I love the desert; it’s so irreverent. Life really shouldn’t exist in places like the California desert but what we find is a petulant, thriving, ecosystem. When confronted with the implausibility of their existence, the plants and creatures of the desert responded with a collective, “yeah it’s hot I guess but I’ve got this little thing called natural selection–heard of it?”
When hit with the fires of hell, the desert responded with adaptations like unthinkably deep root systems that can reach the water table, alternative photosynthetic biochemical processes just a bit more efficient than the photosynthesis of normal plants , cell vacuoles that swell with water for the long haul, animals that live a crepuscular life cycle to avoid the heat of the day, insulated nests that can lower temperature 50 degrees below desert surface temperature, and cool subterranean, self-sustaining cities–to name a few. All of that by itself is pretty impressive but throw in the sheer beauty of a flower like this…well then you really have something.
That’s what I love about the desert; it just won’t take no for an answer.
34 Comments
What a beauty, such a natural elegance in this white dress, a vegetal bride for the desert ! You offer pure beauty here (again) ! A very nice week-end with your sweeties, dear Christopher & thanks a lot for the visit (i’m less on the Net but still around for my favs
Hugs & sun.
The delicate petals don’t seem to match the idea of hardiness in the harshness of the desert. Strength of character is a lot like that; we seldom think about the adversities that stand alongside surviving and thriving.
Again, you cause me to think about things…and I like that. Nice work on the photo and the writing.
Such a beauty… I’m speechless but so happy in front of your image, thanks a lot for that. You have a super week-end, Christopher.
Fantastic picture and exquisite detail!
as if it’s flaunting itself in the face of the desert’s harshness. splendid image.
The mark of genius, taking a complex subject and refining it down to this simple and beautiful desert bloom. I used to life in So Cal’s Mojave Desert years ago, and made birdwatching trips to Arizona and Nevada, and was continually in awe of the landscape. One of my favorite birds was the Cactus Wren, poking around the Saguaro flowers. Wonderful post Chirs!
I was very amazed at this photo, perfect lighting, lovely composition
Wonderful i like!
Absolutely exquisite!!!
What a brilliant image – defiant in its beauty.
a complete post with a spendid photo Chris, light created a fascinating frame shifting attention and reflection in the other dimension, nice sunday my friend
very strong shot in bw, beautiful
What an exquisitely beautiful bloom!! And – I suppose it’s the strongest that survive and thrive in the desert.
Beautiful shot Chris! Classic B&W rendering. Very nice.
Stunning image, beautiful soft light and details! Excellent work!
this is excellent. piece of art!
looks nice and soft!
Excellent, like the darken egdes
Some of the most beautiful things come from the desert.
Deserts….arctic conditions….volcanoes 20,000 feet below sea level…the tenacity of nature is pretty amazing. And from your opening words I guess that you’re more Evolutionist than Creationist.
And I mustn’t forget to compliment you on your splendid monochrome study. Well done.
Excellent composition and light. Great capture!
Really great image of the flower, I love how it pops out against the dark background, brilliant contrast.
and the cactus blooms! Lovely lovely mono and wonderful words. I love your stories Chris. Your words are like poetry.
Hope you are having a great day today!
This is just beautiful Christopher.
Great macro, excellent details!
stunning, love the contrast and details
Very impressive.
superbe composition !
fantastic!!!!!!
Amazing image and so perfect in BW. I learned some new things about the desert as well!
V
Very very nice, Christopher…
Bellísima toma. Una iluminación fantástica!!
Wow! Excellent BW – tender and beautiful
It’s great!
c’est un n&b fleuri qui ne passe pas inaperçu. belle réalisation.