Sadly, it has come to my attention that Carol Leigh has decided not to continue publishing the "California Wildflower Hotsheet" . Over the past 15 years this has been not only a valuable resource for nature photographers and wildflower enthusiasts but also fostered an online community of like minded souls. In Carol's words, " Right now I cannot in good conscience continue to distribute 'where-to-go' wildflower information. Private property is being destroyed. Flowers are being trampled. Rude and inconsiderate behavior abounds." (visit www.calphoto.com/wflower.htm to read Carol's entire message).
As the wildflower season comes to its peak here in California please follow these simple rules;
- Always obey park rules.
- Respect private property.
- Watch where you step and where you lay your camera bag.
- Take only pictures, leave few footprints.
In Point Lobos State Preserve leaving the trail is not allowed. To photograph wildflowers, such as the Iris pictured here, I use a 400mm lens with an extension tube to capture images in restricted areas. This combination allows me to get close up images from a distance of 7-8 feet. This is helpful not only in obeying regulations, but when safety or environmental ethics issues prevent me from approaching the subject.
I also find additional benefits from this combination of lens and extension tube. Many times when I am walking down the trail a potential subject will catch my eye. When I approach the subect with a shorter lens, such as a 100mm macro, the back ground and angle of view change significantly from the image that first caught my attention. Having the longer lens lets me capture the image as I first saw it by narrowing the field of view and maintaining the angle that made the first impression.
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