Desert Garden

Days spent scouting around Arizona's Kofa mountains, almost stepping

on a Rattlesnake 50ft from this shot and a lot of luck with the light

and skies.

If anyone can identify the species of cacti in the foreground here I would most appreciate it!  Thanks!  There were very few of them in these mountains but every time I came up on one it was in bloom. 

Very beautiful landscape Marc - well done. Rgds - Sekhar

one of your best photos in my opinion.

Perfect.....

Zsolt, thank you.  In my many years as a full-time landscape photographer I'd have to say this may have been the best foreground to background light, color, subject, etc. that I've had the chance to combine...or at least close.  It was a good thing I narrowly missed that snake as I don't think I would have stuck around after being bit.   In fact, I was ready to pack it in anyway having been pretty satisfied to get some nice skies and a really neat collection of blooms but just a minute or two before the sun disappeared below the horizon it burst out again, illuminating the peak.  It was really a sight to see in person - some of the best light I've ever witnessed, no doubt.  The 14mm focal length doesn't quite do it justice, as this peak was enormous, right next to me, and absolutely on fire!  However, had I not used the ultra-wide I'd have sacrificed depth and all the other elements that add uniqueness and sense of place to the shot.   It was a very careful hike back to the car. 

Absolutely lovely and stunning pic! Your images are truly inspiring. I think the plant is hedgehog/claretcup cactus.

Best Regards, Raghuveer

Raghuveer, thanks so much.  After a quick Google search of images I would conclude you are right about the ID.  I appreciate it! 

Warm regards Marc!

PDE

wow! looks like an Arizona Highways magazine cover... Marc, i'd say you were one lucky dog but knowing how much you hike around looking for comps, luck has nothing to do with it....and, i'll bet this would make an absolutely stunning large print......

perfect exposure and focus correct in every detail. a great job

The light is really spectaculair :)

Love the compo and colors too!

yes -one of your best photos! excellent light!

what a perfect sky

Mazing.  Love the sky, the foreground and the main subject in light.  Best Regards,

This is a stunning shot!

Agree with the above, very strong color and composition for an eye-catching result. To me this does rank with most any other SW landscape on this site.

Sounds like you finally invested in the 14mm rectilinear L glass? I was wondering why you left this out of the arsenal! Not sure how long you've had it but seeing the above result I assume you love it. I will never again be without it myself.

An outstanding image Marc! The composition, lighting, and scenery are all top notch! Way to shoot em guy! Glad you missed the snake too. Last time I was in snake country I found it extremely difficult to look for snakes everytime you move, and still concentrate on the photography.

All the best,
Neil

really a great work!

Thanks for your desprition for such a great work.  Your description really helps.  Best Regards,