Saguaro Wanderings: Seeing 2011 (#152)

For your consideration: easily the most delightful — and utterly unanticipated — discoveries during the recent dusk photo excursion with Jerry (see prior post).

Aside from the sheer vibrancy and virility of the organism, providing me with great relish in trying to capture this image (very challenging due to low light and consequent depth-of-field issues) was the fact that it was hidden in plain view: the tree is located in the midst of a blind S-curve on a particularly winding section of mountain roadway.

Cars careen at the rapid pace of downhill skiers on this route, so not only did I need to focus on the details of composition and exposure, I also needed to ensure a successful execution and survival of the shoot by paying close attention to the sound of oncoming drivers. Obtaining the combination of framing and close detail I wanted require stepping back several feet onto the roadway; motors approaching called for a temporary project abandonment and a quick return to the safety of the tree.

I can well imagine the several drivers who were doubtless startled by my loitering just off the pavement in the middle of nowhere . . . and I felt a sweet pleasure knowing that I was lucky to be able to enjoy the sublime beauty of this immobile life-form, simply because I had the luxury of slowing my life down enough to take a walk in in the woods as the world rushed by.