La Conner Daffodil Festival Photography Tours 2016

By guest blogger Andy Porter

Each spring the flats of Skagit Valley are alive with the vibrant, multi-colored tapestry of tulips and daffodils. There is really nothing to compare to the sight of (seemingly) endless fields of blooms under the wonderful skies of Skagit County during the La Conner Daffodil Festival. Check out the Tulip Festival Gallery and join us for the Daffodil Festival photography tours!

La Conner Daffodil Festival 2014 Photo Contest Winner – Andy Porter

The fields of flowers are spread out over a large area encompassing parts of the towns of La Conner and Mount Vernon, Washington. Tulip and Daffodil fields are rotated regularly and each year the precise location of the flowery fields changes.

Andy Porter Guided Daffodil Festival Photography Tours

Living here in Skagit Valley not far from the fields of blooms, I am able to visit the daffodil fields every day. As the daffodil season gets started, I head out to scout the new year’s daffodil field locations and plan where are the best spots (and times, mornings or evenings) for capturing fabulous images. In fact, the above image was the winner of the La Conner Daffodil Festival photo contest two years ago. You will be able to enter your photos to this year’s contest by posting on Facebook or Instagram with hashtag #laconnerdaffodils.

The best time of day to visit the daffodil fields is early morning or late afternoon. The low light and clouds offer some incredible back drops for the flowers. The most quiet days to visit are Monday through Friday.

Evening – Sunset Daffodil Tour

This tour is available Monday through Friday, every week that the flowers are blooming. The tour starts at 3pm and ends at 10pm. (Note: the times and itinerary are always up for change, depending on your preferences!)

Itinerary:

3:00 – Meet at Skagit Food Coop, relax, discuss photo techniques.

3:30 – Begin our photo tour

5:00 – Drive out to several of the year’s best locations to get great evening shots of the flowers at sunset.

8:30/9:00 – Head out for a bite to eat and a review of images and tips on editing.

Cost: $95 per person Note: Each tour is limited to no more than 5 people

Early Morning – Sunrise Daffodil Tour

This tour is available every day, 7 days a week, every week that the flowers are blooming. The tour starts at 5am and ends at 10am. (Note: the times and itinerary are always up for change, depending on your preferences!)

Itinerary:

5:00 am – Meet at Starbucks for coffee/tea and to discuss photo techniques.

6:00 am – Drive to several of the year’s best locations to get great morning shots of the flowers at sunrise.

9:00 am – Head out for a bite to eat and a review of images and tips on editing.

Cost: $95 per person Note: Each tour is limited to no more than 5 people

Daffodil Festival Photography Tours – Planning

Weather

Skagit Valley Weather in the spring is…unpredictable. We can have snow, rain and sun, all in the same afternoon! Some days are gray and overcast, others with totally blue skies, but most often we will have a mix, throughout the day of clouds and sky. Rain is common. I have often seen days where it rained hard all day long, and in the late afternoon partially cleared into the most fantastic skies.

What to bring

Camera, lenses, filters, a tripod, extra batteries and memory cards.
Water, snacks and any other food/beverages.

What to wear

Plan to get dirty and muddy! The daffodil fields are most always moist and often very wet. Wear pants and shoes that you are happy if they are covered in mud! Bring layers of clothing, sunrise and sunset can get cool quickly. Don’t forget a hat and gloves!