Poppy Fields at Lake Elsinore, CA (Page 5): Awesome......... you are so fortunate to view it from the air. I tried today to drive there and got stuck in a multi hour long traffic jam...

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Fly cessna wrote:

Thx I’ll be flying over there today so I’ll try and get some clear shots with the window open

Awesome......... you are so fortunate to view it from the air. I tried today to drive there and got stuck in a multi hour long traffic jam and ended up turning around when the police closed the road to Walker Canyon.
I’d love to see you aerial photos. Feel free to post them here.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

arperry wrote:

Monet would be in heaven

You got that right!!!!

cabunit Loc: SE Connecticut

Sadly, your images--otherwise vivid and beautiful--verify what I've heard about those who selfishly trample and destroy many of the plants for their own edification.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Jlee wrote:

When does this take place? It looks beautiful.

It’s going on right NOW! it’s all because of the extra rain we have been getting. And a spin off bonus is because of all the flowers we are now getting Painted Ladies Butterflies by the billions migrating from Mexico to Oregon going through Southern California.
It’s an incredible time right NOW!!!!!

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

cabunit wrote:

Sadly, your images--otherwise vivid and beautiful--verify what I've heard about those who selfishly trample and destroy many of the plants for their own edification.

Good point.......and I might add that since the Poppy is our state flower it is illegal to pick them. Unfortunately when something like this rare “Superbloom” occurs it attracts thousands of people and as you know this means a portion of those thousands will be irresponsible. At the bottom of the foothills where a dirt fire road leads up to the Poppy fields were two police cars to help enforce the well being of the poppies.

Fly cessna Loc: Hemet ,Ca

BrentHarder wrote:

Awesome......... you are so fortunate to view it from the air. I tried today to drive there and got stuck in a multi hour long traffic jam and ended up turning around when the police closed the road to Walker Canyon.
I’d love to see you aerial photos. Feel free to post them here.

I posted them under as promised

berasner

Hi Brent,
Very good work. I am here in Laguna Niguel and haven't been to Elsinore in ages. May I assume you did not go the back way through San Juan? Where around the lake would be best for these views?

Thanks, Bruce

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

berasner wrote:

Hi Brent,
Very good work. I am here in Laguna Niguel and haven't been to Elsinore in ages. May I assume you did not go the back way through San Juan? Where around the lake would be best for these views?

Thanks, Bruce

Bruce, the location is at the 15 Freeway and Lake St offramp at Lake Elsinore. I tried to go there today with my wife and two other photographers but the word got out and we spent over 4 1/2 hours stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. It was insane. They closed off the road and we ended up turning around. If you are interested in seeing the superbloom I would suggest getting up pre-dawn to avoid the traffic and parking problems. That way you could also catch the morning golden hour which could be spectacular. There are only two ways to get to the superbloom, 1. 15 Freeway or 2. Ortega Highway. I've tried both. On the 13th (Wednesday) I went via the 15 Freeway and it was very crowded and parking was a problem but I got the shots I wanted. Today (Saturday) I went via Ortega Highway and had to turn around. Good luck. It is very worth it despite the HUGE crowds of people.

berasner

Thank you, I wonder jst how many days the bloom will continue and if going during work weekdays would dramatically reduce traffic.............

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

berasner wrote:

Thank you, I wonder jst how many days the bloom will continue and if going during work weekdays would dramatically reduce traffic.............

The length of time the Superbloom will be around is all based upon the heat, rain, temperatures. Right now no rain is in the forecast so I would guess the Poppies won't be around much longer. The day I photographed the Superbloom was on a Wednesday and even though it was crowded and parking was a problem I still got to experience the flowers. Going mid week will increase your odds of getting photographs. Also I would suggest to go pre-dawn so the traffic won't be a problem. You could shoot the morning golden hour which could be amazing. I heard yesterday that there was so much traffic that the road (Lake Rd) was closed and they had set up shuttles for $5 a person to get to the trailhead. It's crazy how much attention this is getting, but I understand why! It's a very moving experience.

berasner

Thanks again. For a pro shooter in the oceans, and no trips right now, it does beckon. I think you are right to go early soon during the week.

Bruce

Fly cessna Loc: Hemet ,Ca

Weather forecast from the pilot.
Possible rain later part of this week in so cal

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Fly cessna wrote:

Weather forecast from the pilot.
Possible rain later part of this week in so cal

That should extend the life span of the poppies!!!!! Yippppppppiiiiiieeeee!!!!!!

berasner

Yeaaaa!

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Brent, yesterday I flew into LAX and was greeted by poppies blooming between the runways!