Colors of My Heart

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a nature reserve in Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County, California, known for its beautiful California poppies. It is located about 2hour drive from Los Angeles.  The reserve covers an area of ​​about 1,780 acres and attracts many tourists every spring (March to May) as the beautiful California poppy flowers bloom all over the place.  The California poppy is the state flower, and the view of the bright orange flowers spreading out is a spectacular sight. When the poppies are in full bloom, the entire reserve is covered like an orange carpet, impressing visitors.  Walking paths and hiking trails have also been developed to enjoy the flower fields. There are several trails within the reserve, where you can walk while feeling the flowers up close.  The visitor's center features educational exhibits about California poppies and the area's natural beauty and offers guided tours.     Nikon New FM2 / Nikkor AF-S Zoom 28...

Located in the Sepulveda Basin of the San Fernando Valley, just outside Los Angeles, Lake Balboa—officially known as Anthony C. Beilenson Park—is a vast urban park spanning approximately 80 acres (32 hectares). At its heart lies a 27-acre (11-hectare) lake where visitors can enjoy swan boats, pedal boats, and fishing.  The park also features a 1.3-mile walking path, jogging and cycling trails, barbecue pits, picnic areas, and a universally accessible playground. In spring, the Japanese Garden, adorned with cherry blossoms, waterfalls, and streams, becomes a particularly popular attraction and is often described by local blogs as a “hidden gem.”  Under the brilliant blue California sky, the cherry blossoms create a striking contrast, offering a unique visual experience unlike those in Japan. For photography, I used a CPL filter, which deepened the blue of the sky and enhanced the overall vibrancy of the scene. Taken with Nikon F5 / AF-S Zoom 28-70mm F2.8D ED-IF / Kodak Professi...