Prickly Pear Cactus Viewed in Infrared

April 19, 2018

JohnK_E99561F2-6731-4AEC-B0B4-04A1548B4990

Photographer: John Kupersmith
Summary Author: John Kupersmith 

Featured here is a prickly pear cactus (genus Opuntia) as viewed in infrared light near Sedona, Arizona. It was found in a small depression on the top of Rams Head Ridge; Cathedral Rock in the background. The infrared camera renders this scene pretty much as the human eye would see it, but brightens foliage to bring out detail in the cactus. Note that despite the appearance of the rocky surface that the cactus seems to be growing from, the depression has just enough soil and holds just enough moisture to provide for the needs of the cactus as well as the surrounding grasses. Photo taken on February 10, 2018.

Photo Details: Sony A6000, 720nm conversion by LifePixel; ISO 100; 20mm lens (28mm equivalent); f/3.5. 

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