LENS-ARTISTS

Lens-Artists Challenge #293 – Water in Motion

/ Leya / 43 kommentarer

Sofia gives us a beautiful challenge this week – Water in Motion. Please visit her inspirational site for more information. I will borrow Sofia’s quote to start with… because it went straight to my heart.

There’s something about the water – that solitary kind of peaceful feeling. You’re on Earth but not quite. – John C. Reilly

Water is essential to life on Earth. I wish everybody would understand that, and work together to save it from the ongoing pollution and destruction. A simple thing like never throwing anything into the water that does not belong there, would help.

Water in Motion – yes, in many ways – and most of us find it intriguing to watch it and to listen to it – let’s start slowly the natural way…

The gentle murmuring of the levada water along the paths in Madeira. Natural Mindfulness.

And water invites birds and insects to dance, eat and thrive – which leads us humans to thrive as well. I miss the walks in Madeira, a favourite place for many years when we were younger.

The waves rolling in from the sea – a soothing and mindful sound too, even if I am not a real sea person. I believe you cannot be unless you were born or have spent much time close to the sea.

Water is of course moved by the sea living creatures too. In Alaska the seals and sea lions came up real close, catching their daily meal while stirring up water swirls.

Pattering rain against the window – that is a great sound! I can lie on my back in the glasshouse and listen to the rain while looking up at the sky – without getting wet! A privilege to be grateful for. I love to fall asleep to that sound.

When we were hiking in the Azores, 2007, we found this magical valley of nine streams, hidden in the forests of the island of Flores.

From slow streams and soft waves to explosive Geisers – a massive treat of water. This one was found in Iceland.

Another way of moving water is the warm haze rising from the hot Geiser, or from the ground.

More natural water from a singing stream in a Swedish spring forest. Soon we will be there!

Now we are arriving at the manmade waters in motion – irresistible for the little ones. And, in later years of increasing heat, also for grown-ups.

In Denmark we once visited a spectacular art exhibition in the old water tunnels below Copenhagen.

Finally – fountains spreading their Christmas glory.

This week we’re looking for Water in Motion, gentle or powerful, man-made or natural, the choice is yours. When you join us, please remember to link back to Sofia’s post and to tag Lens-Artists. Looking forward to seeing your finds!

Last week we had a wonderful challenge led by Tina, with fantastic photos of people from around the world. A truly inspiring theme!

Next week it is John’s turn to lead. Make sure you visit his site for another remarkable challenge, Saturday 6th April. Until then, take care and be kind.

Lens-Artists Challenge #292 – People Here, There, Everywhere

/ Leya / 63 kommentarer

Tina leads this week, with the theme People Here There and Everywhere. At first, I too was a bit lost…I don’t do portraits or people. But, if I can picture people at work or on festivities, I am OK with it. Sometimes I ask them, but that is only when I meet people of foreign cultures. Very foreign. They don’t get offended and sometimes they even like it.

Since I don’t have many people portraits, I am afraid I have posted all of these before. I hope you will enjoy them anyway.


This lovely man in Thimpu, Bhutan, let me take a couple of photos of him – but when I showed him the results, he did not want to keep the close-ups… Some children where playing by the road, so I asked them what the old man was saying. They told me he thought his nose was too big!


In Ecuador, the people were so lovely and smiling. Maybe because it was festival times? These beautiful ladies were singing and dancing in the street in Quito, Ecuador.


We also met Miss Quito and her partner, who didn’t mind having their photo taken – we were many tourists with our cameras up in the air. My husband of course photographed the lovely lady…and as you can see, the young man gave me a nice smile.

Our main goals in Ecuador was Galapagos, the Napo River and the Amazon basin – and Fausto was our favourite guide. He was born and raised in the jungle, and knew everything about living here. Hunting, tracking, making fire, cooking food. On instagram I found him with a big anaconda around his neck…

From South America to Morocco and the market in Marrakesh – Djeema el Fna. It is one of the oldest markets in the world. Many people, many faces. An overwhelming and unforgettable experience.

Back in Europe and Lodz, Poland. She came walking down the street, and I immediately loved everything about her. The clothes, the colours, the ring on her left hand – you could see that she once was a beauty. I think she still was. When I looked at the photo afterwards, I saw the shadow in the street on her right side – is it her left, fallen off, piece of the sunglasses?

Knitting ladies in a market in Lhasa, and debating monks at the Sera Monastery. Tibetans doing their daily chores. The ladies were happy to show me their knitting technique and I showed them mine. The monks, I think, debated heavily just to show off for the tourists…

The best thing is when the pictures tell a story – so above I have presented a mixed gallery from some of my China travels. Chinese people seen on an ordinary walk – dancing, posing, playing, eating and getting married. And red is the festive colour. I was greatly impressed by the many outdoor activities, and so many elderly people playing and dancing! Very active and agile. I wish we could be like that in Sweden too. Dancing in the park every day – wouldn’t that be great?

This last gallery tells a multitude of stories – the big story of the pilgrimage and the end of a long, strenous walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Happy and exhausted they rest, alone, but together – each one with his or her own story as a piece of the big puzzle. I loved listening to those stories, and most people willingly shared them with us. I still dream of doing that walk…for peace in mind, body and soul.

Back in Sweden again, a silhouette of one of my best friends, a late summer evening by the lake.

So this week, our challenge is to share images of people we’ve captured along the way. Remember to link your responses to Tina’s original post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag.

Sincere thanks to all of our followers for joining us, and to Patti for last week’s wonderful Cityscape challenge. We all got an amazing world tour through your responses! Next week Sofia leads us once again on her beautiful Photographias site. Until then please stay safe, be kind and enjoy the journey.

Lens-Artists Challenge#291 – Cityscapes

/ Leya / 62 kommentarer

This week, it is Patti’s turn to lead us – and she has chosen Cityscapes.

Being a country girl, I always fear these themes. Even if I have visited many cities, I mostly photograph their gardens and parks, art and architecture – details. As my latest visit was to Nice – I will try with something more from that visit. It was a city in change.

Nice is not just a place, it’s a feeling.

– Unknown

In 2022 Nice was voted the greenest city in France, with 50% of its surface covered by wooded areas. The reclaiming of greenery from concrete has its goal set to one tree for every inhabitant by 2026, and then the green area will be 20 ha. The carnival was held at the beginning of the green ”river” of reclaimed land, and we saw some really big buildings being teared down for this ambitious ecological plan.

The city overviews were taken from Castle Hill. And the two smiling girls were carnival guides – who handed out some welcoming acacia twigs to every guest. I found Nice to be a very smiling and friendly city.

If you have been to Nice, I am sure you have walked Promenade des Anglais along Baie des Anges. Everybody does. Maybe not all 7 kilometers, but a fair bit.

At the end of the 18th century, many Englishmen started spending their winters in Nice, and 1820 was an especially cold winter. Many beggars tried their luck in Nice, and some of the rich Englishmen suggested they could earn their living by building a promenade along the sea. The idea of ”Promenade des Anglais” was born.

When the French celebrated their National Day here on July 14, 2016, there was a terrorist attack where hundreds of people were injured and 86 people lost their lives. This week we learned that Navalnyj had just died in a Siberian Gulag, and people showed their grief, sympathy and protest in flowers, candles, texts and photos on the monument of the attack.

The beautiful olive tree, by Laurent Bioso, in Old town Nice – an image of strength and resilience.

The glass construction of the railway station involved cranes and workers all over the place, and was contrasting their green ecological plan with trees, parks and wooden playgrounds.

Finally – we had some delicious food! Excellent restaurants and lovely personnel – here are two of the best!

Nice is proving that heaven is a place on earth. But with better cuisine.

– Unknown

At the outskirts of the city, in St Jean-Cap-Ferrat, we had the most delicious ice-cream I have ever tasted…but sooo expensive. We could have bought a whole dinner for that money. But…….

In Nice, every day is a new adventure waiting to happen. – Unknown

Surprisingly, we found Sir Winston Churchill standing at his easel in the harbour, carefully painting the beautiful scenery. The artist, Paul Rafferty, wanted the statue to be placed where Churchill often painted his beloved French coast.

A big thank you for posting so many circular wonders last week! Amazing creativity – and some of you pointed out that suddenly you saw circles everywhere! I hope you have stopped spinning by now…I am trying to…

This week we’re showcasing cities, large and small – what are the features of your chosen city? Show us images that are part of your overall impression of the city. If you want, focus on two cities, and compare their features. Thank you for broadening the theme, Patti! Please be sure to link to Patti’s original post and include the “lens-artist” tag.

Next week, it’s Tina’s turn to lead LAPC #292, so be sure to visit Travels and Trifles next Saturday at noon EST for her inspiring post.

Until then, be kind and have a great week!

Lens-Artists Challenge #290 – Circular Wonders

/ Leya / 190 kommentarer

There is something particularly special and personal about the circle and how its curves comfortably rule every aspect of our lives.
― Kat Lahr

I spent a week in Nice and surrounding villages – and was greatly inspired by the art and architecture as well as the ongoing Carnivals. Last time we visited was in 1976…a long time ago. Honestly, I didn’t recognise anything at all, but loved what I saw. And the food was delicious.

A feast of colourful life filled our days. In fact I found so many lovely circular items, old and new, that I decided this challenge would be about Circular Wonders. For you to interpret the way you find most interesting!

This carnival in Nice is an old tradition. In 1294 it was first mentioned in writing, in 1873 it was the first carnival procession in France, and in 1876, flower floats were introduced. Today the Nice Carnival is the grandest and most important carnival (more than two weeks of festivities) in the Mediterranean area.

As the old towns and small towns here usually do, Saint Paul de Vence, Menton and Eze, offered lovely cobbled streets and wonderful art galleries, big and small. Fondation Maeght was impressive, and the Chagall museum in Nice was of course well worth a visit.

In my gallery below, the included Chagall is from his Bible series. Fête du Citron (with 140 tons of fruit used for uncountable circles…) in Menton had an Olympic theme. And every morning tables were beautifully laid on the beach – emanating strong spring vibes to a cold Swedish soul.

Wander into the center of the circle of wonder.

– Hongzhi Zhengjue

The next gallery is from the Opening Parade (this year the theme was Pop Culture) and the Flower Parade. Among the flower floats I recognised many fairy tale themes. When I said we were going to the ”Flower Parade”, an elderly French gentleman kindly corrected me – Bataille des Fleurs! Oh well, that sounded just perfect in French.

A circle is a round straight line with a hole in the middle.

– Mark Twain

Circles, half circles…skirts, dresses, hairdos, flowers, umbrellas, candy, and even a nose. Most impressive of these circular wonders, were the cycling musicians from the Netherlands – and they circled throughout the whole parade, lead by a biking conductor! There were all instruments from drums to trumpets and horns – and no one fell off his/her bike… some admirable skills there.

Come out of the circle of time

And into the circle of love.

– Rumi

Et voilá – I will end with some non-carnival flowers found in Nice, Menton and Eze. We had such a fun, lovely and uplifting week. And the icing on the cake was that –

Viveka (My Guilty Pleasures) and I chatted for a couple of hours and had a rosy drink while discussing the festivals and our outings around Nice. Unfortunately she had booked one week later than us, so this was only a short meet before we left.

Cheers!

Now we are looking forward to seeing your fantastic circles and half circles! Be sure to link to my original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Hope you want to join in!

Big thanks to John, for last week’s brilliant lessons about tools of composition – inspirational posts en masse! Next week it is Patti’s turn to host, so please visit her beautiful site for more inspiration.

Lens-Artists Challenge #289 – Tools of Composition

/ Leya / 67 kommentarer

John leads the challenge this week, and wants us to focus on the importance of Shape, Form, Texture and Light in our compositions. I guess most of us do, but without thinking about it. This tunnel in Eze, France, is smoothly showing off all these aspects. I simply take photos of what I find a beautiful view.

John suggests we choose to highlight one or more of these aspects, and present one or two of our favorites. We can decide to focus on only one aspect or include examples of all of them. I thought I would focus on my favourites, texture and light – but found I had some examples for all four of them. Some more of the latter though…

As John points out, the difference between shape and form can be difficult to decide, but artists typically consider shape to be two-dimensional while a form is three-dimensional. This picture above shows a shape of a house that has been stripped of its form. You can still see where the walls and staircases once was.

A house like this would represent a form – a square house in the middle of a square in a little town in Switzerland.

I too, find flowers to be one of my favorite organic forms as subjects for my photography. Cherry blossom in my garden is what I long for right now – but this rare orchid was a real treat on our short trip to Menton.

There are many unique textures created by the elements, and right now I want to highlight magma and lava – as there is an ongoing volcanic eruption in Iceland again. Lava formed to solid rock makes fascinating textures. My picture is from the Galapagos Islands.

Photos wouldn’t be possible without light, and capturing light is what photography is all about. Personally I prefer natural light, and will not use the flash unless I am desperately forced to. Which is…almost never.

You can find light everywhere – in the air, in lamp light, sun rays, grasses, glow worms, reflections in water, stones, rails… Backlight is a lovely favourite of mine.

Finally, a Morocco favourite from the small, colourful alleys in Marrakesh.

I am always waiting for some magical light….but, I seldom get it as I live far away from the sea. I feel the light there is often more magical than elsewhere. Except maybe for the desert. Every time I go somewhere close to a lake or the sea, I use some mornings and evenings waiting for ”that” magical moment. The fiery sky photo in the opener was captured on my recent visit to Nice.

Last week, Ritva challenged us to do some Window Shopping – a big thank you for a fun and interesting challenge! I realised I never do this unless I go abroad. It also brought new insight into other cultures and people’s interests. Next week, it is my turn to be your host for the Lens-Artists Challenge. Until then, take care and be kind.

Be sure to link to John’s page if you are participating, and remember to use the Lens-Artists tag. If you’d like to respond to our challenge each week and want to know how to get started, click here.

Lens-Artists Challenge # 288 – Window Shopping

/ Leya / 65 kommentarer

First, an old favourite of mine from a late walk in Riga, Latvia, hopefully suitable as a warm welcome to Ritva as she hosts for the first time as a Lens-Artist team member! Ritva is a skilled and interesting photographer, so please visit her site for more inspiration!


Like Ritva, I often do window shopping. It is cheaper than shopping, and I like to photograph creative and attractive windows. What’s more, Ritva says that anything goes for this challenge. Even window frames alone permitted – so, here we go!

Buy, buy, says the sign in the shop window; Why, why, says the junk in the yard.

– Paul McCartney

As I take a look at my old photo galleries and archives, I find that I mostly take pictures of art and architecture – and I still do. In fact I had some great opportunities in Nice last week, so all my photos here are from this tiny part of France. Mainly from St-Paul-de-Vence and Eze.

In this first picture, I found complete harmony between the building and the display behind the glass. I love the contrasts in structure inside and outside. And all colours matched – something not so often seen.

I love different styles, even the very elaborate ones. I admire people who can create ”clean” and coherent displays in any style. The French, just like the Italians, are so good at it.

Marrying a man is like buying something you’ve been admiring for a long time in a shop window. You may love it when you get it home, but it doesn’t always go with everything else in the house.

– Jean Kerr

We must not forget food, and especially cakes, that make such beautiful windows! Sometimes I feel like walking right through the glass to get some… These artworks are often handmade too, which you cannot say about many things nowadays. We all know that we eat with our eyes as well – so this is double window shopping, speaking to at least two of our senses.

I went window shopping today! I bought four windows.

– Tommy Cooper

A post on window shopping would not be complete without clothes in it. Well, I found this display rather interesting – there were similar displays and windows for each range of colours. It took me a minute or two to understand that the small round packages all contained vests like the one in the middle. Easy to carry, easy to wear. And I am there too if you look closely…

Art is clearly my favourite for most city photos, and this post is no exception. The last one to the right is a painting behind a window grid. For a special effect and to confuse you a bit… I did not include the real frame.

Finally, window shopping naturelle! In my eyes, nothing beats the old city walls with nature on display in glassless windows.

A big thank you to Donna for her creative and inspiring post on the topic of sound. I really had to put on my thinking cap there… It was wonderful to see how different everyone interpreted it.

Remember to tag Lens-Artists if you’re taking part and to link back to Ritvas original post. Next week John (Journeys with Johnbo) will host the Lens-Artists Challenge. Be sure to visit his inspirational site for more! And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

Lens-Artists Challenge #287 – Sound

/ Leya / 49 kommentarer

Donna is our lovely guide this week, and she asks us for pictures that could show, or make you think of – sound. Personally, the sounds I love the most are natural sounds, from the wind in the forest or birds in the trees, the rustling of autumn leaves at my feet. And silence in between.

Listen to the sound of silence.

– Paul Simon


I don’t know about you, but, music is the first thing that comes to mind when I hear or see the word sound.

Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue.

– Plato

Imagine how many different sounds of music there are in this world! So many different instruments and traditions, melodies for feast and celebration – for dancing

or jubilation for a winning game, an exam or graduation.

Did you know that at least 70% of all communication is nonverbal and that body language is a major part of this? Surely you can ”hear” what our concierge was saying?

There’s many ways you communicate. With colour, texture, sound… Even words can communicate.

– David Carson

The sound of water is worth more than all the poets’ words.

– Octavio Paz

I guess many of us has a special love for this sound, be it the rough sea or slow waves, a raging river or a trickling, merry brook. Our souls are connected, because life was born in water, and we have all rested softly in our mother’s womb.

Personally, I will be on the road for a week now, but will try to keep up the reading and answering. Please remember to link to Donna’s post and use the Lens – Artists tag so we can all find you. 

A big thank you to Anne for last week’s inspiring theme weather. In fact you showed us there were weather I had never thought or heard of…

Next week, we are excited to announce Ritva. She will host her first official challenge for the Lens-Artists, so don’t miss her inspirational site! Until then – keep warm and be kind.


Lens-Artists Challenge #286 – Weather

/ Leya / 59 kommentarer

Anne is our lovely host this week, and she asks us about the various types of weather conditions in which we photographers go out and shoot.

Well, we all look for nice weather, but what is your favourite weather to photograph in? Sunny, blue skies, white puffy clouds, or…?

I thought I would start with our weather conditions right now, today. Snow storm and rain storm this weekend…so, my camera and I are staying indoors. But some snapshots through the window will show you what it looks like.

The poor birds are sitting close to the walls in trees and bushes, shaking their feathers now and then, and snatching a nut or a sunflower seed when the gusts are not too bad… The feeder is on the top right in the gallery, and there is a blackbird sitting to the left in the same picture.

The ”real” winter is easier to photograph. Some winters are green and some are white – and terribly cold. The above gallery shows all stages of this. My problems with winter shooting starts with the cold – I have very sensitive fingers that will turn white and aching and finally stop working at a few degrees minus – and wind.

I agree with Anne – a favourite weather is fog or mist. I love the mood it creates, especially in early mornings, and I also love going out right after a summer shower has sprayed the leaves. Whenever there is morning dew – I rush to get my camera!

When storm or thunder is approaching, the clouds can be dramatical and calling for a camera, but I avoid going out in the rain. Even if my cameras nowadays are water sealed, I still avoid it – unless I can stand with some kind of roof over my head.

Finally, an anomaly in Sweden, but I went out to see it – a sandstorm from Sahara –

– in October 2017. Sand covered the sun and made the sky and everything else orange.

Do you enjoy taking your camera out in all types of weather? Whether or not you do, I’m sure you have some enjoyable images to show us. I did not have any pictures of Anne’s Wethers, but maybe you do! When you respond to this challenge, please link to Anne’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag so we can find you in the reader.

Last week Egidio asked us to show how warm colors can affect our images and feelings. I really enjoyed seeing all your amazing responses. So much warmth there is in this world, despite everything! But that is one of our main purposes in blogging, isn’t it – to share some warmth. Now, try to enjoy your weather whatever it is like! Embrace the differences and seasons if you have them. 

Next week Donna will be challenging us, so be sure to visit her inspiring site for more.

Lens-Artists Challenge #285 – Warm Colours

/ Leya / 57 kommentarer

I am surrounded by colours, especially warm colours, and that is the way I want it. It keeps me going and makes me warm at heart as well.

Colors are the smiles of nature.

– Leigh Hunt

In my garden, there are many colours, and I love to stick my head (and lens) in the multitude of blooms during summer. That is just what I did in the header photo…

This week Egidio starts by inviting us to look at our photos or capture new images showing how warm colors appear in our world and their emotional significance to us.

Down to the tiniest plant and fruit, their colours make me smile. This sensual spindle fruit makes me think of Love.

And, talking about love, my furry dogs have all been wearing warm colours. I constantly need to touch their softness and feel their warm breath in my face. Here’s Milo – unconditional love in warm chocolate brown.

What more do we need? Well, food is mostly wearing warm colours – have you ever thought about that? And how we love to have dinner at warm candle light. It makes us relax and enjoy both food, drink and company.

Autumn might not be the warmest season, but by far its colours are, so the last fiery goodbye to summer is – a warm hug. And at least here in the Scandinavian countries, this is much needed to make us stronger when winter darkness holds us in a tight grip.

To me, buildings feel more inviting in yellow and red than in any other colours. If you visit Denmark, for example, you will find many yellow and red houses, and that goes for Spain too. I think they emanate warm and welcoming vibes.

What about whole countries? Morocco is a hot country in warm colours – in their interior design as well. This furniture and these saturated colours might be a bit too much for us in an ordinary Swedish room, but in their ”right” place they are perfect.

Finally, a heavenly sunrise and a display a soft, fluffy, warm and lovely scenery outside the plane window – (even if we know how cold it is out there…)

But for my very last choice, we will return to Mother Earth and an unforgettable sunset on sand and sea. Love was in the air and in the golden waves…

Sofia challenged us to think about day and night for last week’s challenge. You responded with so many wonderful interpretations with great variety and creativity! Please join us next week too when Anne introduces a new challenge.

So, a big thank you to Egidio for this week’s wonderful theme! If you join us, please use the hashtag “lens-artists” in your post and link it to Egidio’s original post. That helps all viewers to easily find you in the reader. This page has more information about the Lens-Artists Challenges.

Lens-Artists Challenge #284 – Day and Night

/ Leya / 55 kommentarer

Sofia says that having passed the Winter Equinox, it’s time for the days to grow longer, and to leave the never-ending nights behind us. But before we do that, she invites us to celebrate this Yin/Yang of our everyday life. Please visit her inspirational site for more!

I will concentrate on some special aspects of this, that interest me. Night and day can be so different… not only opposites. I agree with Walt Whitman:

To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle.

Let’s start with a winter’s morning at home –

– it can be both colourful and cold. And the coldest time is at sunrise. That is when I go out to feed the birds so they can better withstand the cold and survive another day.

Then I walk my dog at noon while the winter sun can barely be seen above the trees.

But only a month later, the daylight is more soft and golden – and it’s a joy to stroll along the river.

When we reach summer, the nights are soft and golden too – The light! How we constantly long for it to come back to us…

There are also big differences in days and nights depending for example on which country you are in. Where on the planet and in what season. Daylight can be extremely clear and transparent – in the fresh air of Iceland.


While nights can be almost totally dark, in the wilderness or in countries where electric light is not that much used. It is sad that we humans often want to lighten up our nights (unless it would be too dangerous not to…). Try not to! The eyes will adjust to the darkness, and it is no longer that dark…instead a new world opens up.

Nature is depending on day and night, light and darkness – for food, for security and for reproduction, among other things. This is a spring cherry tree in daylight, waiting for pollinators, and a night blooming cactus in my room. So, if we didn’t have daylight, there would be no cherries…and if we didn’t have our dark nights, this flower would never unfold. (Or, be pollinated by nocturnal insects.)

We also know, that our artificial lights are bad for many of the night living animals. It can mean the difference between life and death. Newborn turtles for example, head for the light, but that could mean into the city instead of out to the sea.

Thank you, Sofia, for the brilliant opportunity to look at different aspects of night and day! Please link your post to her original post and don’t forget to tag it with Lens-Artists.

I want to thank you for all your lovely poems and quotes last week – beautifully illustrated by You alone! They told us much more about you, and maybe more than you knew about yourself too… I loved every one of your thoughtful posts and learned to appreciate more poets and famous quotes than I had heard of too.

Next week, Egidio will be your host with ”Warm colours” Be sure to visit his spectacular site for inspiration! Until then, stay well and be kind.