I have seen these in the desert before, but did not know what they were called. Glad I didn't get too close now. Those needles do look like they would cause alot of pain & discomfort. Wonderful colors & textures. A great shot Doug.

Excellent clarity, Doug!! And a very beautiful well composed photo.

Great shot again Doug, unless they migrate to Illinois I think I'm safe.lol

Nice one Doug. Like the combination of colors in this. As all ready mentioned this has outstanding clarity. It's close to looking 3D. The soft blurred background really makes the cactus up front stick out ... (no pun intended ... No really ... honestly ... you don't believe me... some one get me a bible ).

Great shot, vibrant and clear. My cousin fell onto one of these when she was about 7 or 8 years old. She fell backwards so she had neddles all up an down her back, bottom and legs. She had to go to the hospital to have them all removed and had to lay on her stomache for over a week!

I don't recall seeing one of these either and would be afraid of it if I did. It's a very good capture Doug with nice clarity and lighting. Thanks for sharing it with us. Anita

OH hell yeah, sorry, now THAT is a pic folks!!

Striking imagery Doug!! Every element in play and set up perfectly!!

~plop, right into my favs~

Amazing capture, Doug. That is one of the best composed shots I have ever seen. Nice work!!!!

What incredible lighting you had for this! Great photo! I think this is the teddy bear cholla (Opuntia bigelovii), named for its "cute and cuddly" appearance. Hope nobody tries to cuddle one.

I like the angle of light that you picked, most of all - I don't recall ever seeing a cactus picture like that. It allows us to see the shape of the cactus hidden inside all the thorns (prickers? needles?) What a beautiful capture.. and a great name choice :-D

i had a whole piece of one of these stuck in/on my leg.......ouch! it's hard to get it off. i hate to even look at the picture but have to admit...it is good. jen

Great picture and the lighting is spot on perfect. Super job.

Beautiful Capture once again! Wonderful composition Doug! You are an artist!

Ouch. Well done Doug. Good detail and color. I like it.

Jackie

Well done :)

Oh My Gosh, alligators from Pat and Terri , and now prickly thingys - and it looks so soft and pretty.
A great shot Doug, clear and sharp and the lighting is fantastic.

I know you're telling us this from experience ( I remember ). You're right, they are very beautiful plants but don't get too close or you'll pay the consequences. Excellent capture of these.

Doug, this is a fascinating shot! I like the great mix of textures, and the richness of the foreground yellows contrasted with mid-ground ambers and mellow blues in the distance. A veritable artists' palette.

That is one of the most prickerly looking cactus that I have ever seen. I like the look of the frame on this one. Great work.
Jason

Very nicely captured Doug, love it. Dwight.

Doug - you've captured this well! I take it you had first hand experience with it getting you? Ouch! Thanks for sharing this! - Patty

Ya not gonna show us the wounds????????
Pretty capture of this vicious plant!

Wonderful color and clarity, Doug! I am very fond of the cacti variety. Looks great on the desktop! Thanks for posting it :)
~lori

Great photo, Doug. I remember first meeting up with these in Anza-Borrego State Park. They were also known as "jumping" cholla because if you got too close they would "jump" out and get you. Wonderful composition and with the backlighting you have created a memorable image. Into my favs.

This is a great capture of this cactus Doug...gerry..

10/10 AND VERY GLAD WE DONT HAVE THEM IN ENGLAND.....LOL

Great composition Doug. Looks a bit dangerous if you were to lose your footing.

Lovely composition..Nice unique subject and great colors! Nice job -Sarah