Wild Flowers 101 Episode 6

What this episode covers

Podcast- Wildflowers 101 Join Fine Art Photographer and Travel Guide April Bielefeldt as she shares tips for exploring California Wildflowers. Growing up in Iowa, after winter ended we took to the woods to seek out the tiny blooming gems- wildflowers- in the woods I learned about jack-in the pulpits, columbines, wild roses, and other small flowers that would appear after the snows had melted. That same excitement of going out after “winter” stayed with me and after viewing carpets of California poppies one spring north of Los Angeles I was hooked to come week after week-seeing the hills change from bright orange, to purples to yellows and finally to a burnt gold color. Not every year is a super bloom but generally there are places you can discover Wildflowers somewhere in the state! Join me as I share with you tips-inspiration and tools I use to return with some Fine Art photos to enjoy even after the wildflowers have left. Spring can begin as early as March .. or even late February depending on conditions! Places to go- what you need and best tips! Southern California places Theodore Payne http://theodorepayne.org/- 818.768.1802 ext 7 Socal – Desert USA- http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html- Poppy Preserve- Lancaster CA- http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627-661.724.1180 http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/california-wildflowers.htm Carrizo Plain= 805.475.2035 phone Tips for going out: Proper Footwear- covered toes- boots- Look for snakes- prickly plants- Walking stick- Long pants- long sleeves- protect yourself from allergies- sunrash-prickly plants Take a buddy- Knee pads- http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/california-wildflowers.htm Stay hydrated- water- power bars- nuts- Too much exposure to sunlight could dehydrate you Camera tips: Flower setting or a vivid setting- Intensifier filter- Magnifying filters – Mirror Spray bottle with water- add water drops to your flowers Location- road- bank with flower-or hill above you to give the look of the flowers touching the blue sky over you- Get high or low- either with standing on the running board of your car- getting low via a bench- Camp stool folds flat and can help you stay low yet slightly a bit above the ground Subject matter- ask people to model in your images- – either a back view- with a hat- or holding hands- Basket- props-old book- anything you might want to carefully sit to add interest in your photo Weather: Poppies need a lot of sun to open up= wind may be harder to get still shots Overcast makes a nice soft light for flowers High contrast- split filter- polarizer Search artwork-precompose an image that might inspire you- Monet, VanGogh, Georgia O’Kee

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