Deserts are not exactly places you would associate with a preponderance of colors, let alone wildflowers. Yet, sometimes, for a brief period of time in spring, the arid land can explode in an exuberance of life and color - provided the weather gods are so inclined and send the right amount of rain at the right time for the right duration. But when it happens, the desert truly awakens and produces an incredible array of colors and shapes in form of flowers. Some of them are so minuscule that the casual visitor easily misses them; others create a carpet that spreads for miles and miles and paints the horizon. But all of them show intricate details and patterns that are best appreciated by moving into the subject with close-up and macro lenses.

All photos were shot in the field, and the subjects were left with their roots in the ground where they are supposed to be - even though this meant contending with dust penetrating both the equipment and the photographer, bugs satisfying their curiosity in unscratchable places, cacti unexpectedly jumping into the way, strong winds picking up on cue when the shutter was fired, and the occasional rattlesnake making a surprise appearance.

The collection is rounded out by other flowers and florals.

The city of San Francisco, affectionately labeled Baghdad-by-the-Bay by the late Chronicle writer Herb Caen (when Baghdad still evoked different emotions and images than nowadays...), is a marvelous place for photography. Its quirky neighborhoods and ever-changing scenery make you stumble across unexpected visual jewels at many corners. I've been trying to record some of them in this collection.

Both countries are treasure troves for photography - be it the vibrant life and architecture of their large cities, or the quiet charm of their rural villages. Everything feels like it is grounded and close to earth, with a sense of tranquil serenity and deep roots extending into the centuries. What marvelous places for shooting pictures!