Posted by Tim Zandee on February 9, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Want to fly out from Colorado to shoot the poppies this year - I guess I will fly to LA? Any prediction or advice on where appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by Derek Sedillo on February 9, 2010 at 4:49 PM
Hey Tim,
This will be fun for coming out from CO. I moved from the Springs here a couple of years ago. One thing to keep in mind is that Spring starts much earlier here than in the Rockies. Three places come to mind which are great for poppies:
1. Antelope Valley - missed it last year. But this year looks to be even better.
Take a look at the photos (see exif data) from last year as a good indicator on time frames. Then bump the schedule up a bit this year due to all the rains and early indicators.
I also picked up Carol Leigh's CA Wildflower CD which I recommend.
Most of all enjoy the Spring conditions!
Derek
Posted by Tim Zandee on February 9, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Hey thanks - I was actually looking at the Tehachapi Mountains area? Been there -? thought it was in April usually.
Posted by Steve Sieren on February 9, 2010 at 5:05 PM
Tim, I shot the Tehachapi area in early March last year, I wouldn't buy a plane ticket ahead of time. The poppies can easily be ruined and with out sun they won't even open up. They are fragile little suckers. The wind can get so strong out in the AV, I lived out there for about 3 years back in the 80's. If you can wait for the reports and book a plane ticket closer to when you are leaving, there will always be something to shoot out this way no matter what.
Carol Leigh's report Calphoto.com It gets out of control, too much stuff on there. It would be nice if every post mentioned if there was a grand landscape or just macro stuff.
With all the elevation change around you should be fine even if you mess up your timing. There is already a ton of stuff blooming right in the mountains of Los Angeles.
Posted by Tim Zandee on February 9, 2010 at 5:09 PM
Ok - I was planning on buying it no earlier than a week before. Is that area in a certain county or have a region name? Thanks so much for your response
Posted by Derek Sedillo on February 9, 2010 at 5:10 PM
Tim the Tehachapi Mountains are near Antelope Valley and the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. I recommend doing a search on that. Last year was kind of a down year for them. But ppl still managed to find nice displays. Every year the exact time is a little different.
Last year Arvin was "the" hotspot. Just do a look up on FredMiranda or Flickr. It started in early March.
Discussion
6 repliesThis will be fun for coming out from CO. I moved from the Springs here a couple of years ago. One thing to keep in mind is that Spring starts much earlier here than in the Rockies. Three places come to mind which are great for poppies:
1. Antelope Valley - missed it last year. But this year looks to be even better.
2. Merced Canyon
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Spring/Spring-2009/7692690_JAj6E#496977873_HDdWQ
3. Big Sur coast (from Montana de Oro SP to Lucia is best)
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Spring/Spring-2009/7692690_JAj6E#511369833_7bTCM-A-LB
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Spring/Spring-2009/7692690_JAj6E#511135710_7GRYp-A-LB
Take a look at the photos (see exif data) from last year as a good indicator on time frames. Then bump the schedule up a bit this year due to all the rains and early indicators.
Watch the current conditions here:
http://www.calphoto.com/wflower.htm
I also picked up Carol Leigh's CA Wildflower CD which I recommend.
Most of all enjoy the Spring conditions!
Derek
Carol Leigh's report Calphoto.com It gets out of control, too much stuff on there. It would be nice if every post mentioned if there was a grand landscape or just macro stuff.
With all the elevation change around you should be fine even if you mess up your timing. There is already a ton of stuff blooming right in the mountains of Los Angeles.
Last year Arvin was "the" hotspot. Just do a look up on FredMiranda or Flickr. It started in early March.
Read blow by blow reports from last year here: http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:c-Tq-3ZngU8J:calphoto.com/wflower.htm+antelope+valley+2009+wildflowers&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us.
Derek
Lancaster is the closest to the Poppies.
both are relatively close to each other.