October 28, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #272 Billboards and Signs

This week’s challenge is led by John of PhotobyJohnbo. As he points out, “signs are everywhere, they try to sell us, they can provide information, they can warm us of hazards, they can make us laugh, and they can tug at our emotions.” Here are a few of my favorite informative signs. Below and above are “fun” business signs to let everyone know what is being served inside. The first two are in front of well-known ice cream shops and the last three restaurants’ signs are advertising their specialties. Sign Posts  On the beach in Wells, Maine, in Kennebunkport, Maine and on a Maine golf course! Hope you enjoyed seeing…

October 21, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #271 Contrasts

“There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast.” – Charles Dickens The challenge this week is to show a few ways of expressing contrasts in photography, such as tone, lights/shadows, colors, architectural structures, softness/texture, landscape. In the first image shows a stark contrast between silhouettes of the people along the shore line and the lovely golden tones from the setting sun. Even though these two pictures are the same ferns the contrast in their color is determined by the seasons. A beautiful green color most of the year although in autumn the cooler temperatures turn them into gorgeous reds, oranges and yellows. “Contrast…

September 30, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #268 Tell Us Why

This week Tina says “our challenge is to choose a few images which are our all-time favorites. No matter the subject or how long ago they were taken. Then we need to TELL US WHY you chose them.” (Note: I apologize in advance that many of you have seen these images before -clicking on a picture will enlarge it)  This cloud formation below appeared after an afternoon storm in Maine. This is a favorite because the sunlight creates various colors in the clouds and is also focused on what appears to be vertical looking columns of clouds. These flowers are from our garden in Wells, Maine. I am drawn to the…

September 23, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #267 Recharge

“Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Egidio, Through Brazilian Eyes, is the guest host this week. The topic he chose is Recharge, he suggests we show examples of something we enjoy doing or seeing that help recharge our batteries and relax. For me, a walk outside is the perfect solution. I tend to walk fast when exercising, oftentimes taking our dogs so we can exercise together. Needless to say, at times when they are along it is not particularly relaxing right now since the puppy often sees interesting things to explore along the way. Although  going out with them does increase my energy level for…

September 9, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #265 Black and White or Monochrome

“There’s something strange and powerful about black-and-white imagery.” – Stefan Kanfer What is the difference between black and white and monochrome pictures? They both start as a black and white image with various shades of grey. Although, monochrome images go one step further since a single toning filter is added to create an overall mood or feeling. I always photograph in color and usually in Raw which means some post-editing is necessary. One of the last steps is to convert the picture to black, white.  It is always fun to see how a picture looks in black and white verses color. Here are a few black and white examples below….

September 2, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #264 Primary Colors

Primary colors are red, blue and yellow. What makes them special is all other colors are created by mixing two or more of these three colors together. Generally speaking, these are not usually seen together but I did manage to find a few random examples to share. The first two images show how dramatic the sky can appear when it is lit up with reddish, yellowish and blue colors. (Click on each picture to see it in full view.) For fun, this is a recent TV picture of Hurricane Franklin as it was passing by the FL, GA, SC coast, heading north in the Atlantic Ocean. Good news is it…

August 26, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #263 Faces in the Crowd

“A crowd is not company, and faces are but a gallery of pictures, and talk is but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love.” – Francis Bacon Our challenge this week is to feature faces, in a crowd or standing alone. I decided on a few random pictures showing various people’s faces in a crowd.  Most are strangers although the last few pictures are the faces of long-time friends. The first is a fascinating exhibit showing numerous faces of Chicago citizens at Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. A different person’s face is projected on LED screens at regular intervals and each fountain has an outlet in the screen there…

August 19, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #262 Framing Your Photos

This week Amy suggests we share a few different ways a photo can be framed either by nature or man made designs.  The header shot is framed by beautiful oak trees and marsh grasses at sunset. The two framed, sculpted flower designs below are located on the lawn of the City Hall Building in Old Montreal, Canada.    An example of a wrought iron gate framing a view of the harbor in Monte Carlo, Monaco. A locked doorway protecting the privacy of a garden and walkway on the hill in Eze, Monaco. A bee is framed by the lovely greenish daisy as it gathers pollen. I will close by showing a favorite…

July 29, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #259 Unbound

“I have never in my life been so struck by any place as by Venice. It is the wonder of the world.” – Charles Dickens This week Dan of departing in 5 mins, is the guest host, and has chosen ‘Unbound’ as our photo challenge. He says, “Unbound: Capturing moments that take you away from your daily routine and/or everyday responsibilities.  Is it a day trip, a road trip, or maybe a great escape?” Several years ago my husband and I took a cruise around the Mediterranean Sea, visiting many interesting countries along the way. We spent fifteen wonderful days learning about other people and countries, sight seeing, relaxing and…