After The Rain

Species: Geranium maculatum

Common Name: Wild geranium, wood geranium, spotted geranium

Location: Raccoon Creek Wildflower Preserve

The 314 acre tract of land that is known as The Raccoon Creek Wildflower Preserve was purchased by The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in 1962 and was subsequently transferred to Racoon Creek State Park in 1971. It is home to over 500 species of plants.

Here, a wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) is seen following a spring drizzle. The biggest challenge in photographing flowers that grow on slender stalks is having them hold still instead of moving in the wind. They don't usually do what you want, even if you ask nicely. One of the secrets of success is to arrive early, as the wind tends to pick up shortly after sunrise as the sun warms the air. The other 'secret' is to use a soft clamp and stand to help stabilize the stem.