The Cholla, pronounced (Choy-uh), can be very pretty to look at, but keep your distance. It takes the best part of a week, for the redness and swelling to subside, and feels like a thousand bee stings.
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.
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
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
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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.
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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.