Kritchner Caverns SP, Sierra Vista AZ

We spent a week in Sierra Vista Arizona a year ago August, at the height of the second rainy season, which is just about the best time to visit for desert blooms and birds. Kritchner Caverns are live caves, only discovered 20 years ago, and only recently opened to the public. The surrounding desert has many hiking trails, and it is definitely a rewarding visit for the photographer.

For this shot, I was attempting to catch the detail of the blooming fish-hook barrel cactus against the majestic backdrop of the desert mountain skyline. Again the articulated LCD makes the low angle comfortable.

I actually worked this cactus and the view for about 10 minutes and took a number of images from different angles.

32 mm equiv. F5.6 @ 1/640 @ ISO 100. Programed Auto. Auto WB.

Post processed in Lightroom. My standard Recovery for cloud detail, added Clarity and Vibrance, Sharpen Landscape preset. I reduced the luminance of the blue slightly.

This was a good exercise on working the angles.