July 12, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #53 CHOICES – Black and White

In celebration of the one-year anniversary of Lens-Artists Photo Challenge we are invited to post pictures on a subject of our choice.  I decided to feature only black and white images this week.  Interestingly, since not all pictures turn out to be good black and white candidates.  Worthy ones tend to emphasis shapes, lines and texture, in addition to shadows, reflections and contrasts.  Often times these features add mood and emotion and can attract more attention, maybe this is why many people believe this is photography in its purest form.  Hope you enjoy seeing these images in a different “light”! 😊 “There’s something strange and powerful about black-and-white imagery.” –…

July 4, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #52 SERENITY

This week Tina chose to challenge us with the word SERENITY.  Looking through my pictures it became obvious I tend to be drawn to serene landscapes.  I guess it is visual and mental peace, stillness and tranquility of the moment that captures my attention in the otherwise hectic life style I lead.  A popular definition of Serenity is the absence of mental stress or anxiety, a state of peace and quiet; perhaps this is the reason why I have enjoyed practicing yoga over the years.   “Serenity opens the door to inspiration and creativity.” – unknown   When coming upon this inviting scene I thought how wonderful it would be…

June 25, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #51 UNIQUE

This week Amy invites us to feature Unique looking pictures.  To me, an abstract scene is unique in the purest sense of the word.  On occasions I like to take pictures with the idea of conveying a Unique or abstract look.  Hope you enjoy seeing a few of my favorites!   “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”  Albert Einstein   This is a picture of a reflection on the water.   This image was created by the sun reflecting the colors from a man’s clothing; an aqua shirt, green cap and brown pants.   I like this because of its unique design with interesting, distinctive…

June 22, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #50 TREES

Ann-Christine invites us to explore Trees this week and show a few which have caught our attention.  I often look for unusual formations and details in the shape of their trunk and branches plus whether or not they are growing in an unusual place such as asphalt and concrete.  As a side note, other trees have been previously featured in my blogs although the two best known are Angel Oak on Johns Island, SC and the Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach, CA. When in Aruba a few years ago, we located this well-known Diva-Diva tree on the beach close to the road.  There are a couple of the popular Mysore Fig trees on the Winter…

June 15, 2019

FAVORITE THINGS: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

Patti invited us to share a few pictures showing a favorite place or activity…” just about anything that brings you happiness.”  I have many favorites (family, people, pets, places, pictures I’ve taken) so it is difficult to pick only a few.  I could fill volumes of books with a list of Favorite Things!    Since we are in Wells, Maine for the summer, I decided to share a favorite activity I have enjoyed for years – going on early morning walks.  Often our two cocker spaniels, Bentley and Chester, and my husband accompany me (along with my camera!). A few days ago, we decided to walk around Ogunquit.  Unfortunately, after…

June 7, 2019

WILD: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

Tina asked us to think about the word Wild this week and show examples of something Wild.  Wild animals, birds, flowers, weather, Wild behavior….this list could go on and on.  Since I enjoy being outside it seems that where ever I go untamed, Wild birds seem to be everywhere, happily chirping, calling to each other or sounding an alarm if another bird has invaded their space.  Sometimes if I’m lucky, many different species can be found congregating in a favorite area as they socialize between meals or share a feeding area.  It’s interesting to watch the behavior among the different species although if you get too close they immediately take…

May 30, 2019

FIVE ELEMENTS: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

Amy’s challenge topic for this week is FIVE ELEMENTS.  She chose to highlight the Five Elements recognized by the Chinese, Wu Xing:  water (shui), metal (jin), fire (huo), wood (mu), and earth (tu).  In daily life these are regarded as the foundations of everything in the universe and natural phenomena and commonly used by designers and Feng Shui masters. In the universe, each element interacts positively or negatively with another element.  Positive interaction would be how metal generates water; water nourishes wood; wood feeds fire; fire creates earth; earth bears metal.  Negative interaction would occur when fire melts metal; metal chops wood; wood breaks up the earth; earth absorbs the…

May 24, 2019

DELICATE: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

DELICATE is the photo challenge word for this week.  Ann-Christine wants us to think about different ways this word can be portrayed with pictures.  Such as a Delicate touch or colors, perhaps butterfly wings and new growth on plants and trees.   “This is what it means to be loved… when someone wants to touch you, to be tender…”  – Banana Yoshimoto   A Delicate, gentle touch from this boy as he strokes the back of our dog in a loving way.        “The colors of the (water and) underwater rock are as pale and delicate as those in the wardrobe if an 18th-century marchioness.” – William Manchester…

May 17, 2019

STREET ART: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

For this week’s Lens-Artist Photo Challenge, Patti suggests we share some images of Street Art.  Looking through photos, there seem to be different styles such as “artsy” pictures, fun images designed to make people smile, those showing a landscape scene or ones where the artist has a statement to make.  Interestingly, in many cities’ artists are encouraged to create murals or Street Art on buildings, sidewalks or wherever they can find a “canvas”.  For example, Montreal holds annual graffiti or Street Art festivals, one of which is internationally renowned.    “I laugh at the way some people think graffiti is all selfish tagging and vandalism. Thoughtful street art is like…

May 5, 2019

HARMONY: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

This week Tina suggests we explore the word “Harmony” and show examples of it with our photography.  It can be experienced anywhere in life, music, art and nature.  One dictionary describes Harmony in nature or the arts as a sameness, the belonging of one thing to another, such as the repetition of elements like color, texture, shape, lines and form.  Experiencing it tends to creates an overall sense of peace and a visually calming rhythm. Tina also encourages photographers to improve their skills by studying favorite images, our own and those of others.  Examine what draws us into an image and become aware of what we feel – peace, relaxation,…