Seeing 2011 (#28)

For your consideration: a study of a desert denizen's junction between trunk and limbs.

Deliberately photographed with a moderate degree of magnification by means of the 70-300mm optics, in order to take advantage of the telephoto's inherent compression of perspective. The flattening of cylindrical forms and depth yields a sense of abstraction.

Note too the unexpectedly dispersed pattern of the needle-like spines: virtually absent on the torso,they're abundant on the arms. Undoubtedly a consequence of aging -- it may take up to 75 years for a saguaro to sprout such appendages, thus no surprise that the main body's prickly armor may have been worn down.

Saguaro Detail, Sonora Desert, #9795

© 2011 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: February 19, 2011; Canon 20D; f/11 @ 1/1250 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 400; 280mm.

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