LENS-ARTISTS

Lens-Artists #330 – Favourites of 2024

/ Leya / 66 kommentarer

I hope you all had some Happy Holidays and are now ready for posting your favourites of 2024! As has become our custom, we are asking our followers to select their favorite images of the last year – whether they’ve been included in previous posts or not. This week, no single host will present the challenge. The entire team will share the challenge topic.

Here are mine – difficult to choose, so, of course I could have chosen other ones… but some of these just had to be in this gallery. I guess you know which ones I am thinking of…

Sometimes you find a door in the place you least expect. In a garden along the road, a short glimpse to the left, and I had to stop – to look, love and take a photo.

Somehow these two are look alikes – at least I think so. Take pride in yourself and let it shine! The Nice Festival was a feast to remember.

A walk in the forest close to my old school always brings many memories. Although I retired many years ago, I still love this place. It’s peaceful, and as always the forest is my temple.

The most wonderful moments of 2024 were captured in Japan. A serene and beautiful country where they highly treasure beauty and create beauty in everything.

My love for Wisteria did not fade in Japan – it reached unknown heights in the gardens we visited.

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu was the most impressive one. I left a piece of my heart and soul there in its unprecedented beauty.

We also went to Holland again this year – but now for the Dahlia Festival in the Autumn. Holland is the Mecka of flowers, mostly bulbs like tulips – but wild poppies too.

To savour even more flowers and nature – an English garden tour came true in July. The beauty of an English garden is hard to beat.

And, in one of the castle gardens I fell in love with The Stumpery. It made my creative nerves tingle… and I have already started on my own project!

Swedish Autumn around my well known waters – is a must every year. I passed here every day on the way to my job, and enjoyed these waters and forests in every season. This truly is Autumn at its best.

Walking the cobbled streets of Saint-Paul de Vence in Alpes Maritimes can surprise and mezmerise you in many ways…

This lady unexpectedly showed up on my right side – she looked so relaxed. I secretely wished I could rest like that myself…

Lastly, I love the modern version of ”The Thinker” by Joseph Klibansky. It sits opposite to Rembrandt in Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam. It has got something to tell us, make us think about our ”modern” times, what, where and why…

We thank all of our followers for continued support and look forward to seeing the images you choose as YOUR favorites of 2024. Please remember to link your post to any or all of the Lens-Artists team members. Also, remember to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.

We offer our best wishes for a New Year filled with peace, happiness, love and friendship. Anne will lead us next week on her lovely Slow Shutter Speed post. Until then, stay safe, be kind and and find joy in the simple things.

Last Chance 2024

/ Leya / 55 kommentarer

Luckily we all have a last chance for forgotten pictures or those that just did not fit in. My chosen pictures are from a glorious poppy field in Denmark this summer. I already posted one or two from that day, but there were so many more that I loved. I had a delightful hour in their company. Lying down was the favourite position, even if it is a bit harder to get up again these days.

While driving down a small gravel road, I caught sight of this wonderful field and urged my husband to make a photo stop. And he did – he too loves poppies and their irresistible colour. There is something special with this flower…it only thrives where it stands. Pick it up and it will die in a few minutes. Its slender and fragile beauty is otherworldly.

Treading slowly into that field was one of those dreams come true that I always have at this time of the year.

The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance of those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. And aside from the connection to war, the red poppy symbolizes resilience and hope. These flowers are known for their ability to grow in not-so-good conditions. In this sense, the red poppy points to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity and tragedy. Maybe that is why I wanted to lie down among them –

A big thank you to John, for last week’s Challenge – Winter. That challenge brought me more lovely Winter than I have had looking out of my windows these last weeks…

As we approach the close of 2024, the Lens-Artists team will be on hiatus, returning on Saturday, January 4. As is our tradition, we will open the New Year with our Favorite Photos of 2024. 

Thank you all for a great year of photography, creativity, support, empathy, thoughts and discussions – I am so happy we can meet here and stay in contact! This world is not always a comfortable place, but You make it warmer, friendlier and a better place to live in.

Wishing all who celebrate a Happy and Joyful Christmas, and everyone Happy Holidays! One last wish I have – that of a better New Year for us all on this planet, Earth. Imagine…

Lens-Artists Challenge #328 – Winter

/ Leya / 59 kommentarer

John wants us to share photos of what Winter means to us. He knows it should be winter now – but I can hardly see it here in the southern part of Sweden. We have less and less of the traditional Winter we had when I was a child. And even when our children grew up.

If you join in, don’t forget the Lens-Artists tag and to link to John’s original post.

We haven’t even had frost yet…except for a couple of nights – and all the beauty gone in the morning again. So, I have to rely on pictures from favourite winters some years ago.

Winter and Christmas means of course snow and a typical red cottage. You haven’t been to Sweden if you haven’t seen red cottages!

It means having fun with my dog in the snow – and he loves it even more than I do!

Calm and silent Winter days it is true harmony to walk in the forest. Milo ahead of me of course..

Winter when it is more than – 15 degrees C is a treat – beautiful icicles decorate the old bridge.

But, this picture is more like our winters nowadays – very powdery snow, and too little to ski on.

I will finish with some favourite photos from lovely winter days. As you know, there is not much sun during winter here, and the bluish photos means that day was very cold.

Last week, Sofia’s challenge focused on the Five Elements of Wuxing, a Chinese philosophy. And the answers were amazing. Many of you added Air as well, and we loved that. Next week, it is time for our annual year-end challenge – a ”Last-Chance” for the year’s images that never quite fit our challenge subjects that year. The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2024 and not have been included in response to our 2024 challenges. We are looking forward to seeing your choices! Go through your gallery and join us on Saturday, December 14, at noon Eastern Standard Time.

Lens-Artists Challenge – 5 Elements

/ Leya / 36 kommentarer

Sofia‘s interesting challenge this week is about the 5 Elements of Wuxing, that create the world around us: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. This Chinese Theory asserts that the world changes according to the five elements’ generating or overcoming relationships.

Generating processes promote development, while overcoming processes control development. For example Water nourishes Wood (Water flowers, plants and other changes in forest) and/but Water dampens (or regulates) Fire. By promoting and restraining, systems are harmonized and balance is maintained.

This is a beautiful but complicated theory, so please go visit Sofias post for more inspiration. I will make it simple – only using pictures of the 5 different elements.

Wood

Fire

Earth

Metal

Water

Sofia says we can focus on one of the elements if we wish. I did try to get them all in one photo – but could not manage it… The closest I came for all of them together…is in the header. Maybe you can? We’re looking forward to seeing what you’ve found, feel free to use your archives or to go out and find new images. Link back to Sofia’s post and tag with Lens-Artists so we can find you on the Reader.

Last week we had plenty of smiles looking at the screen – A big, warm thank you to everyone for sending so much joy! We very much appreciated the positive photos you shared.

Next week it is John’s turn to lead us, Saturday 7th Dececmber. Until then, take care and be kind.

Lens-Artists Challenge #326 – This Made Me Smile

/ Leya / 170 kommentarer

Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life. The evening beam that smiles the clouds away, and tints tomorrow with prophetic ray.

– Lord Byron


So much in this world is rather tough right now, I guess we all feel it… I was thinking, don’t we all need a smile? Let’s share something that made us smile, made You smile – and make the world smile with us! Old or new smiles, big or small, we welcome them all!

Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people. ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Art makes people smile, brings people together.

– Yusaku Maezawa

You know I can’t smile without you.

— Barry Manilow, Can’t Smile Without You

Life is too short not to smile…

– Unknown

You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.

– Charlie Chaplin


I think that anybody that smiles automatically looks better.

– Diane Lane

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.

– Joseph Addison

I hope some of these made you smile, and I can’t wait to smile even more from seeing Your choices! (I was thinking of suggesting 1-3 photos…but why, when we desperately need those smiles?) Remember to tag with Lens-Artists and link to this post.

Next week, Sofia will lead us from her inspirational site Photographias – be sure to visit on Saturday 30!

A massive Thank You, Tina, for a wonderful challenge last week! So many things to be grateful for and so many heartwarming messages from you all! Until next time, stay grateful, warm at heart and keep smiling.

Lens-Artists Challenge #325 – Gratitude

/ Leya / 43 kommentarer

Tina leads this week, on Gratitude. And I would have loved us here in Scandinavia to also have a Thanksgiving holiday. We all have things to be grateful for, even if we sometimes cannot see them for all the troubles in our world. Thank you, Tina, for reminding us with this theme – we cannot be grateful enough for what we have been given.

Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.

– Epicurus

Those who follow me know that my gratefulness always include Mother Nature and her wonderful gifts, and the opportunities to travel and learn about the world and our fellow inhabitants. Here are some things that come to mind almost every day – big or small:

My country lives in peace since more than 200 years – and no nuclear war has touched us. May it never happen to anyone, anywhere in the world.

I’m grateful for the trees and forests that grow close to me – the fresh air and the freedom to walk everywhere I want in nature – ”The Right of Public Access” (Allemansrätten) – in Sweden.

I have my wonderful family and a lovely grandchild who is my sunshine.

And, I am grateful there is still snow in the world – and Robins…

Hopefully, our seasons will continue to bring us joy. Another Spring will arrive with fragrant flowers and trees reaching for the sun, making our spirit shine.

Friends – I am grateful for having many good friends – in the blogosphere as well. I also have some old and very longlasting friends. This photo is from Holland in September where I met up with my mathematics professor, Wim, whom I first met on a hike in Lapland more than 35 years ago. To honor Sweden, he wore a Swedish t-shirt with Dala Horses!

In these dark days, I think maybe Light is our greatest gift – let there always be Light.

– Light in all its intrinsic meanings.

Thank you, Patti, for all the Details we could enjoy and be amazed at in last week’s challenge! Now we hope you’ll join us in this week’s Gratitude and please link your post to Tina’s original using the Lens-Artists tag. Next week it is my turn, Ann-Christine/Leya, to host the challenge – until then, keep your light shining!

Lens-Artists Challenge # It’s in the Details

/ Leya / 49 kommentarer

The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.

– Charles R. Swindoll

Patti makes us look for the details this week – and we’re looking forward to seeing what you have found! Please visit Patti’s site for wonderful inspiration.

This bronze sculpture by the American Paul Kubic, stands in Keukenhof Castle Garden and is named The Temptation of Saint Anthony. Saint Anthony was a hermit in the desert of Egypt in the 300´s. The bronze below was made 1978 -1984 and it measures 175 x 400 x 150.

We were there for the Dahlia festival, but were totally absorbed by the details in this work. We went back to it several times for even closer looks. I also talked to a man, who used to go see this statue every year, photographing the changes. Mostly how parts of it were disappearing I think…

The theme used to be popular with artists in the old days because it represented the temptations of everyday life and reminded audiences to mimic Saint Anthony’s devotion and re-enforce the trust in God to ignore temptation.

Many details included hands, and if you want to see a little bit more of all the fantastic details, you can click this link for a 2.32- minute video that really conveys the mystery of Kubic’s work.

Patti allowed us to post one more story though. My second detailed sequence is from the Dahlia Floats in Holland. A different kind of art work, but also a demanding one.

I was very impressed by the work to fit in every single flower in its prepainted place matching its correct painted colour…

– and fast too! Flowers don’t last very long without water. For cut flowers even shorter time. They must last the whole parade and a second day.

An even closer look when the float was passing, and you could see the flowers and construction in detail.

So, have fun and show us what you’ve discovered! Be sure to link to Patti’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week, Egidio hosted his “Silence” challenge, which was a beautiful exploration of places filled with quiet. Something we all need in this turbulent world and I enjoyed every minute! Next week, it’s Tina’s turn to lead us, so be sure to stop by her gorgeous site, Travels and Trifles, next Saturday at noon EST. See you then!

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.

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.

Lens-Artists Challenge #321 – Intentional Camera Movements (ICM)

/ Leya / 50 kommentarer

Anne is urging us to try ICM – and I agree with her – it is great fun once you give it a go!

In 2016, Sue of Wordsvisual taught me how to do when she was here in Sweden. I immediately fell in love – the results are close to impressionistic. I have had some fun with it maybe once a year – but now, I really wanted to give it a fair try. (What wouldn’t I do for Anne?) Please visit her beautiful site to find some great inspiration!

As I am closing down my garden and glass house for the winter – I took my inspiration from there. The colours are still alive and here are my results from a couple of hours’ joy!

No laundry – but vines! I let them climb there because I love them flaming, and the two following pictures are also from those lines.

In the left one I drew the camera sideways and down, trying to catch the colours in the clothes pins while they went towards the ground. The right one was made by making u-formes with the camera to get the feeling of yarn hanging out to dry.

These two pictures are from the open place under the trellis. I still have some trees standing there, but tomorrow they are moving inside. The left one is a Plumbago and the camera was moved upwards. The right one is the Ginkgo tree and some different leaves on the ground, and camera was moved downwards.

These two are from the last of my Asters. You can guess how I moved the camera. The diagonal lines on the left side are from straws leaning over the flowerbed.

This last pair is from my fiery Yellow Ginger Lily – the last flower standing, and to the right is the soft Acacia buds waiting to bloom in January.

I was so inspired by Anne’s trellis ICM, that I had to try catching the last grapes out there. I thought the thrush had eaten them all, but here they are!

I took all photos in evening light and at low shutter speed. Mostly 8.

I had a lot of fun preparing for this post, and I hope you do too. My biggest smile and thank you to Anne, who made me take this up again! Please share your thoughts and images. I took hundreds of photos, and it doesn’t have to be flowers…so count on it that you will have to throw away 90% of what you produce.

We all had a great time last week as Sofia had us looking back. I enjoyed experiencing all your thoughts and memories. When you share your post for this challenge, please link back to Anne’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag. In the meantime have fun learning and experimenting with ICM.