Saguaro Fringe Glow
In the Sonoran desert a nice group of age old Saguaro cacti standing tall at sunset with the glow around the edges which are actually all their needles. ...
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In the Sonoran desert a nice group of age old Saguaro cacti standing tall at sunset with the glow around the edges which are actually all their needles.
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Feb, 2017Views
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Awards
Winner in The Sonoran Desert in Monochrome Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Top Choice
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Behind The Lens
Location
This shot was taken during sunset on the east side of Tucson, Arizona in the winter.Time
Literally just before the "golden hour" of sunset time.Lighting
I found it interesting how the sun lit the thorns of the Saguaro cacti. It looked as if there was neon lights in the shape of the cacti.Equipment
This as shot with a Canon T2i and a 20mm Sigma lens from what I recall as well as handheld.Inspiration
I was simply on a walk in the desert looking for interesting or potentially interesting shots, angles, prospects, whatever. I sometimes challenge myself even on days when not in the mood to simply go out and shoot.Editing
The original is of course in full color. (Also a nice shot.) But when in B/W it seems to enhance that "neon glow" effect around the thorns. I used Photoshop and a plugin from Topaz Labs for the B/W conversion.In my camera bag
I always carry (too much) with me. Extra batteries for the camera, and other equipment such as my intervalometers, a variety of lenses from 105mm (macro) to 20mm wide, cleaning clothes (gotta have em!), snack bars (you never know how long you may be out waiting for just the right moment), water, and more water, and of course a tripod, both full sized and a mini and aluminum foil.Feedback
Being in the desert, one must be realistic and understand that even when it may be cooler weather, it is still dry and one can easily dehydrate quickly. During the prime seasons of spring or fall, it is particularly important to carry lots of water if you go on a quest for a serene desert view that hasn't been trampled on. We won't even talk about the heat of the summer. I carry aluminum foil along so that when I am shooting on a hotter day from an open area without shade, I cover the camera body with aluminum foil to keep it cool It actually works quite well. The key is to be patient and wait for the lighting to be just right for such shots. That moment may actually only last for a few minutes. Over time, one can plan based on sunset times, or sunrise times which is easily found on apps today on your smartphone.
