Taken at Lake Tūtira, Hawke’s Bay, this image captures the quiet beauty of autumn as golden light filters through mist and trees along the shoreline. The interplay of soft morning haze, vibrant yellows and oranges, and their shimmering reflections in the water creates a scene that feels both serene and alive. The moment holds a delicate balance of atmosphere and colour, showcasing the lake’s timeless ability to transform with the seasons.

in a moment of stillness amidst an architectural marvel, a solitary figure walks under the vast, elliptical opening of the structure, dwarfed by its scale. the interplay of shadows and reflections creates a dramatic pattern across the curved facade, where lines intersect in a dance of light and geometry. the minimalistic composition and high contrast in black and white elevate the scene to a visual symphony, capturing a fleeting moment in a space that feels both immense and intimate. it's a study of scale, solitude, and the silent dialogue between human and architecture.

"A la fois âpre et coloré, excellent une fois encore." (VINCENT / www.flickr.com/photos/58769600@N07/)

"Haut en couleurs." (SOPHIE C. / www.flickr.com/photos/sophie-clb/)

"Very charming, and I love the interplay of textures here !" (Thomas PATTERSON / www.flickr.com/photos/flixpix11/)

Own texture

A few photos captured through the delicate veil of cracked glass and the artistry of raindrops, I hope these photos take you into a world where abstraction reigns. Each image reflects a fleeting moment, transformed by the interplay of light and texture. The fractured surfaces create intriguing patterns, distorting reality while enhancing the beauty of the mundane. I hope you find wonder in these photos.

This black and white photograph captures the serene beauty of a lily pond, where the reflections of the cloudy sky mingle with the floating lily pads. The water's surface acts as a mirror, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

Questa fotografia in bianco e nero cattura la serena bellezza di uno stagno di ninfee, dove i riflessi del cielo nuvoloso si mescolano con le ninfee galleggianti. La superficie dell'acqua funge da specchio, creando un accattivante gioco di luci e ombre.

The constantly moving clouds and fog made for an everchanging interplay of light and dark as we cruised through Paradise Bay in Antarctica.

Explore 3-17-13

This image captures a stunning interplay between the Northern Lights and a lunar halo over a mountain in Iceland. The green arcs of the aurora borealis stretch across the starry sky, while a bright full Moon illuminates the scene from behind a thin veil of high-altitude clouds. At the mountain’s base, a few buildings provide scale and context to this remarkable atmospheric and astronomical phenomenon.

The circular halo around the Moon is caused by the refraction of moonlight through millions of tiny ice crystals suspended in cirrostratus clouds in the upper atmosphere. These hexagonal crystals bend the light at a 22-degree angle, creating a perfectly round ring of light centered on the Moon. This 22-degree halo is a common optical phenomenon, but when combined with aurora activity, it creates a visually rare and scientifically rich composition.

The exhibition brings together four artists from Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo who engage with the fundamental elements of visual design: color, texture, composition, and light.

Their works combine photographic precision with experimental approaches – from minimalist clarity through meditative color worlds to algorithmic image processes.

Together they explore urban spaces, everyday poetry, and the interplay of light and shadow. They employ both traditional and new creative tools such as AI to open up unexpected perspectives and tell stories that hover between presence and absence.

More information: www.flashandtheshadows.com/events/

As night falls, I find comfort in the serene moments just before succumbing to sleep. Bathed in the gentle glow of muted lights, my surroundings transform into a sanctuary, signaling the peaceful journey that lies ahead. Beyond my window, the world recedes, making way for a tranquil tableau painted with the muted symphony of the night.

Captured within the frame is a snapshot of this tranquil interlude – a ritualistic pause before entering the realm of dreams. The interplay of shadows and the soft warmth of ambient light create a soothing ambiance, inviting a sense of calm that washes over me.

The image is a visual ode to this serene pause, a conscious moment before surrendering to the embrace of slumber. The unmade bed, carefully arranged essentials, and the quiet stillness all contribute to a delicate symphony of tranquility.

In this captured moment, I embrace the quietude, recognizing the beauty often overlooked in the hustle of the day. It serves as a daily reminder of the importance of finding peace amid chaos, offering a gentle prelude to the dreams awaiting in the realm of sleep.

Following Ephemeral Threads

Mesquite Dunes, Death Valley, California

An interplay of light and shadow on a dune. Tucki Mountain provides a backdrop.

Iceland’s glaciers are a mesmerizing fusion of fire and ice, embodying a stark contrast unique to this volcanic island. Nestled atop one of Earth’s most geologically active regions, these glaciers—like *Vatnajökull*, Europe’s largest ice cap—rest above simmering volcanoes and geothermal vents. This interplay creates dramatic phenomena: subglacial eruptions melt ice catastrophically, triggering glacial floods (jökulhlaups), while ice caves beneath the glaciers glow with ethereal blue light, their translucent walls sculpted by meltwater and volcanic heat.

Today is Chinese New Year, Year of snake, by Lunar Calendar. Happy Year of Snake! ❤️

- Emile Zola.

|| insta || blog || photostream ||

While driving along the Glenn Highway toward Matanuska Glacier, I switched to my 100-400mm lens when we saw two bald eagles in a tree by the roadside. My wife had been asking me to take more telephoto landscape photos, but I was hesitant. However, out of laziness during this drive, I decided to keep the 100-400mm lens on my camera and try telephoto landscapes. It offered a fascinating new perspective of the mountains. With beautiful sidelight, I captured the complex interplay of light in these tighter shots.

Der Innenraum des Mirador del Río, gestaltet von César Manrique, besticht durch seine organischen Formen und die harmonische Verbindung von Architektur und Natur. Weiße Wände, geschwungene Linien und große Panoramafenster lenken den Blick hinaus auf das Meer und die Insel La Graciosa. Das Spiel von Licht und Schatten schafft eine ruhige, fast meditative Atmosphäre. Ein Meisterwerk kanarischer Baukunst im Einklang mit der Landschaft.

The interior of the Mirador del Río, designed by César Manrique, captivates visitors with its organic forms and the harmonious combination of architecture and nature. White walls, curved lines, and large panoramic windows draw the eye out to the sea and the island of La Graciosa. The interplay of light and shadow creates a calm, almost meditative atmosphere. A masterpiece of Canarian architecture in harmony with the landscape.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

The beach at Arnarstapi holds a particular attraction. It has an eroded circular stone arch, called Gatklettur, and here, the interplay of spectacular waves and the light of the sun create a fascinating spectacle.

Large colonies of the arctic tern also nest in the area, and both these features make it very popular amongst photographers.

Long exposition using tripod + Kase Wolverine filter ND8

Thanks for the comments, faves and visits

This captivating image showcases a vibrant purple water lily in its element, perfectly poised between emergence and full bloom. The flower's delicate petals, painted in rich shades of lavender and magenta, create a striking contrast against the deep, emerald-green waters of the pond. Sunlight dances across the scene, illuminating the lily's intricate layers and the subtle yellow hues at its base.

Surrounding the star of the show are the broad, flat leaves of the lily pad, their verdant surfaces marked with the textures and imperfections that speak to the organic beauty of nature. The interplay of light and shadow on the water's surface adds depth and mystery to the composition.

This photograph captures a moment of tranquil beauty, inviting the viewer to pause and appreciate the serene elegance of aquatic flora. It's a visual reminder of the quiet wonders that unfold daily in our natural world, often just below the surface of our busy lives.

HSS

Thanks for the comments, faves and visits

This artistic rendering captures the tranquil beauty of a California wetland, transformed through a sketch filter into a timeless scene. The monochromatic tones highlight the delicate interplay between the still water and the sky, with the reflection of bare trees adding a sense of calm and symmetry. The subtle textures and lines evoke a hand-drawn quality, emphasizing the natural elegance of the landscape while inviting contemplation of nature's quiet moments.

Liège-Guillemins railway station, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is the main station of the city of Liège. It is one of the most important hubs in the country and is one of the 3 Belgian stations on the high-speed rail network.

The light art work titled ‘Comme tombées du ciel’, ‘Les couleurs in situ et en mouvement’ is deployed across all the glass panels of the station canopy to create an interplay of colors inside and around the station.

The sea caves along the Na Pali coast are dramatic rock formations, arches, and tunnels sculpted by wave action. The interplay of light, water, and rock creates a magical environment for photographers. World famous musicians have used the caves for music videos and they’ve been used as backdrops for movies, including Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Quiet tension of Autumn at Issyk lake, Almaty region

The interplay of water, light, shadow and reflections on the bed of the Thura River, Drummer Rainforest, Victoria.

Chiesa di Sant'Anastasia, Verona

In the heart of a dimly lit chamber, where the walls whisper tales of time and decay, there sits a solitary figure. Cloaked in the vivid contrast of a yellow Arabic robe, she is a young, skinny grunge girl, her long, tangled black hair framing a face etched with stories untold. This series, "Whispers in the Shadowed Chamber," ventures into a world where the bleakness of Beksiński's visions meets the vivid, haunting solitude of youth. Each photograph, a canvas of emotions, captures the delicate interplay of light and darkness, of life emerging amidst decay, as symbolized by the sprouting birch branches in a black vase. The series is a journey through the corridors of introspection, a dance of shadows and light, where each image is a silent conversation with the soul.

Poem

In the Chamber of Shadows

In a chamber where shadows dance,

A grunge girl sits in solemn trance.

Long hair like night, tangled, untamed,

In yellow robes, brightly inflamed.

Walls cracked and peeling, stories old,

In Beksiński's style, bold and cold.

Two birch branches, life anew,

In a vase of black, against a hue.

Candles flicker, a soft, eerie light,

Illuminating her grief, her internal fight.

Eyes piercing the lens, a silent plea,

In this art of shadows, what does she see?

Haiku

Flickering candles,

In darkness, her eyes reveal

Hidden depths of soul.

Tanka

In a room so still,

Yellow robe amidst the grey,

Her sorrow whispers,

Against the stark, cracked canvas,

Life's fragile beauty echoes.

Senryū

In silent chamber,

A youth's grief in candlelight,

Shadows tell her tale.

This amazing nebula is right next to the Heart nebula I posted recently. You can actually see the outskirts of the Heart nebula in the top right corner. These two would be a good candidate for a mosaic... but that takes a bit more planning and flexibility. At the moment I can only rotate one of my camera's in my dual rig setup. I took an early pass at the this object with my DSLR last year

flic.kr/p/2pwDyeu ....I'm glad I didn't give up.

synthesized from multiple sources:: "The Soul Nebula, also known as Sharpless 2-199 or Westerhout 5, is a captivating celestial object located approximately 6,500 light years away from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia. Spanning an impressive width of about 100 light years, this nebula is a vibrant site of active star formation. Composed primarily of hydrogen and dust, the Soul Nebula's rich materials provide the essential building blocks for new stars. Its glowing appearance, visible in infrared and optical wavelengths, is due to the intense radiation from young, hot stars within, which excites the surrounding gas, causing it to emit light. This nebula not only serves as a stellar nursery but also offers a window into the complex processes that govern star birth and the dynamic interplay of cosmic elements."

Askar ACL200: 200mm f/4

Nikon 70-200mm 200mm f/2.8

2x ZWO ASI533MM Mono Cameras at -10C

Guided on ZWO AM5

8xHa, 18xOiii, 12xSii @600s

Processed with PixInsight, Ps

HSS

Thanks for the comments, faves and visits

This striking black and white photograph captures a serene moment on a San Jose residential façade. The image is a study in contrasts, where light and shadow engage in an intricate dance across the surface of a house.

The focal point is an elegant arched window with horizontal blinds, flanked by two smaller windows and a decorative shutter. The crisp white of the building's exterior serves as a canvas for the intricate shadows cast by nearby foliage, creating a natural chiaroscuro effect.

Leafy branches frame the top of the image, their silhouettes projecting a lacy pattern onto the wall and windows. This interplay of organic shapes against the geometric lines of the architecture adds depth and visual interest to the composition.

At the bottom of the frame, bushes create a soft, textured border, grounding the image and hinting at a well-tended garden space. The overall effect is one of peaceful suburbia, where nature and human-made structures coexist in harmonious balance.

The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture, inviting the viewer to appreciate the subtle gradations of light and the way shadows can transform familiar objects into art. This image encapsulates the quiet beauty found in everyday scenes around San Jose, revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Thanks for the comments, faves and visits

This captivating image showcases the raw beauty of Hawaii's diverse coastline. In the foreground, jagged lava rocks form a dramatic shoreline, testifying to the island's volcanic origins. The rocks contrast starkly with the vibrant turquoise waters that crash against them, creating a mesmerizing interplay of textures and colors.

Beyond the rocky outcrop, a pristine golden sand beach stretches into the distance, its inviting shores lapped by gentle waves. The beach is framed by lush greenery, typical of Hawaii's tropical landscape, which climbs up towards the verdant mountains in the background.

The scene is crowned by a clear blue sky dotted with wispy clouds, perfectly complementing the azure ocean. In the distance, you can spot a few buildings, hinting at civilization without detracting from the natural splendor.

This panorama encapsulates the essence of Hawaii – a harmonious blend of volcanic power, lush vegetation, and serene beaches, all set against the backdrop of the vast Pacific Ocean. It's a testament to the islands' ability to offer both rugged adventure and peaceful retreat in a single, breathtaking vista.

The scene is imbued with an intense mood, accentuated by the striking interplay of light and shadow. As the dark clouds above part, rays of sunlight burst through, illuminating the meadow in a divine spectacle. The beams of light create a radiant path that dances over the myriad of wildflowers in full bloom. The meadow is a lush tapestry of colors, where an array of flowers - daisies, lupines, coneflowers, and others - intertwine in a riot of reds, purples, blues, and yellows. Each petal and blade of grass is touched by the golden glow, which gives the scene an ethereal quality. Tall grasses sway gently, their feathery tops catching the light and adding texture to the scene.

AI creation

We debated about whether we wanted to spend four nights in the cold at Bryce Canyon or do a day trip from Zion and head back to Las Vegas where it was warm. Warm won out.

Having never been to Bryce before, we were awestruck at the beauty of the landscape and how light and shadow interplayed within the rock formations. While I did not walk the entire Queen's Garden Trail, I did hike enough of it to want to do it again, next time in early morning.

Thanks for your comments and views. They are greatly appreciated!