Saguaro models needed

[choronr]

Although I have two different models of subject cacti, neither one simulates the one in real life ('lightning', are you listening?). The XFrog plant is segmented; Saguaros are not segmented. Rarely do you find one this way unless activated by a freeze. The edlo cacti is too curvey. Typically, they grow straight up with no curves. Finally, the base is usually samller than the upper part. Sure would like to see something more realistic.

[lightning]

hey choronr

pictures please so i have something to go by
cacti are not my specialty but i have modeled cacti before so its nothing new!!!
give me some photo references and i will see what i can do

[choronr]

Jack, here is a link to one of my pictures where I did some PS work with my Terragen picture; and, a pnoto of a Saguaro. Here is the link: http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1183537&member

[lightning]

hey bob
sorry for such a delay here is couple of shots of my version of the Saguaro cactus

shot 01

shot 02


if their is something wrong just say i want it perfect for the store could you send me some more pictures please as well and last of all do you have any textures of a Saguaro cactus trunk? im using the xfrog one at the moment but i cant use it if i put it on sale due to copyright issues

[Oshyan]

Aside from the pointy/angled top it looks pretty good to me.

- Oshyan

[jaf]

Here's a link to a photograph I took at Tonto National Forest.  It shows quite a few typical variations of Saguaro's.  You hardly ever see "unblemished" specimens.  They grow so slow very few cannot be effected by weather.  Many have holes in the woody sections that are usually homes for birds.

Notice the squirrel in the lower right (a little off-center) that was munching on some Saguaro flowers.

[Edit]  I woke up in the middle of the night and thought "did I post that url?"  I remembered cutting it -- was going to paste it at the end of the message.  Anyway, here it is:

http://www.jafgraph.us/Photography_Pages/Tonto/TNF_4.htm

[choronr]

Hello Jack,

Thank you so much for getting back to me and for your hard work. The model you have produced is classic and has been configured perfectly! The giant Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantean – Cereus giganteus) comes is many shapes and 'arm' configurations. Your model shape and arm arrangement is typically the most pleasing to the eyes.

The Saguaro color is basically an 'olive green'; also, during the rainy season during the winter, the color will change to a blue/green while the cactus will expand in girth as a result of taking on a supply of water. During the heat and summer dryness, the cacti's girth will shrink. Those planted in home landscapes are usually more robust due to the available water.

Many of the Saguaro cacti (two out of 5 maybe) will have 'holes' in them which were made by cactus wrens, the Gila woodpecker and other birds. They make their nests here; also, where the cactus arms meet the main trunk.

The cactus makes beautiful flowers at the top of the trunk and arms in the spring during the month of May. These flowers produce edible fruit. Many of our stores carry jars of jelly and preserves made of these fruits.

Jack, I've Googled some good links below for you to see the Saguaro. On Monday, I will get out to the desert near my home and take some close up pictures for you. However, you will need to give me your e-mail address so I can send them to you. My e-mail address is choronr@msn.com .

Greetings to you from the sunny desert,
   
   Bob (choronr) 

http://www.desertusa.com/july96/du_saguaro.html 
http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/june/stories/saguaro.html
http://www.nps.gov/archive/sagu/Saguaros/saguaro.htm
http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flowers/az_saguaro_cactus_blossom.htm
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/saguaro_cactus.htm
http://phoenix.about.com/library/blsaguarobloom.htm
http://phoenix.about.com/od/arizonapicturesandphotos/ig/Saguaro-Cactus/Saguaro-Cactus-05.htm