The Naked Desert
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Blazin'
🕑 Added 2020-10-20 23:36:49 +0000 UTCWhen Liz (@lizzieblaze_ on IG) originally approached us about wanting to shoot in the desert among some giant saguaros, we knew just the place. Heading up the 87N on the way to Payson is a rather abundant saguaro forest with some very old cacti with many arms. (BTW it can take up to 30 years for a saguaro to sprout an arm.).
Unfortunately the entire saguaro forest was wiped out by one of of the largest wild fires in the history of Arizona--the Bush Fire, stretching fro the eastern edge of the Bush Highway, over the Four Peaks, finally stopping at the edge of Roosevelt Lake (193,455 acres total). While I certainly was aware of its occurrence, I wasn't quite ready see the massive devastation with my own eyes. Or, maybe I was in denial.
Once we realized that our location and the old saguaros I knew were destroyed, we debated postponing the shoot. But, we had made the effort and drove all the way out there. We all decided to try anyway. In doing saw we discovered another saguaro forest though not as old. And, we were both happy with the images we created together.
So while, the Bush Fire was a tragedy, we know our favorite habitat will regrow... eventually. On the other hand, despite the somber mood, we captured some great lines, shapes, and compositions with Liz! And, that, our patrons, is the behind-the-scenes narrative that is not always told in the 1000 words a picture may tell :)
Comments
The Naked Desert
Actually we discussed it with her: 1) Liz didn't seem to into the idea. 2) all off the access roads, car parks, and TH were closed, and most likely will be for a long while. Elle and I have have some plans though :)
Gyurme Samdrup
A great story - and a huge missed opportunity! Too bad I wasn't there to persuade you guys to shoot in the fire-blacked sad scenery. Natural destruction has its own beauty - the forces of Mother Nature. Having your eye-catching attractions in the midst of desolation would have been a fantastic contrast - and touching! It would have raised a mix of emotions that is rare and unique.... I can just picture it in my mind (I took some burnt desert shots some 20-30 years ago - on film slides then - and they are still vividly in my mind!). Today in the digital age I'd go high-contrast B&W, contrasting the soft beauty-female-form with the desolate blackened environment.... oh well ...
The Naked Desert
2020 AmIRight?
