Spring is Busting-Out All Over Photo

Photographer’s Note

In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Scene
Spring is busting out all over according to the old song from a Broadway musical. Last week fellow trekker Peter Boehringer put me on to this location. Here we have an old Cottonwood, I believe, just putting on its leaves and a carpet of yellow flowers, foothill sunburst or Heermann’s golden sunburst, leading in to the tree. I saw this scene and it just said to me this is California at its best.

Background
This past Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny so my wife and I along with the dogs decided to check out the recommendation from Peter. We came to the valley from the south and down a steep two lane road, but the elevation was high enough that the wildflowers had not started to bloom. Once in the valley and past a pig farm that had several peacocks and peahens as guard birds we opened into a valley that was scattered with trees, mountain homes, a beautiful stream, and open meadows full of flowers.

feather, zeca, BlueRaven, Photo65Net, plimrn, gunbud, stego, BWJ has marked this note useful

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feather (49858) 2009-03-19 14:38

It was certainly worth the drive out, if only to see this carpet of yellow. We can even see that the leaves are budding on the old tree. It was indeed a beautiful spring day.
We are having a pleasant few warm days and it's starting to feel spring-like over here too.
Kath

zeca (20026) 2009-03-19 22:49

Very nice composition, John! The yellow carpet of flowers is beautiful and that tree is also a nice detail, full of dry branches. Its a good capture from Peter's backyard. Well taken!
Regards,
Zeca

Buin (37474) 2009-03-20 0:10

Hallo John!
A hope giving and most beautiful picture. These colours really are stunning and your point of view creates a wonderful depth. I would like to step into your photo ;-)
Greetings from still cold Germany1
Frank

vincz (19039) 2009-03-20 1:00

Great one with the space you gave to the field with the yellow flowers in front of the beautiful tree. looks like it is blooming time all over there. I'll be in the bay area in a couple of weeks, hope it will still be the same.

BlueRaven (35) 2009-03-20 2:40

Hi John,

What a wonderful springtime shot! As Frank said, it's still quite cold in Germany and we can only dream of beautiful flower carpet like this. A shot that puts sunshine in my heart. Wonderful vertical composition with an excellent DOF.
Superb shot, thanks for sharing!

Best wishes
Claudia

Photo65Net (43084) 2009-03-20 12:45

Hello John,
Nice and sunny landscape... This one feels like spring spirit :o)
Have a nice day,
JB.

plimrn (19600) 2009-03-21 8:57

Hi John,
You really framed this well with the curving edge between the flowers and grass leading to the curves of the tree which are highlighted by the curves of the clouds. To me, curves give a feeling of abundance and luxury. The wonderful profusion of gold against the green with the clean cloud enhanced sky also speak of spring. You really sound like your move was the right one!!
HLJ, Pat

gunbud (27787) 2009-03-22 9:06

Hi John,
The vivid yellow wildflowers mixed with the green grass makes a very interesting lead-in the gnarly old cottonwood that stands out so nicely against the vivid blue spring sky.
In this neck of the woods won't see a scene like this till late April early May.
Regards, Tom

stego (22350) 2009-03-23 11:31

Hi John,
Ahhh... The Spring in its full colourful glory, skilfully presented. I like how the gorgeous carpet of flowers leads the eye to the picturesque trees, one awakening in great force and its brother lying dead.
Regards, José.

BWJ (1771) 2009-03-23 18:13

Hello John,
I like the contrast between the green field of yellow spring flowers, and the bare trees. Good DOF, nice balance, lovely colors and clarity. It is a wonderful shot!
Kind regards,
Betty

Davidwh (3652) 2009-06-09 5:07

Hi John,
A lovely spring image bursting with colour. Nicely composed and the virtical view the perfect choice for the bed of flowers. Apart from the splash of colour it also caught my eye as it reminds me of a seasonal lake not far from my parents house. Take care my friend.
Regards, David

Flavia (10202) 2009-06-15 8:15

Hi John,

Perfect picture! I love the way you included this rug of flowers in your compo. The colours are great as well.

Regards,

Flavia

Waylim (10741) 2009-09-04 16:40

Hi John,
Ah Yes, the foot hill of Sierra Nevada in the spring can be stunningly beautiful, I was taken by surprised, when drive home from Death Valley to see so much flowers in bloom like capet of yellows and orange. Intead of a red carpet welcoming here, we have a yellow capet that welcome us into this California beauty, natrual without hollywood make over. Excellent shot here, good light, good color, and beautiful setting.

It so great to know you have been to Bandon, It is a cute little town surrounded by beautiful nature and pristine beaches.