Almost Spring (Infrared). We’ve had a series of late winter storms in the Southwest this year (2024), and one was lingering when, a few days before spring officially began, I walked the trails of Arizona’s newest state park. Situated on the banks of the Verde River and in the shadow of the Black Hills mountain range, its name - Rockin' River Ranch State Park - affirms its provenance as a former guest ranch.

Weeping willows sprout new foliage earlier than most trees each year, and this one, near RRRSP, really knew how to glow in invisible light.

Tech info: Nikon D800E camera (modified for full spectrum response, and with 550nm IR filter on lens), Nikon 28-300mm lens at 135mm, 1/640 sec. at f/11, ISO 400

Image ©2024 James D. Peterson