😀 Exciting to see.
GASP!!!! LOVE THIS! Oh, my goodness, beyond beautiful. Nature’s artistry is staggering.
I only wish folks would stay on the paths. 😦 Do they really think that plants will survive being trampled? Sigh.
Love this post, Jane, thank you for sharing your lovely photos. ❤
I thought of you, Eliza, thank you! Incredible beauty and exciting to see.
Sadly, there are those who just cannot respect the environment. Couldn’t resist a public service message. 😉
I’ve been thinking about your photos all morning. I wish I was still out there. Next superbloom I need to rent a camper and follow the bloom south to north, lol!
Your message was very subtle, I would have brought out the hammer, I think! Some folks just don’t understand anything less than that, unfortunately.
WOW!!!! Absolutely STUNNING shots…so clear, colorful truly DREAMY….spectacular eye Jane!!!👍
Thank you, April! It was a thrill to be there and photograph this incredible place. 🌼
I’m so glad you got to see this in person. I’d heard about California’s superbloom and was tempted to drive over and have a look for myself. Practicality won out: three days there and three back would have been a bit much.
HI Steve, Me too. It was a beautiful drive to get there and an oasis of color upon arrival. Thanks very much for stopping by. 🌼🌼
The grandeur of it all. Just breathtaking. Loved the Leibovitz quote.
Thank you, Kathy. It was incredible to see. Annie’s quote means a lot to me– glad you like it.
Youre so lucky to capture the super bloom. Ive seen poppies but that many! Fabluous shots Jane 👍🏻😀
Thanks so much, Sir Albertus! It certainly was amazing and surprising. Such fun to photograph. Appreciate you stopping by. 🌼
When nature is left to itself it can produce the most amazing sights. Those hills covered in yellow are spectacular, but I winced seeing the people in among the flowers. I can appreciate wanting to get close, but the hat ladies look to be sitting right on them! Lovely photos Jane. Thanks for sharing these. I have been admiring Steve’s (Texas wildflowers) cemetery flowers in Texas all week.
https://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/tag/colony/
Hi Jude, It was magnificent, as you can now imagine. The colors were so vibrant it almost hurt my eyes. You may have not noticed my caption to those hat ladies, but it was Leave No Trace, which they were obviously not doing. It’s infuriating to see this happening. So glad you enjoyed– thanks very much. And yes, I’ve been following Steve for years. Appreciate it.
I thought you probably followed Steve. I never realised that Texas had so many flowers until I followed him.
Thanks, in part, to Lady Bird Johnson. 🙂
Wow! Wonderful flowers! An explosion af colours!
Hi Petra, Thank you! It really was — they were everywhere! 🌼
Jane, you are a magician with your camera ~ beautiful photos, and the Annie Leibovitz quote sets the tone to this post so perfectly. I really like the depth of field shot (Yellow Explosion), but your framing of the Carrizo Hills ~ I could sit there all day. Just wish I had a helicopter so I could fly and set down right in the middle of it all 😉
Hi Randall, Thank you so much! It was a thrilling day wandering around and fortunately quite empty compared to the weekends during this super bloom mayhem. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the shots along with that favorite Annie quote. I really appreciate your visit here.
Love Spring…….so much to look forward to. I love your photos, Jane!
Thanks you, Anon. Glad you enjoyed these!
Wow! That is a awesome sight!
Thanks, Andy. It really was! 🌼
Beautiful scenes of the big field covered with the bright color flowers.
Thank you, YC. It was a sight to behold! Glad you enjoyed these. 🌼
What a visual treat. It must be amazing to witness first hand.
Hi Jane, You would love it. The swaths of color were astounding. Thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed them. 🌼
Wow Jane, what a feast for the eyes!
Thanks, de Wets, it sure was! Glad you agree and I’m so glad you stopped by!
Awesome pictures! a piece of heaven on earth ❤
Indeed it is, Max. It was heavenly to be there and witness these colors. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🌼
WOW! What an amazing sight, beautifully captured Jane.
Thank you, Brian. It was very exciting to see the bloom. Glad you like the images. 🌼
Hi. Thanks for sharing such beautiful images. I also love Annie Leibovitz’s quote. Have a wonderful day, dear friend. Happy Photography. Best Wishes. Goff
Thanks very much, Goff. The bloom is a thrill to see. And glad you enjoyed Annie’s quote, too. Appreciate you stopping by. 🙂
Hi, Jane. My pleasure. Have a wonderful day. Goff
😁Thanks!
Nice pics as always. 🙂 I love that saying by John Kay. I wish I’d seen it earlier, as I was just telling someone off for posting some pictures of bunches of wild flowers in their hands. Though I did say that you should take nothing away but photographs and memories. 🙂
Thank you so much, Mike. Glad you enjoyed. love that poem, too. Good for you that you said something–and it was clever. I didn’t have the nerve but at least made an example of them in my post. Education is key….and maybe a bit of social media pressure. 😉
I should also have mentioned that many wild flowers (most in fact) have Protected status in many of the Swiss cantons, even though they might be quite common. You may not know but each canton (equivalent to your states) can pass their own laws. (E.g. smoking indoors was gradually banned canton by canton over a period of about 2 years, so for a while you could go from one canton to another, as I did for my job, and the rule was different. Not that I smoked, I tried to avoid it! Quite often they have federal or national votes to decide the law or just the way forward on a particular issue across the country. Anyway, I digress….) My Swiss Alpine flower book tells me which cantons each flower is Protected in though, of course, all wild flowers should be Protected everywhere. 🙂
Great information, Mike. Some towns here are smoke free…wish they all were. I agree, why aren’t all wildflowers – and other natural things- protected? Thanks for sharing this.
You are right, all these landscapes are worth to be photographed and seen by everyone
Hi Flavia, Mother nature is so amazing, isn’t she? Glad you enjoyed these– thanks for your kind comment.
It is so true, Jane Lurie. Many thanks to you for sharing your wonderful shots
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Wonderful! Especially on the hillsides; fine series, Jane! 🙂
Thanks, Harrie. The hills were alive! Glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
Amazing colors!!!
It was amazing, Barbara, and such fun to photograph. Thanks!
Oooh! Marvellous sight, Jane!
Thanks, Sue! It was exciting to experience. 🙂
😊
enjoyed these – and my fav is the one of the photographers – and then the two hats – such vibrancy throughout
Thank you, Yvette. It is an incredible sight -glad you enjoyed these. I like to include people in my landscapes. The ladies in the hats, however, are an example of bad behavior by trampling the wildflowers.
Well I actually wondered about that because in one of the captions you reminded us to not touch and not take – and they were trampling –
and I also love when photographers add people because it makes these gorgeous photos a little more personable and brings the human connection (and big time with the hat people – ha)
Wow, wow, wow!!! The pictures are unbelievable!! Could spend days in the overwhelming landscape. Love it, Jane!!
Thank you so much, Simone. It is an amazing place. Glad you enjoyed! 🌼😊
Wow! What a sight, Jane! 🙂 🙂 The glory of nature.
Thanks, Jo! It is a glorious place. 🤗