Dow's Lake Tulips
Commissioners Park along Dow's Lake transforms each May into one of the most vibrant floral displays in North America, with over 300,000 tulips planted in 27 beds stretching along the waterfront. The combination of colorful blooms in the foreground and the calm lake behind gives you natural depth to work with; try getting low to compress the rows of tulips against the water, or use a longer focal length to isolate clusters of blooms. Overcast days are ideal since soft diffused light brings out the saturated reds, purples, and yellows without harsh shadows, though golden hour adds warmth if the sky cooperates. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds, which can be substantial during the Canadian Tulip Festival in mid-May. A wide-angle lens works well for sweeping bed-to-lake compositions, while a 70-200mm lets you pick out details and compress the floral rows. (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
