Prickly Subjects

I’ve been out in the desert looking for interesting pictures. I’m always attracted to the many varieties of cactus, particularly at this time of year when they are flowering. Most recently I was out with Nadja Petersen in an area east of Scottsdale in the McDowell Mountains. The morning light did not favour photographing the most picturesque landscapes and it is still a bit early for the flowers, but we did get some interesting pictures nonetheless.

This first shot features a Cholla cactus, best known to hikers and golfers as a nettlesome plant whose barbed needles can easily become affixed to your clothing or skin. Ouch! I was particularly attracted to this view of a Cholla by the lighting. A backlit subject is not always easy to photograph but in this instance the sunlight behind the Cholla’s needles created a beautiful aura around its pods and branches.

The next photograph was taken in late March on our return from Death Valley. It features a Joshua tree, photographed along Highway 93, near Wickenburg, AZ. Not quite as prickly but its spiny appearance is quite unique and makes the tree a good photo subject.

I hope to have some more desert scenes later in the month when I expect the flowers will be in greater abundance.