Although the field guide I consulted tells me that trout lillies are common throughout the region, this is the first one I can recall having seen, and certainly the first I’ve come upon while looking for wildflowers to photograph. In the same forested region where I’ve come to know eastern spring beauties and Dutchman’s breeches, these small, wild, native lillies have appeared. I spotted at least a dozen in among the low-level green, but I suspect there were even more hiding in among the ramps and low brush.
It took several visits before I began to feel that I was understanding this flower – it’s small size makes it difficult to photograph, necessitating a ground-level approach. On a cold Easter morning, their blossoms were closed tight; and with a tendency to face somewhat earthward, it’s challenging to get a good angle.
I tried a combination of macro lenses and the 9mm prime, shots with the petals nearly touching the lens and others from farther back. The result was a handful of shots that I’m pleased with, although as always, I look forward to another year, and another opportunity to know these fishy flowers better!