Prickly Pear in May

Gallery: FloraPosted May 9, 2014110 views13 comments

This was made while shooting the hummers/Red Heperaloe blooms this past week. While waiting for a bird to appear, I changed out to the 2x extension, and scanned the surrounding area for blooms.

The prickly pear cactus was designated the official plant symbol of Texas in 1995. Found in the deserts of the American southwest, the fruits of most prickly pear cacti are edible, and have been a source of food to native Americans for thousands of years

F/8, 1/400th, ISO 200, 1D M3, 300mm f/2.8 + 2x ext, @ 12:23pm & partly sunny/cloudy.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Nathan Buck on May 9, 2014 at 5:36 PM

A very nice representation of this bloom and supporting vegetation, Howard. I like the BG and the color. The depth that you achieved here is very nice.

Nathan

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1101 Posts, 13589 Comments

Comment posted by Barb Pflaum on May 9, 2014 at 5:56 PM

A very nice look at this bloom, Howard, and a nice bg.

Registered on January 14, 2009, 316 Posts, 2724 Comments

Comment posted by Bob/Charly Nelson on May 9, 2014 at 6:54 PM

great controls shown here Howard, light, BG, depth...All well done in my opinion.
Bob

Registered on January 29, 2014, 35 Posts, 398 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on May 9, 2014 at 11:03 PM

Fine look at this prickly pear with a lovely bloom and some promising buds. The lighting is fine, with good definition in the flower and a complementary background. The pads are edible too, but getting the spine off is a challenge that usually means looking for something else to eat.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on May 10, 2014 at 1:46 AM

I had one of these boogers growing in my front yard here in Savannah. I finally got rid of it—it was taking over the yard! I liked the flowers well enough, but the rest of it was an eyesore.

Well composed picture and a pretty blossom and BG, anyway!

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on May 10, 2014 at 3:27 AM

Nice take on this prickly pear, Howard. Your control of DOF and BG are always exceptional. I enjoy your work immensely .

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by John Williams on May 10, 2014 at 4:56 AM

Brings back great memories of growing up with these guys Howard. Lovely cactus blossom.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on May 10, 2014 at 8:08 AM

I certainly see enough of these in my area but seldom have such a nice clean background, well done Howard.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on May 10, 2014 at 12:00 PM

Hi Howard,

One of the better composed Opuntia shots I have seen. Well done...........................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on May 10, 2014 at 7:10 PM

Howard - Excellent angle for shooting this Cactus. Brought a few of the thorns, the buds and the lone bloom in great focus. Background is just terrific. A slight crop from the right also appeals to me but I guess you left more space as the bloom is moving right.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 550 Posts, 9037 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on May 11, 2014 at 6:28 PM

Lovely, pristine capture, Howard ! Can't think of anything I would like to see done differently - excellent image.

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on May 12, 2014 at 1:38 AM

Hi Howard

A fine perspective, enabling you to capture the excellent form and color of this cactus

Albert Darmo
Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Yun Gao on May 15, 2014 at 4:08 AM

Howard, This is natural, simple and beautiful. Excellent work!

Registered on September 11, 2012, 267 Posts, 1621 Comments