Cahaba Star: Up Close and Personal on the River

The Cahaba Lily is a legendary Alabama treasure, blooming for just a fleeting window each year in swift, rocky shoals. For this shot, titled "Cahaba Star," getting the perfect perspective meant leaving the dry riverbank behind and stepping directly into the lily's world.

Chilly Waters and a Leap of Faith

Capturing this image required wading straight out into the rushing currents of the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. The water was biting chilly, and every step over the slick, submerged river rocks was a test of nerves. Balancing a tripod and a camera while praying I wouldn't slip and dunk my gear into the river definitely added some adrenaline to the morning!

Turning Gray Skies into an Asset

It was an incredibly overcast morning, leaving the sky looking dull and flat. Knowing a wide landscape shot wouldn't do the scene justice under those clouds, I decided the best approach was to get up close and personal. By using a 70mm lens on a tripod and focusing tightly on the bloom, I eliminated the uninspiring sky entirely, letting the crisp white petals and delicate water droplets take center stage against a soft, vibrant green backdrop.

A Serene (and Slightly Eerie) Solitude

Out there in the middle of the river, the world felt completely still. It was an incredibly peaceful, serene experience—until the silence was suddenly shattered.

Despite the mystery river creature keeping me on my toes, "Cahaba Star" captured exactly what I love about nature photography: the quiet, fleeting moments of pure beauty hidden right in our own backyard.

Find the Cahaba Star and others in The Floral Collection