The wildflowers in Southern California that year were surprisingly good. After the right mix of winter rain and mild temperatures, one hillside erupted into an incredible field of purple lupine. This is a rare sight here that seems to happen only once every ten years or so.
When I first found the spot, I knew I had to capture it in perfect light. The afternoon sky was mostly cloudy, making it tough to predict a strong sunset. But photographers know the best moments often arrive unexpectedly.
Then the cloud edges began to glow.
I grabbed my gear, raced down the freeway through traffic, crossed a creek, and climbed the hill. I arrived out of breath just as the sky ignited. I set up quickly and shot furiously, trying to hold onto the glowing lupine before the color faded.
For a few magical minutes, the hillside came alive with purple flowers and warm sunset light.
Not bad for Southern California.
Moments like this make Southern California wildflower photography so special. When rains and temperatures align, hillsides transform into fleeting displays of color that last only a short time. These rare purple lupine blooms are unforgettable to witness and even more incredible to photograph.
