Tips for visiting Tulip Fields (photography)

[mayfair]

Originally Posted by happygrrrl

During what time frame are the tulips in bloom? I have no desire to go on a tour, buy stuff, go to a festival, would just like to see the blooms. I did go one year, but it was March, too early I guess.

Also, is there a faraway vantage point to hike, etc. just to view/photograph them. For example, years ago the ranunculus in SoCal could been seen from a hilltop until $$$ took over & fees were charged for "tours".

You can drive around and see the fields, or visit Roozengaard (the biggest farm), Tulip Town (the floods destroyed their fields so they are sparse this year, but less crowded), or Garden Rosalyn (a nice smaller, lower key new tulip farm with a pond and waterfowl if you want a quieter experience with fewer crowds).

They're saying with the cold weather the tulips might go until May this year. It's weather dependent- so year to year will vary on timing.

Go midweek early or late to avoid crowds.

[Zoo2000]

We're coming to the Seattle area next week. Given the winter the NW has had, I figure there's no chance there'll be any tulips in bloom yet? Any insight?

[xPlorer48]

Originally Posted by Zoo2000

We're coming to the Seattle area next week. Given the winter the NW has had, I figure there's no chance there'll be any tulips in bloom yet? Any insight?

We are north of the Skagit Flats and at a higher altitude so our daffodils are yet to bloom. We are enjoying snowdrops in clumps all over. I would call any of the nurseries listed above for info on bloom times.

I used to photograph the fields 10-15 years ago but the crowds later were overwhelming. I think foggy mornings are best especially for close ups to catch the dew and diffused light. I like to position the Cascades and old wooden barns in the wider angle shots. A close up lens would be ideal but I used an 85mm f1.4 for the sweet bokeh. Bring your tripod. My best shot was of the field workers emerging from the fog with their tulips in baskets or boxes,

[leastprime]

Originally Posted by Zoo2000

We're coming to the Seattle area next week. Given the winter the NW has had, I figure there's no chance there'll be any tulips in bloom yet? Any insight?

Daffy's come up before the tulips then the iris. Daffy is just now spiking so may another 2 weeks to Daffy bloom, if the colder weather holds. Once the Daffy blooms, tulips will be 1-2 weeks later, weather dependent.

[Zoo2000]

Got it! thank you for the info

[mayfair]

A few daffodils are starting to bloom in the fields.