Along The Llama Trail

[Jim Peterson]

Along The Llama Trail (Infrared). A blooming century plant (or agave) enjoys its 15 minutes of fame and glory, with Cathedral Rock serving as the backdrop. These plants typically live 10-30 years before blooming, and then die immediately afterwards. This scenic trail is south of Sedona, Arizona in the Coconino National Forest.

Century plant blossoms really glow at infrared wavelengths. I wasn't happy with the look of this image in color, so I converted it to B&W, which gives it a look similar to traditional B&W IR film. Enjoy!

Tech info: Nikon D3200 camera (modified for infrared with 590nm filter), nikon 18-140mm lens at 23mm, 1/640 sec. at f8, ISO 100.

Image ©2020 James D. Peterson

 

[AlanLichty]

Having the bottom of the trunk in the shade creates an interesting dissonance in perspective since nothing else in the frame is as close to your lens as the century plant with rather large pines right behind it looking like miniatures. Nicely seen and the B&W processing works quite well here.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Really different and very compelling image.

 

[JimFox]

Very cool Jim. I am enjoying the history involving the Century plant and of course the look of this.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Interesting perspective here. The shading in the sky makes that plant jump out of the image.