Taking a cue from many friends who have gone for hikes in the mountains lately, I knew it was time for an early summer pilgrimage on Highway 64. Those hints, combined with temperature, the angle of the sun, time of year, and time of day called out in an odd but familiar and comfortable way.  As a photographer, I must answer the call. The wild iris are in bloom!  And they did not disappoint.

Although acres of grazing land behind barbed wire fencing were loaded with them, I was able to find blooms just below the high pass along rivulets and streams.  Given the fact that there are still huge lenses of snow waiting to melt, water is everywhere and so are the iris.  Moving from rock to rock and dry spots to avoid sinking into the bogs was like doing a not-so-graceful dance. Glad there wasn't video!  Below is an example of iris right on the edge of slow-moving water, which lends a contrasting backdrop to the flower, leaves, and grass.

Wild iris 2019 D

In addition to capturing the different colors and patterns of the petals, I wanted to continue my search for interesting natural backdrops, camera angles, and other photographic elements such as depth of field.  In the case below, a rotting log served that purpose.

Wild iris 2019 B

The grasses and iris leaves are nature's background in the three closeups below.

Wild iris 2019 F

Wild iris 2019 C

Wild iris 2019 A

The height of the iris in this shot adds interest.

Wild iris 2019 E

What really appealed to me about the bloom and other iris shown here was the color.  Almost a pure periwinkle.  The splashes of yellow come courtesy of golden peas.

Wild iris - periwinkle

Thanks to Suz, Kay, Donna C., Maria, Christina, Heather H., Steve, Victoria, and Wayne for participating in the blog process this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@