return of the natives: california wildflowers by david leaser

David Leaser

Exploring the Beauty of California’s Native Flora

Antelope Valley

Amboy Crater

Carrizo Plain National Monument

Anza Borrego Desert

Gorman, California

Return of the Natives

The Inspiration for my work

A day at the Huntington changed everything

www.davidleaser.com | facebook.com/davidleaserfineart

A plane ticket to paradise: The Amazon


I was drawn to the rainforest floor


But I could not achieve the vision in my mind

I wanted this . . . . . . but I got thiswww.davidleaser.com | facebook.com/davidleaserfineart

The search for innovation begins• NASA had been to Mars• Robotics were entering

the photography space• New innovations in

software were changing everything


The moment I knew I nailed it!


Camera Essentials

CameraChoose maximum megapixelsMust have a USB connection

TripodMake it heavy!

Should have a spirit level

Macro lens1:1 ratio

I use a 60 mm inexpensive lens


Studio Supplies

Posing tablesmall, spins

Modeling lightLED, cool

Flashlightfocusing

Backgroundvelvet, paper

Clampsmultipurpose

Plampstabilize flower

Floral wireshape flower

Floral foam Oasis, Aquafoam

Vaseclear

Floral water tubeswith thin ends


Lighting

SubjectFlashes vs. ringlights

BackgroundFor white / light

backgrounds

Subject FillPlace on a tripod or table

stand

ModifiersYou must scatter and

diffuse the subject light!


Computer setup

Cables Tethering Software Stacking Software

Editing Software Enlarging Software Sharpening Software

Zerene Stacker


Setting up your subject• Audition the flowers• Place in small vase• Examine closely• Treat like a movie star


Setting up your camera• ISO low• Flash speed to sync with camera

set fastest to avoid blur• Flash at highest power setting

necessary• Aperture (in the middle of range)• Focus set to manual (install

eyepiece magnifier)


Thank you!David Leaser

www.davidleaser.com | facebook.com/davidleaserfineartEmail me at [email protected]

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Finding California Wildflowers• Anza-Borrego Desert: Located south of Palm Springs, Anza-

Borrego State Park often puts on the best desert wildflower show in California. Find out how to get there. Bloom season is January through March, so check this year's bloom status before you go.

• Death Valley: It takes a perfect combination of conditions, for wildflowers to bloom in the desert, and it doesn't happen every year. When it does, it's usually between mid-February and mid-April. Death Valley's wildflower displays are eye-popping, especially since they occur in a landscape so devoid of color the rest of the year. This guide includes all the details.

• Valley of the Oaks: With the land around it protected from over-cultivation and never overcrowded, the area near Mission San Antonio west of King City is a great place for spring wildflowers, and we've got the photos to prove it. Bloom time is generally March to April.

• Antelope Valley: In a good year, the carpets of orange-hued California Poppies… well… (to use a well-worn phrase) you'd have to be there. Our photos might give you an idea, though. General bloom time is mid-February and lasts through mid-May. Get all the details.

• Hite Cove Trail: Wildflowers bloom a little later in the Sierras, following the wave of blossoms in the desert. Hite Cove Trail near Yosemite is one of the most spectacular places in the Sierras in late spring, and some say it's the best wildflower hike in California. Take a look at these photos and we think you'll agree. Best time to go is March through May, and you can find out everything you need here.

• North Table Mountain: An ecological reserve near Oroville (north of Sacramento), North Table Mountain is decked out in more than 100 kinds of wildflowers in a good season. Bloom starts in February and peaks in March and April. Guided tours are offered then. More details on their website, where can also sign up for a guided tour.

• Eastern Sierras: Wild iris flowers come out between late May and July, depending on elevation (earlier in Bishop, later for Mammoth). Where cattle are grazing, you'll sometimes find them nibbling the petals.

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/california-wildflowers.htm

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/capalmsprings/a/anza-borrego.htm

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cadeathvalley/ig/Death-Valley-Photo-Tour/Wildflowers.htm

Native Plant Resources• The Garden Growers Nursery at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

1212 Mission Canyon RoadSanta Barbara, CA 93105(805) 682-4726http://www.sbbg.org/learn-discover/gardening-with-natives/garden-growers-nursery

• Las Pilitas Nursery8331 Nelson WayEscondido, 92026www.laspilitas.comWholesale and retail, container plants. 100% California native plants.

• Matilija Nursery8225 Waters RoadMoorpark, CA 93021(805) 523-8604www.matilijanursery.comRetail and wholesale nursery specializing in Californian native plants.

• Moon Mountain WildflowersP.O. Box 725Carpinteria, CA 93014-0725(805) 684-2565Mail order seed.

• Moosa Creek NurseryValley Center, CA 92082(760) 749-3216 www.moosacreeknursery.comWholesale growers Please see their web site for retail availability.

• San Luis Creek Nursery955 El Camino RealSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401Phone: (805) 788-0874Fax: (805) 788-0875 Wholesale and retail by appointment only. Specializing in CA native garden and restoration plants.

• Santa Barbara Natives Inc.14900 Calle RealGaviota, California 93117805-698-4994Locally propagated native plants for Santa Barbara County http://www.sbnatives.com

• Theodore Payne Foundation10459 Tuxford StreetSun Valley, CA 91352(818) 768-1802www.theodorepayne.orgRetail plants, mail order seed, large seed selection.

• Tree of Life NurseryP.O. Box 635 / 33201 Ortega HighwaySan Juan Capistrano, CA 92693(949) 728-0685californianativeplants.comWholesale & retail container plants, contract collect & grow.

return of the natives: california wildflowers by david leaser

Art & Photos