Cardamine californica or Milk Maids are the very earliest flowers to bloom. The day I walked on Springs Trail, this was the only bloom I saw. Taking flash close ups has a special challenge that is related to the flower color. All cameras I have used expose light and dark flowers differently. Being able to look at the results right away and adjust exposure is where digital photography brings a whole new dimension. This on the best or 3-4 exposures. (Large Image)