Författare: Leya

Lens-Artists Challenge #323 – Silence

/ Leya / 53 kommentarer

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.

― Ansel Adams

Egidio is our silent guide this week, and silence is one of our most precious gifts in life. Please visit Egidio’s inspirational site to learn more about the challenge and American photographer Robert Adams’ use of silence in photography.

Trees, forests and water are my main sources for portraying silence. And as always, Light. My favourite places to go for complete silence – only allow the sound of wind, water or bird song.

Silence is a source of great strength.

– Lao Tzu

In silence there is eloquence.

– Rumi

Let silence take you to the core of life.

– Rumi

Silence speaks louder than words.

– Thomas Carlyle

Silence is not the absence of sound but the presence of a deeper meaning.

– Unknown

Silence is a true art; it teaches us to speak without words.

– Unknown

A massive thank you to Ritva for last week’s challenge based on Leonard Cohen’s poem. I loved the variety of responses to this creative challenge. We hope you will join us again, and remember to link back to Egídio’s original post with the Lens-Artists tag, so we can find you in the WP reader.

Next week it’s Patti’s turn, Saturday 9th November. Patti’s challenge will be In the Details, as she asks us to choose a subject (a statue, a person, a place, street art, etc.) and take a series of photos ot it. Getting closer and closer to the subject, focusing on a particular detail(s). We can vary our shots by changing perspective or angle of shooting – or even lens. Post three photos of the subject, but feel free to shoot another series on a second subject.

Until then, stay safe and creative.

Thursday Thoughts – Colours Still Lingering Here

/ Leya / 39 kommentarer

With Milo as good as new after his makeover, we drove homewards, but made a stop at the beautiful waters I always passed by when I was still working.

The old mill is still standing, but this time the light was wrong for a photo. Instead we walked along the river banks, listening to the silence.

Milo was completely happy, and so was I.

The Autumn air was crisp and cool – and I never tire of watching the colourful leaves falling, floating, making beautiful patterns.

A couple of Mallards came swimming, hoping for food, but disappeared quickly when they saw the dog.

On our way back again, the sun gracefully spread its golden rays, and my old love for Autumn was kindled once more. Thank you for walking with me and Milo!

Lens-Artists Challenge #…There’s a Crack in Everything

/ Leya / 64 kommentarer

This week Ritva – inspired by Leonard Cohen’s lyrics and his characteristic blend of melancholy and optimism – offers a challenge based on these lines:

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, in everything
That’s how the light gets in

This is a personal favourite quote, and I will try to show some feelings it arises within me. Light and thoughts of healing is the main focus. Your feelings might be very different.

Who lived in these rooms…and were they really happy?

Were children running and playing here or were they always restricted by strong rules and traditions, dressed up in impossible costumes?

Have you ever seen the ice breaking up? The special light and the sound it makes when you walk on it?

Never stop being a child within, because children help us see the light still shining in this world.

Nature is the helper and the answer to many of our human imperfections. When we cannot find beacons ourselves – nature can.

We struggle, like mankind always have done, to find a meaning – a light – in our lives. Some people find it in religion or from special and charismatic people. From Love.

People are like buildings, they can be dilapidated, but beauty still shines through those cracks, and we can try to accept them and find peace within through them.

The struggle for light is constant, but I always see the darkness first. I strive to share beauty and light in everything I do, because the walk of life will be easier, despite the cracked steps and roads we walk.

Ritva says it so well: ”By sharing these images, we not only showcase our individual stories, but also create an opportunity for dialogue and connection. Let each image tell a story, convey an emotion, or illustrate a moment of seeing light.” Thank you, Ritva, for a thoughtful and uplifting challenge. Don’t forget to link to Ritva’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

A big thank you to Anne, for the artistic approach to photography with ICM, it was so much fun to do and fun to see what we were able to do with this style. Next week Egídio leads us to something new again, please visit his inspirational blog to see more.

Until then, stay curious and creative.

Thursday Thoughts – Autumn Colours

/ Leya / 36 kommentarer

This morning I had an appointment for Milo – his annual big haircut, bath and spa (if I can call it that…). He has a love/hate thing with it. He rushes to his beloved Mia – and doesn’t want to have an ordinary walk before the ordeal. But after suffering a couple of hours at her hands, he then emerges as a RENEWED DOG.

While he is there, I take a long walk in my old surroundings, where I worked for about 20 years. This walk was always a pleasure, and now, with some colours still lingering – it’s a treat.

Please walk with me even if it is damp and foggy in the morning –

– it will get brighter when the sun has soaked up the mist.

And it’s on its way now…

I can feel it!

The forest is silent and the air crisp and clear. Autumn at its best.

Now when Milo was his loveliest self again, he happily jumped into the car to go home. But first another walk where I always used to stop after work – The Old Mill. See you there next time!