Red larkspur, Lake Mendocino (Canon SL2)

I don’t like to make excuses for my photographic failures — most of the time I understand that the fault lies with me. But sometimes no matter how hard you try, it just doesn’t happen. Take for example the red larkspur I found near the Joe Riley Day Use Area on Lake Mendocino’s southwest shore. I was the only person on this lovely little shoreline trail, and I wasn’t in any particular rush to get anywhere. Still, no matter which of my cameras I tried and how I framed my shots, I couldn’t manage to get a clear, focused image that exhibited the brilliant color and detail. Yes, it was a warm day, I had to balance myself on a steep incline, my back was aching, I was surrounded by poison oak, and the mosquitos were eating me alive, but it seems I should have gotten at least one decent photo!

Red larkspur (Fujifilm Finepix AX)

Near the entrance to the Visitor Center (Fujifilm Finepix AX)

This gorgeous lupine growing in front of the Dufer Point Visitor Center at Lake Berryessa is another good example. I was in a crouch — never a very comfortable position — with the sun at my back, craning my neck to see the LCD screen. This camera usually does quite well with macro shots unless they’re in full sunlight; but I clearly missed my focus point here.

Behind the Visitor Center (Canon SL2)

I’ve gradually come to the realization that when I point my camera at a bunch of wildflowers growing halfway up a hillside amongst high weeds, I’d better make darn sure there isn’t anything within my depth of field to distract the sensor. It is a lovely shot of the wild oats, though. Come to think of it, maybe it’s time for me to get my eyes checked.

Western fence lizard at Boggs Lake Preserve (Canon Powershot SX530 HS)

It can be difficult when you’re shooting tiny lizards who tend to dart away if you so much as breathe too loud. Now picture me fumbling with my various cameras, trying to change lenses and adjust my settings before his anxiety overcomes his curiosity. Not to mention my anxiety, being fully aware that, in the words of the California Bureau of Land Management, “In chaparral country, you are always within 100 yards of a snake.” Lovely, thank you for that reminder.