February 21, 2020

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #84 NARROW

Amy picked the word “Narrow” for our photo challenge this week.  I decided to begin with this photo featuring a narrow strip of beach, separating the Atlantic Ocean and Kiawah River, at Captain Sam’s Spit which only appeared at low tide.  In addition to wildlife resting on this narrow area, pods of resident dolphins live and play in the Kiawah River.  Notice the curious bottlenose dolphin in the foreground, quietly observing the birds on the bank.  This was taken on the west end of Kiawah Island, South Carolina.    Two narrow channels have been cut out as the ocean tides change twice a day, creating this tidal pool shown in…

November 19, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #72 WAITING

This week Amy invites us to explore a few situations we have encountered which involve waiting.  Guess I never really stopped to consider how much time I spend waiting some days. The realization was scary although like many people, spending this time doing something relaxing helps the time go by quicker.  (Actually, I am waiting now for my husband in a doctor’s office while working on this blog!  Thank goodness for larger size handbags for carrying books and iPads.)  Taking air flights or waiting for appointments usually entails waiting although often times ‘people watching,’ talking to others, reading, checking the phone or listening to a podcast or music helps the…

November 7, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #70 MONOCHROME

This week we are exploring Monochrome photography.  Patti suggests we can include images in black and white, sepia, and/or different shades of one color.  And, for an extra challenge, add a bit of color to a black and white image.  Monochromatic pictures showcase a color scheme based on only one, single color tint. It uses only variations or shades of a single hue, which is made by altering the saturation and brightness of the base color. Black and white colors are always added. (Colorpedia by Paletton).   I decided to feature with a few photographs in black and white with a single hue of color added and was surprised as to…

September 12, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #62 SILHOUETTES

This week Patti suggests we show pictures featuring Silhouettes.  Silhouette photography is quite interesting in that it can evoke emotions, tell a story plus entice viewers to spend a few extra moments exploring details.   “One of the most effective ways of dramatizing a landscape or a wildlife subject is to capture its silhouette. The combination of a strong form with a beautiful background is unbeatable.” – Jim Zuckerman   Friends relaxing with their beverage while observing the ongoing gorgeous sunset in the Gulf of Mexico!  Is there a storm approaching, adding extra drama to the evening sky?   “It was sunsets that taught me that beauty sometimes only lasts…

August 3, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #56 SEASCAPES

  “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Cousteau   This week Amy encouraged us to show favorite pictures of various Seascapes, such as the water front, shoreline and waves.   Early one morning when walking on the beach at Kiawah Island, SC with our dogs, I was excited to see this female Loggerhead turtle returning to the Ocean after laying her eggs in the sand dunes. Fortunately, I was able to take a series of pictures documenting her long, laboring journey back to the ocean. This first one, originally posted on Mar 15, 2019 in my blog “Around The Neighbor”,…

July 24, 2019

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: #55 DREAMY

DREAMY, this is the subject Anne-Christine chose for this week.  I found this topic a little difficult to define since dreamy can imply many different things – a dreamy song or meditative music, a dreamy atmosphere, a person who daydreams often or someone who is so visually beautiful they look dreamy.   After some thought I decided to “artistically” edit a few pictures in hopes of creating dreamy colors along with soft dreamy shapes and designs! “Everything that’s lovely is but a brief, dreamy kind of delight.” – William Butler Yeats     “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Yves…

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…

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…