Spring in the Sonoran desert–it can be very surprising to see the variety we have here. We’ve had a record amount of winter rain so our Spring is spectacular this year! One morning last week–along with one this week–I found myself unable to resist the ‘call’ to go on a shoot when overcast days provide the best for bringing out color. I happen to live within a 1/4 mile from Saguaro National Park East in Tucson, so I just jumped in the car and was there in less than five minutes cruising the 9-mile loop drive.
I am SO excited about the plethora of choices I had both days and stoked about some of the images, including the one above. I’ve seen desert mallows for years but never knew there was pink, red and peach hues during the different stages of the mallows’ growth. I grabbed my 100mm L macro lens for most of these with my 15-85mm for wider shots. That L macro lens is incredible! Amazing bokeh and sharp, crisp edges show you detail on the tiniest of flowers, some of these less than 1/4″ in diameter. I was able to capture one of my favorite desert flowers–the Parry’s Penstemon. They grow along the roadside in the metro area but there were lots of them in the Park, as well. Comments are appreciated.
Your work is brilliant! You have an amazing gift.
I never ever would have considered Arizona, or the desert in general, as being beautiful. The pictures are so vibrant and playful! I’ve seen Cheryl’s other pictures and I can say I now have a new appreciation for things I never thought to be beautiful. Fantastic work!
I just love the penstemon photos. The colors are an unbelievable variety and show up wonderfully here! What a fabulous set of notecards these photos would make.
“Whether it be nature or people, your photos just keep getting better and better!” (posted by Bethany on Facebook.com/CCWDA)
“love this it shows the delicacy of the desert”
(posted by Vickie on Facebook.com/CCWDA)
“Absolutely beautiful…might have to think about buying this one…” (posted by Ruth on Facebook.com/CCWDA)
Every one of these is just lovely. So beautiful! You have such a gift!
Beautiful and breath taking Cheryl. Your work is inspiring.
Breathtaking!
LOVE the photos Cheryl ! The detail and colors are breathtaking. I totally agree with the earlier comment by Vicky, you should make notecards!