June 16, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #253 Fragments

This week Brian has selected a challenging topic, at least for me anyway. He suggests we show examples of our interpretation of the word Fragments. After giving this a little thought, I decided to present a few pictures from one point of view showing the subject along with its fragments. For example, separated clouds floating away from the larger one close by, a stuffed animal’s tail torn off a dog’s toy and apple slices cut out of the apple. For the opening shot, as these clouds were passing overhead yesterday I noticed many wispy fragments had broken away and were floating by on their own. And the picture below shows…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in American Cocker Spaniels, Clouds, LENS-ARTISTS, Photography

June 8, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #252 What’s Bugging You?

“Should an insect land on you… Don’t be scared. Appreciate that you were confused for a flower.” – unknown Donna at Wind Kisses is suggesting we explore the world of bugs and share a few favorite pictures. She has many interesting species in her post so be sure to check it out by clicking here. Personally, I am not too fond of some bugs and have an unspoken agreement with them – I will respect their space and they need to respect mine. That being said, there are so many others I enjoy seeing and photographing, such as butterflies, lady bugs and bees. Note, these pictures can be enlarged by…

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

May 27, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #250 Skyscapes or Cloudscapes

“Every cloud has a silver lining.” – John Milton Clouds come in all sizes, shapes and colors, that is what makes them so interesting. The images you see now will change within five minutes or less. They can blanket the sky and block out the sun or provide a backdrop for a spectacular sunrise or sunset. This week Amy, of The World is a Book…”, chose a very interesting topic; Skyscapes and Cloudscape. What is the difference between the two? The dictionary describes a Skyscape as a section of the sky, usually extensive, which often includes a part of the horizon usually seen from a single viewpoint. Whereas Cloudscapes are…

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

May 20, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #249 Art in the Park

“The arts have an incredible potential for expanding interconnectedness, for reaching people, touch them, and increasing empathy and compassion in the world.” – Olafur Eliasson The challenge this is week to feature public art that we enjoyed seeing. My husband and I often travel to Boston, MA, visiting the museums, exploring the City’s well-known history, plus the occasional Red Sox game. To me, Boston is one of those cities where my camera is always ready because there is so much to photograph! When we were there in 2006 Boston was hosting a citywide Cow Parade. Since our challenge for this week is to feature public art in all of its…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Boston, LENS-ARTISTS, Photography, Street Art, The Jimmy Fund Boston

May 12, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #248 Mood

“One of the most powerful, yet difficult, elements to master in photography is capturing emotion and feeling.” – Karyn Teno    The mood conveyed in a photograph helps enable the viewer to establish a connection with the picture when personal emotions or memories are triggered. A few ways moods can be portrayed is through the place, patterns, seasons of the year, colors, actions, lighting and shadows and weather. Although when photographing people, it is said that the most influential mood is facial expressions and body language. Black and white photos also give an image a sense of timeless mystery. What type of mood does this opening image convey – happiness,…

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

April 8, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #243 It’s Tricky

It’s Tricky and this is April the 4th week! Donna suggests we share a few pictures that are not what they seem to be. Below are a few tricky looking subjects and the challenge is to guess what you are actually seeing.  I am starting off with a header shot which is probably easy to identify (the answer is at the end).  But what about the tree branch below with green leaves? Would you guess this is actually a picture of Atta leaf cutter ants carrying bits of green leaves to their nest. Below is an open field filled with tall mud “towers”. How were these towers constructed and who…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Abstract, LENS-ARTISTS, Montreal Aquarium, Photography

March 31, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #242 New Experiences

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings This week Anne, of Slow Shutter Speed, suggests we share a new personal experience. The experience my husband and I are in the midst of now is not really new to us, it’s just that we have not experienced this in well over ten years – so, it seems like it’s new.  We recently got a puppy!!  Meet Tucker, an American Cocker Spaniel.  “Training a puppy is like raising a child. Every single interaction is a training opportunity.” – Ian Dunbar Two months ago our life changed when eight week-old Tucker…

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

March 25, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #241 Spring

Spring time at the Rookery!  Each spring there is a flurry of activity at Magnolia Plantation’s Rookery. The area is alive as Great Blue Herons, white Great Egrets and other large coastal birds begin the breeding season. After selecting an site for their nest, the nest building begins. The adults work as a team throughout the season, building their nest together and providing food. The male gathers sticks and other nesting materials and gives it to the female to arrange it their nest. These photos were taken at The Rookery at the Audubon Swamp at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, SC.  Sofia wants us to show pictures of what…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Birds, LENS-ARTISTS, Nature, Photography

March 18, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #240 The Photographic Road (Most Often) Taken

“Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful.” – Jim Carrey I would like to show my favorite “road” in photography. John is leading the challenge this week and he suggests we consider a favorite photographic style like low key/high key, monochrome, etc. Maybe a genre of photography like a preference for architecture, still life, portraiture, etc. I enjoy photographing many different genres but my favorite must be flowers based on the number of pictures in my archives! Here are a few favorites. “Flowers are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values…

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

March 11, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #239 Finding Peace

“Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson This week Tina, of Travels and Trifles, suggests we “take Ann-Christine’s challenge (from last week) one step further, and address the ways we’ve learned to Find Peace in today’s ever-more busy world.”  Experts are in universal agreement on the importance of Finding Inner Peace, a few suggestions are:     Spend Time in Nature. When you spend time in nature, like taking short walks or appreciating nature, you may find serenity. Don’t Let Your Past Mistakes Define You. Take Responsibility for Your Actions. Be Grateful. Meditate or practice mental silence. Practice Acceptance and Contentment. The picture below is of the…

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written by Sylvia - Posted in Atlantic Ocean, Finding Peace, Landscape, Photography