After a long and dark winter, it’s finally that glorious time of year when the spring wildflowers emerge from their slumber. Together with the sun, they begin in the east, greeting the world with open hearts and smiling faces. This weekend I went out to Wenatchee, on the east side of the cascade range, to enjoy their company.

Take a moment to imagine… it’s early dawn, the air is crisp, and there’s a light breeze carrying the fresh smell of sage. The meadowlarks are singing, encouraging the sun to peek its head over the distant horizon. Finally, the moment comes, and everything is bathed in warmth. The flowers stretch out their arms in joy. It’s a glorious day!

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Spring Wildflowers, Eastern Cascades, Wenatchee

Wenatchee Wildflowers : Prints Available
Spring blooms of wildflowers including Arrowleaf Balsamroot and Lupine on the eastern flanks of the cascade mountains near Wenatchee, Washington.

The Tech: Canon 5D2, Nikon 14-24mm, tripod
Exposure: iso 200, f/22, 1/20th
Notes: 3 exposures blended for depth of field with Helicon Focus and touch up by hand.

Well, it was a glorious day in eastern Washington. On my way home through the mountains that afternoon it started pouring rain. That is the nature of this region. Perhaps it’s the many months of winter’s grey, blue, and white, but I find the spring greenery indescribably appealing. Many people look forward to the myriad of colors autumn brings, but to my eyes, spring is just as exciting. Photographing this delightful explosion of life in the forests is a significant challenge, but I think this scene I stumbled on in the rainy Mt Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest comes close.

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Spring Leaves and Mossy Trees, Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

Fairyland Forest : Prints Available
Emerging spring leaves adorn the mossy trees in Washington’s Mt Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest.

The Tech: Canon 5D2, 24-105mm, polarizer, tripod, umbrella
Exposure: iso 100, f/16, 1 sec
Notes: 4 image panoramic stitch.

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