“I look out the window and I see the lights and the skyline and the people on the street rushing around looking for action, love, and the world’s greatest chocolate chip cookie, and my heart does a little dance.” – Nora Ephron Our host this week, Sofia of Photographias, challenges us to feature pictures showing different urban environments. She says, “There are no two identical cities, they’re a product of many different aspects from history to location, to culture and to the people….There’s something mesmerizing about city views. Obviously, some cities offer better views either for geographical reasons or due to the type of buildings.” Every city’s skyline is unique,…
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #214 Favorite Finds
“When the magic hour arrives, my thoughts center on light rather than on the landscape. I search for perfect light, then hunt for something earthbound to match with it.” – Galen Rowell Our challenge this week is to share a few pictures, randomly taken, which later turned out to be a favorite. Lately, I am trying to be more aware of the impact natural light has on a picture. For example, I was drawn to the scene below after noticing yellow sunlight reflecting off the bricks and steam from the smoldering fire. To my surprise, when viewing this picture the next day, I noticed the camera had also picked up…
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #210 Three Favorite Photos
“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” – Ansel Adams This week Sarah says, “join me in sharing three of what you consider to be among your very best shots… Look into your archives and apply your most critical eye; play ‘judge’ and try to look dispassionately at your images. Pick out three (just three) that stand out as particular favourites.” Be sure to see her three favorites and learn why she chose them by clicking here. The scene below is a common sight in Kennebunkport, ME. What caught my attention on this particular day was low hanging rain clouds that were beginning to clear,…
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #209 Surrealism
For our post this week, Tracy of Reflections of an Untidy Mind chose Surreal as the topic. A great subject but unfortunately one I am not familiar with! Actually, I don’t think anyone has ever mentioned my name and the word Surreal in the same sentence. This should give you an idea as to why I feel outside of my comfort zone! I found a few pictures from the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA, which might fit the definition of Surreal after some editing with Photoshop and Topaz software. If Andy Warhol decided to paint a surreal looking jelly fish, do you think it might be as colorful as…
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #208 Summer Vibes
“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emeson Summer is a happy time of the year. Warm sunshine and a cool breeze is energizing as well as relaxing. This makes spending time, either alone or with friends, so enjoyable. The guest host this week, Andre, suggests we share a few summer activities which initiate happy summer vibes! For example, sailing with friends on Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. “Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach and having fun.” – Brian Wilson A day at the beach with family and friends creates memorable summer vibes. “We…
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #207 Seeing Double
“The world is a looking glass and gives back the reflection of his own face.” – William Makepeace Thackeray Jez of Photos by Jez, the guest host this week, says “seeing double is all about reflections…. I tend to see them everywhere & actively seek them out when they’re not readily apparent…..[They] are all transitory in nature; they’re not permanent but can be captured forever.” With Jez’s thoughts in mind, I found a few of my favorite pictures of reflections. The banner shot is the reflection of colored lights on the water from nearby restaurants and shops. (Grand Canal in Venice) This picture below is the reflections of several high…
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #204 Doors/Doorways
Doors can be seen wherever we turn, they are literally everywhere! And, all doors are surrounded by doorways for us to walk through, some look more attractive than others. With so many different types and designs, it should be fun to pick several doorways that attract your attention. Ask yourself, what caught your eye. Does this doorway communicate a friendly, inviting atmosphere (perhaps much like its owners)? Or, is it imposing due to its size and grandeur, or perhaps ominous looking, sending a message to stay away? Here are a few different styles of doorways I have noticed. A few were recently taken and others came from my archives so…
Lens Artists Photo Challenge #200 Every Little Thing
“Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.” – unknown We are invited to share little things that makes us smile and hopefully you will also. The header shot is a white Hydrangea flower. Interestingly, this large single flower is made up of many clusters of small flowers. These beautiful flowers are quite popular and come in several colors. They have a wonderful way of bringing happiness and warmth in someone home. “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius When looking at this…
Lens Artists Photo Challenge #199 Mechanical/Industrial
John, of photobyjohnbo, wants us to “consider subjects reflecting industry or items that are mechanical in nature…. There are signs of the old ways and the new way of doing things, wherever you look.” My first example is the wind turbines, shown in the header. Wind turns the blades which are connected to a drive shaft which is attached to an electric generator, and electricity is produce. These turbines replaced wind mills which were used many years ago. Another mechanical example below is this vintage fire engine (pumper truck) located in Ogunquit Maine. Compare this to a much newer model truck in Charleston, South Carolina. The Southern Railway 385 Steam…
Lens Artists Photo Challenge #198 Light and Shadow
“Darkness is absence of light. Shadow is diminution of light.” – Leonardo da Vinci Light and Shadow: Patti suggests we feature a few pictures showing how well they play together to create beauty, drama, serenity or a smile. “I am forever chasing light. Light turns the ordinary into the magical.” – Trent Parke “Don’t be afraid of the shadows, it only means there’s a light nearby,” – Amy Lee In this particular picture, shadows are something to be afraid of! This once beautiful 19th century home in Maryland is purported to be haunted. 😥 “A luminous body will appear more brilliant in proportion as it is surrounded by deeper shadow.”…