July 11, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #257 Simplicity

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. — Hans Hofman Our photo challenge this week is from guest host is Mr. Philo of the Philosophy Through Photography. In his post he wrote, “I considered selecting simplicity since the modern world is so stressful and chaotic that we are losing the fundamental clarity and simplicity that allow us to concentrate on what is really important.”  He suggested several ways of creating simplicity in photographs which I have tried to show in these images.  “Simplicity is nature’s first step and the last of art.” – Philip James Bailey Choosing a clear and compelling subject that stands…

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…

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…

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…

March 4, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #238 Alone Time

“Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln never saw a movie, heard a radio or looked at television. They had ‘Loneliness’ and knew what to do with it. They were not afraid of being lonely because they knew that was when the creative mood in them would work.” – Carl Sandburg Ann-Christine, who leads this week, is encouraging us to think about “Alone Time” spent in a favorite place away from outside distractions. By relaxing, mediating or working on an interesting project it is possible to temporarily clear our minds of daily ‘to do’ thoughts and allow random thoughts to emerge. Each picture shows someone enjoying their time…

February 25, 2023

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #237 Bringing Softness

“I like the muted sounds, the shroud of grey, and the silence that comes with fog.” – Om Malik This banner shot shows how fog and natural light can bring softness and beauty to everything it touches. “Our soul is like a soft and gentle flower, it needs to be nurtured, cared for, tended to, with sufficient sunlight, fresh air and freedom to bloom into its most precious and beautiful form. – Miya Yamanouchi The photo challenge this week is led by Bren, she suggests we bring or show softness in a few of our photos. One way this can be accomplished in camera is by photographing in the fog or…

December 17, 2022

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #229 Perfect Patterns

“Some of nature’s most exquisite handiwork is on a miniature scale, as anyone knows who has applied a magnifying glass to a snowflake.” – Rachel Carson Nature has a way of creating Perfect Patterns, at least to My eyes the patterns are perfect! Fortunately, Ann-C mentioned this when suggesting our guidelines. She wrote, “Of course there is no such thing as a ”perfect” pattern…but it could be perfect in Your eyes, perfect for camouflage or perfect for its purpose…or simply radiating ”perfect”.  To me flowers, butterfly’s wings and trees are just about perfect! “His talent was as natural as the pattern that was made by the dust on a butterfly’s…

December 2, 2022

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #227 Home Sweet Home

“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.” – Nate Berkus This week Tina suggests we think about where Home Sweet Home is to us. We may consider the country we live in to be our home, a neighborhood or our residence. My husband and I live on Kiawah Island and our home sweet home is a special place for us and our family. The house is surrounded by tall trees, blooming plants and an abundance of wildlife. There always seems to be pretty colors in our yard from a tree or two that is blooming at the time. Now…

November 26, 2022

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #226 Textures

“It’s an obvious opportunity for black and white when a scene contains little color but lots of texture.” – John Beardsworth Texture is an important part of our interaction with art and photography. It is said to be an important factor along with line, color, shape, form, value and space. In a photograph it can add visual interest, highlight unique patterns, or even evoke emotions.  Texture in Nature:  The opening header shot was taken in Maine right after a hurricane passed through. I feel like this picture is full of different textures; the sharp rocks with soft moss growing on the tops, fast moving water with air-filled foam on the surface and the…