Some years, winter seems to drag on forever. This year was actually a very mild winter until it was supposed to be done.  Then came March and April. I never thought spring would come.

I know each year when winter has lost its grip when the South Dakota state flower starts blooming.  The appearance of the Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens) is a time of serious joy in my heart.

Sunset PasqueWatertown, South Dakota

I’m not sure if it was the late spring or just pure luck on my part, but this year I was able to photograph these wonderful early spring blooms for longer than I ever had in the past. It was a very enjoyable several weeks.

Pasque MacroWatertown, SD

Many of the Pasqueflowers I photographed this year were on St. Anne’s Hill below the hospital here in Watertown, just a few blocks from home. I’ve often wondered if people wonder what I am doing as I crawl on the ground or bend in crazy ways so I can get a low perspective on these very tiny flowers.

As they are so tiny and I am often shooting in the low evening light, the focal range is very small. I have to fight the seemingly constant wind of South Dakota waiting for the flower to stand tall and not shake. Many, many photos turn out blurry from the motion, but patience does pay off eventually.

Pasque in the windWatertown, South Dakota

While the season has moved on and I’m not photographing other wildflowers, I’ve created a gallery under recent work on my website to show off some of my favorite shots of Pasqueflowers. Hope you enjoy.