January 14, 2021

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: #130 IT’S A SMALL WORLD

This week Lens-Artist’s guest host, Anne Sandler suggests we think about close-up and macro photography.  She skillfully describes the difference between the two.  Be sure to read her post, It’s a Small World. I have a macro lens but find that it is not used much.  Instead, I tend to photograph small objects using a long lens with a short focal point. This particular picture below was taken with a Nikon 18-300 lens, focal point of 145, f/5.7. My banner shot is the beautiful variegated Shell Ginger flower from Florida. This was taken with a Nikon 18-105 lens, focal point of 42, F/4.8.  Interestingly, months ago before being introduced to…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Flowers, LENS-ARTISTS, Nature, Photography, Wabi Sabi Photography

January 2, 2021

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: #129 Favorite Pictures of 2020

“The best images are the ones that retain their strength and impact over the years, regardless of the number of times they are viewed.” – Anne GeddeHeader 2020 was a year like no other since 1918, everyone in the world seems to be suffering one way or another.  In spite of this, I continued to look forward to the assigned weekly word for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge.  A big thank you goes to four talented leaders; Anne-Christine, Amy, Patti and Tina!   This week’s topic is Favorite Pictures from 2020.  The banner shot above was taken on Kiawah Island in SC.  Notice the little trails in the foreground?  They were made…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Landscape, LENS-ARTISTS, Photography

December 24, 2020

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: #128 And Here Comes the Holiday Season…

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.” – Bob Hope With Christmas Day only several hours away, I am reminded of a few favorite Holiday scenes over the years.  Every holiday, until this year, has been spent with our family either in our home or theirs.  Plus there have often been years when my husband and I would spend days in New York City, Naples, Florida or Montreal, Canada, enjoying the holiday lights and decorations.   “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” – Norman Vincent Peale These are a few favorite pictures from our travels. …

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Christmas Decorations, LENS-ARTISTS, Photography, Travel

December 12, 2020

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: #126 The Letter “A” ANTIQUE AUTOS

This week Patti challenges us to think about the letter A.  She suggests we feature a few pictures where the subject starts with an A.  Antique Autos came to mind!  Here are a couple of ancient autos I recently discovered in Maine.  I’m guessing the Tow Truck and Model T Ford were popular around 1930s.  You can click on the photo to see these two better.   A classic Studebaker and an 88 Oldsmobile from the ’50s. Be sure to enjoy Patti’s post on the Letter “A”. Remember to stay safe and be healthy!

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Antique Autos, LENS-ARTISTS, Photography

December 4, 2020

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge: #125 You Pick It! Black and White

“Black and white can transform a scene into something magical.” – Rob Sheppard Since Tina invites us to pick any topic for our blog this week, I decided to show a few of my favorite pictures in black and white.  I have more appreciation for these now;  interesting details are clearer and stand out more with multiple variations of shades of grey.  To me, these pictures display an abstract quality which makes them intriguing and timeless. The banner photo shows several Red Knot (Calidris canutus) walking on the beach.  These special birds visit Kiawah Island twice a  year when migrating from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America. …

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written by Sylvia - Posted in LENS-ARTISTS

November 21, 2020

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #123 Found in the Neighborhood – Wabi Sabi

For our Photo Challenge, Ann-Christine suggests we rediscover our surrounds.  Look around and make an effort to notice things that are generally overlooked.  Think outside the box.  As she says in her post, “There is so much to discover, if only you open your mind and all your senses. Follow that road, follow your curiosity… There might still be lovely surprises around the corner.”  Be sure to see her post on Found in the Neighborhood. The Kiawah Island Photography Club had an interesting program earlier this week.  Jamie Konarski Davidson, an award-winning freelance outdoor & nature photographer, gave a presentation entitled “Wabi Sabi: Finding Beauty in Imperfection”.  Wabi-sabi in photography…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Black and White, Fine Art Photography, Maine, Old Buildings, Wabi Sabi Photography

November 12, 2020

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #122 When the Sun Comes Out Tomorrow

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” – Eleanor Roosevelt The sun’ll come out tomorrow….Just thinkin’ about Tomorrow Clears away the cobwebs…   These are a few of the words from the song Annie sang in the Broadway musical, Annie.  Ana from Anvica’s Gallery is leading the Photo Challenge this week.  She is encouraging us to continue to be hopeful and know a brighter future is ahead.  She wants to remind us of Annie’s optimistic outlook on grey and lonely days when things were difficult.  Be sure to see Ana’s uplifting post and beautiful pictures!  Morning sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.  The top picture was taken by the…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Atlantic Ocean, Fine Art Photography, LENS-ARTISTS, Maine

November 5, 2020

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #121 Focus on Butterflies

By using a few composition techniques, the eyes can be led to the subject in a picture.  These images from The Butterfly Farm in Aruba show how easy it is. “For me, the subject of the picture is always more important than the picture.” – Diane Arbus This week Patti invites us to show several ways to draw attention to a subject.  She suggests using leading lines and patterns, color, contrast, selective focus, freezing the action and doorways or arches.  Click here to enjoy her post plus see other ways of Focusing on the Subject! When visiting The Butterfly Farm, it was a real treat to walk among these beautiful…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Butterflies, Fine Art Photography, LENS-ARTISTS

October 29, 2020

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #120 What a Treat!

What a Treat to be in Maine during October!  First of all, the fall foliage is specular and secondly, Halloween decorations are on display! “Halloween is opportunity to be really creative.” – Judy Gold It is a treat to walk around Ogunquit and Kennebunkport looking at such creative exhibits!  The first two images have a few interesting details: lobster claws as hands, bow ties, flip flops for shoes, social distancing and most importantly – Face Masks worn by all! 😊  (To see each image in more detail, be sure to double click on it.) “Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen. Voices whisper in the trees, ‘Tonight is Halloween!’”…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Halloween Decorations, LENS-ARTISTS, Photography

October 22, 2020

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #119 A HIDEAWAY

Being outside with nature has always provided special hideaways; a wonderful place to relax and surround myself with beauty and tranquility.  “Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy while cares will drop off the autumn leaves.”  John Muir, Our National Parks This week Ann-Christine wants us to think about our hideaways, where we like to retreat for relaxation and solitude.  So many wonderful places such as early morning walk on the beach while watching Sandpipers feed, sitting by the river’s edge observing canoes idly drifting in the breeze, observing gorgeous sunsets or…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Atlantic Ocean, Birds, Landscape, LENS-ARTISTS, Maine, Silhouette Photography, Sunsets, Wildlife