Joshua Tree Frames and Sunbursts

 I was out hiking Boy Scout Trail in Joshua Tree recently on one of those perfectly beautiful blue sky days. The sun was low on the horizon and I found myself looking for opportunities to add to my sunburst photo collection.

F22, 1/60 sec, ISO 125

 
You might recall that sunbursts are best created when the sun is partially obscured by a solid object (like the rocky surface in the photo above) and the aperture is stopped down (f22 in the photo above). It's fun and easy to do, and makes for a more interesting shot.

 

You can also get a pretty good sunburst by simply shading out part of the sun using the branch of a tree... in this case, a Joshua tree.

 

Interesting rock formation

 

It feels like I'm being watched! A short guy with a bushy mustache?

 

The two photos above are typical views along the Boy Scout Trail.

 

I also wanted to get some practice using Joshua tree branches as a natural photo frame, and to add interest and texture. In the photo above, the Joshua tree branch certainly adds texture. Getting in close and personal with these branches can be hazardous to your health if you're not careful!

 

Here's one of my favorites where the Joshua trees make a nice frame.

 

It seemed as if no Joshua tree was safe from me trying to coerce an interesting photo perspective. But a couple of them had their revenge, giving me good pokes with their spiny fingers!

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Stay healthy & stay safe!!

 

Linking with Skywatch Friday.