Spring has indeed sprung here in The Windy City, and nowhere is it more evident than at Caldwell Woods Forest Preserve on Chicago’s north side. The wildflowers put on a dazzling display for me and my friend and fellow photographer Jeremy Atherton, and the abundant marsh marigolds provided a lush carpet with plenty of photographic opportunities. Jeremy’s brought his new rig out, the Pentax K-01, and I got to see this interesting new camera in the wild. I opted for my old standby; the hulking Mamiya RB67 Pro-SD fitted with the amazing 90mm K/L lens. And I was packing my go to film – Ilford Pan F Plus.
Vernal Pond I
Not 100 yards from where we parked the car, I noticed a small vernal pond just off the trail and the way the light was reflecting off the shallows I just knew I had to get off the paved trail and see if there was a photo to be made there. Indeed there was, several actually. We spent a good 15-20 minutes working an area of the woods not much bigger than most bathrooms! The above image and the next two that follow were taken in this little area just off the beaten path.
Vernal Pond II
Marsh Marigold
Did I mention the marsh marigolds were in bloom? These delicate flowers resemble a buttercup at first glance, but upon closer inspection reveal a more intricate leaf pattern and stamen. They were growing everywhere; some in water, some next to the pond, and others on now dry (but previously submerged) lowland areas within the woods. They are a neat specimen to photograph, provided the wind stays down. I got lucky and snapped two frames of this plant during a lull in the breeze; this one came out looking pretty good.
Forest Floor
Dreaming Tree
I’ll be heading back here soon to grab more images of the spring blooms before they are gone. That’s all for now. Thanks for looking!
TG