Monday, April 27, 2015

Argentine Cactus

Argentine Cactus

I think this is the most beautiful and exotic cactus bloom I have photographed to date.  You probably wouldn't be surprised if I said I discovered this rare beauty on one of our long treks in the isolated deserts near our southern Utah home.  And that I had to hike for several miles in the sweltering desert sun, before I discovered this beauty tucked away on the side of a cliff.  And to top it off I had to suffer multiple punctures of sharp brambles and cacti spines as I leaned over the edge to get this shot.  Gosh, that would make a great story!    

Well, I'm just so darn honest that I have to tell you I actually found this beautiful cactus in the parking strip, alongside a busy city street about a mile from where I live.  It was early morning and I was on my way to a zumba class when I spied these blooms and pulled over.  Luckily I had my camera with me.  But it was so windy and chilly outside that I literally rolled down my car window and snapped a few shots from inside my cozy warm car.  I did have my camera set on shutter priority with a high shutter speed to freeze the movement from the wind, but still, these are not great conditions for flower photography.  I was pleasantly surprised that this turned out as well as it did! 

12 comments:

Stephanie said...

Stunningly captured.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

wow! what an amazing bloom. Nice photo too ;)

MadSnapper said...

this is very close to identical to our neighbors night blooming cactus. the few photos i got of it, i had to get right at daybreak because they close when the sun hits them.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Okay, I'm glad you were honest here. I was wondering how this could have ever made it into the wild. I'd be wanting a cutting to add to my collection. A stunning flower.

janc@mac.com said...

That is one spectacular flower. Never seen one like it before. You've captured its unique beauty.

Unknown said...

Karen, absolutely fabulous! I liked you first story best but must admit that I get some of my best shots from inside the car. Some going along down the road!!

Barb said...

This looks like an exotic species. I guess it isn't as fragile as it appears though! A beautiful shot!

Scott Law said...

Cactus flowers are definitely some of the most beautiful flowers out there and I think even more appreciated because they have a short bloom time so not seen as much. Great job on this one.

diane b said...

Either way sounds like it was a difficult shot to get but you have nailed it. It sure is a beautiful bloom for a cactus.

Montanagirl said...

Really LOVE this one! The beauty and clarity and mind-bending!

TexWisGirl said...

wow! certainly spectacular!

Anita Johnson said...

WOW! From the car in the wind? WOW! Again!