Since the 2000’s, rainfall in Southern California has been somewhat of a feast or famine phenomenon. Following a wet winter in 2010-2011, rainfall in the south land tapered off and the city’s inability to reclaim water effectively at the time plunged it into a multi-year drought. This changed in 2016-2017 when Los Angeles received 19 inches of rainfall, leading to the first “super bloom,” of wildflowers in many years.
Thinking back to that time, I remember jealously looking at the multitude of wildflower photos and not being able to take the time off work to see them in person. Fast forward two years later, I was given a second chance when the area was drenched with over just over 18 inches of rain. This time, I was ready…I kept an ear on the reports, called the information line, and drove out to Carrizo Plain National Monument in late-April.
While the vast landscape did not disappoint, I observed a couple downsides from the experience:
Up close, I could see many patches where people carelessly trudged through the fields for selfies and Instagram photos
It was challenging finding compelling compositions that captured the vast expanse. It was one of those days where I could not convey the grandeur of the scene with my viewfinder
I wound up taking a multitude of “memory,” shots, but none that were really portfolio-worthy. Having said this, it was breathtaking to see in person and I will have a better idea of what to do the next time the skies open.
