Photographers Should Prepare For Another ‘Impressive’ California Superbloom
Photographers may want to prepare for California’s superbloom season — as it is expected to be “impressive” for a second year in a row.
California is known for its superbloom season, a rare phenomenon in which a burst of colourful wildflowers blanket a desert region.
Superblooms tend to occur after an unusually wet rainy season, as heavy rain transforms the sometimes desert-like terrain, resulting in an incredible floral explosion.
Last year, California’s dazzling superbloom was so extensive that it was even visible from space. And the superbloom season is predicted to be just as vibrant again in 2024.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, wildflowers will open up into a rare kaleidoscope of color — starting in Southern California desert once the rains subside. The region’s landscapes will then be covered in densely packed blankets of purple and blue, red, and gold wildflowers.
‘Take Photos, Not Flowers’
The spectacle is expected to draw thousands of visitors, who flock to enjoy the natural spectacle.
In a statement, California state officials say they welcome photographers who want to take pictures of the Superbloom. However, they have urged visitors to stay on designated paths and trails and asked tourists not to pick flowers.
“In recent years, California has been lucky to see spectacular wildflower blooms in many public lands, including in state parks,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero says in a statement.
“We welcome all Californians and visitors from around the world to experience this fleeting natural phenomenon and ask all to keep the ‘Beauty in the Bloom’ by staying on designated trails and taking only photos, not flowers.”
San Francisco Chronicle reports that the wildflower season typically begins at the end of February and can last until early May, depending on the location and weather conditions.
According to park officials, Anza-Borrego State Park, located in San Diego County, has already begun to see some of its native wildflowers sprout, such as primrose, phacelia and wooly sunflower, at the center and southern edge of its lands.
From there the flowers will barnstorm north, park by park, to Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Red Rock Canyon State Park, Chino Hills State Park and Fort Tejon State Park.
The question of whether this year’s superbloom can beat the previous season depends on the weather patterns over the coming months.
Last year, PetaPixel published tips on how photographers can truly capture the beauty of California’s superbloom.
Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.
