*Challenge You* Kathy~ Wins November's Best CY Medal of the Mo
View allAll Photos Tagged challenge,
Switzerland, May 2021
My best photos are here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ticino-best-photos-of-southern-...
My latest ANIMAL VIDEO (warning, it's a bit shocking): www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2-Xszz7FI
You find a selection of my 80 BEST PHOTOS (mostly not yet on Flickr) here: www.lacerta-bilineata.com/western-green-lizard-lacerta-bi... (the website exists in ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH)
ABOUT THE PHOTO:
So this photo is a bit of a novelty for me - at least here on Flickr, but it's also a journey back in time in a sense. I've always loved b/w and sepia photography; already as a very young teenager I would go out into the woods with an old Pentax Spotmatic (which I had nicked from my father) whenever it was a foggy day to shoot b/w compositions of sunbeams cutting through the ghostlike trees.
I used films with a sensitivity of at least 1600 (for those of you who remember what that means 😉 ), and the resulting photos had an incredibly fine grain which I loved; I blew them up to the size of posters and hung them on the walls of my teenage man-cave next to Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Slash.
But then I abandoned photography altogether for 20 years, and when I finally picked up a camera again, it was one of the digital kind. Now neither film nor grain played any role in my photographic endeavours - let alone b/w compositions: because the reason I fell in love with shooting pictures once more was the rare and incredibly colorful lizard species that had chosen my garden as its habitat.
It's this species - the Lacerta bilineata aka the western green lizard - that my photo website www.lacerta-bilineata.com/ and also my Flickr gallery are dedicated to, but I've since expanded that theme a bit so that it now comprises the whole Lacerta bilineata habitat, which is to say my garden and its immediate surroundings and all the flora and fauna I find in it.
I like that my gallery and the website have this clear theme, because in order to rise to the challenge of portraying all aspects of a very specific little eco system (which also happens to be my home of sorts), it forces me to constantly explore it from fresh angles, and I keep discovering fascinating new motives as my photographic journey continues.
Which brings me to the horse pasture you see in this photo. This playground for happy horsies lies just outside my garden, and it normally only interests me insofar as my green reptile friends claim parts of it as their territory, and I very much prefer it to be horseless (which it thankfully often is).
Not that the horses bother the reptiles - the lizards don't mind them one bit, and I've even seen them jump from the safety of the fly honeysuckle shrub which the pasture borders on right between the deadly looking hooves of the horses to forage for snails, without any sign of fear or even respect.
No, the reason I have a very conflicted relationship with those horses is that they are mighty cute and that there's usually also foals. The sight of those beautiful, happy animals jumping around and frolicking (it's a huge pasture and you can tell the horses really love it) is irresistible: and that inevitably attracts what in the entire universe is known as the most destructive anti-matter and ultimate undoing of any nature photographer: other humans.
Unlike with the horses, the lizards ARE indeed very much bothered by specimens of loud, unpredictable Homo sapiens sapiens - which makes those (and by extension also the horses) the cryptonite of this here reptile photographer. It's not the horses' fault, I know that, but that doesn't change a thing. I'm just telling you how it is (and some of you might have read about the traumatic events I had to endure to get a particular photo - if not, read at your own risk here: www.flickr.com/photos/191055893@N07/51405389883/in/datepo... - which clearly demonstrated that even when it's entirely horseless, that pasture is still a threat for artistic endeavours).
But back to the photo. So one morning during my vacation back in May I got up quite early. It had rained all night, and now the fog was creeping up from the valley below to our village just as the sky cleared up and the morning sun started to shine through the trees.
And just as I did when I was a teenager I grabbed my camera and ran out to photograph this beautiful mood of ghostlike trees and sunbeams cutting through the mist. There had already been such a day a week earlier (which is when I took this photo: www.flickr.com/photos/191055893@N07/51543603732/in/datepo... ), but this time, the horses were also there.
Because of our slightly strained relationship I only took this one photo of them (I now wish I had taken more: talk about missed opportunities), and otherwise concentrated on the landscape. It was only later when I went through all the photos on my computer that I realized that I actually really liked those horses, even despite the whole composition being such a cliché. And I realized another thing: when I drained the photo of all the color, I liked it even better - because there was almost a bit of grain in it, like in the photos from my youth.
Since then I have experimented quite a bit with b/w and sepia compositions (some of which I will upload here eventually I guess), but this photo here is the first one that helped me rediscover my old passion. I hope you like it even though it builds quite a stark contrast with the rest of my tiny - and very colorful - gallery. But in the spirit of showing you the whole Lacerta bilineata habitat (and also in the spirit of expanding my gallery a bit beyond lizards and insects), I think it's not such a bad fit.
As always, many greetings to all of you, have a wonderful day and don't hesitate to let me know what you think 😊
I was challenged by my very dear friend Ethan to partake in the #guardyourlight challenge that T E E J ✿ launched spontaneously a few days ago on her Flickr.
I was inspired and snapped this last night. Now it's my turn to challenge some talented artists to keep it alive and do something inspired by those words !
Friends, if you've been tagged,
grab your cameras and "Guard your light! "
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”You have this way of seeing the Light in others. You have this way of noticing what is beautiful and unique about those around you. And I just hope you know, the same Light you see within others is shining within you too. You have this way of holding up a mirror to others and making sure they feel seen, and this is a very valuable thing. But sometimes, that can make you feel a little less seen yourself... a little less valuable, and less important than everyone else. So in case no one told you lately, it’s okay to turn that mirror around and see you for you, too. And know that no matter who does or does not notice you, Light is running wild within you. It shows up in your laughter. Your stories. Your presence. And I am sorry for all the times no one has taken the time to let you know this, in the same way that you have done this for so many others. I just wanted to remind you this is true: the same Light you see in others is shining within you, too.”
-Morgan Harper Nichols
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Disclaimer :
All the poses used in my pictures are made from scratch by me
HCS 😊😊😍
Cliche
www.clichelist.net/mug-for-the-camera/
Thank you for your kind visit. Have a wonderful and beautiful day! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Compositionally Challenged Week 20 - Active Space
After looking in my bird books, I think this is a Swainson's Hawk.
We watched the hawk for several minutes while it moved from one branch to another before it took flight carrying a piece of bark.
For this week's MacroMondays
challenge misfit.
Welcome to my Flickr space & thank you for visiting,
hope you enjoy my images.
Many thanks to everyone who takes the time to look,
like and comment on my pictures.
Don't use this image on any media without my permission.
You can contact me on my website at:
Thanks for more than 15 000 000 views.
Once again I was digging out my Christmas Card shot and came across one that I like. Taken on the same day, this is a great spot that tourists pull over and get an up close and personal view of our Mountain. Not on this day however, I was struck by the harshness of the scene in the place that I love, raw and forbidding. I love a challenge. :-)
blow it up large and climb inside.....
Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. Its the ache in your lugs and the burining on your legs and the voice inside that yells you "can't" but you don't listen. You just push harder. And then you hear the voice whispers "can". And you discover the person you though you were, is no match for the one you really are.
Credits: OMGthatdress
A little shoreline bokeh dedicated to Phan Ly for a great testimonial she wrote me - thanks and HBW!
My neighbor's beautiful Husky. She is very loving, sweet and gentle. But, she's also a protector, so you'd better not mess with her owner because Sasha will defend and protect her.
Challenge #196: Selective Color
Verfeil VS Laroque-Belesta - Challenge France - 32ème de finale
LACPIXEL - 2023
Please don't use this image without my explicit permission.
© All rights reserved
The challenge calls for "My Favourite Things". I have lots of favourite things to choose from but visiting the Sumatran Tigers at Australia Zoo is really a great pleasure.
"Australia Zoo is home to some of the last surviving Indonesian species of big cat – the Sumatran tiger!
Found throughout the forests and grasslands of Sumatra, these big cats are the smallest of all remaining tiger species. They are an impressive and powerful hunter with the ability to jump up to 5 metres (16 feet) in length! Using their stealthy stalking abilities, they will successfully hunt deer, pigs, jungle fowl and fish. Sumatran tigers have a range of vocalisations and communication tools. Their roar can be heard up to 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) away. Crikey! Like all tiger species, their beautiful orange and black striped coat is unique to every individual, just like our fingerprints!
Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species. There are fewer than 350 left in the wild. These beautiful animals are victim to the illegal wildlife pet trade, illegal poaching for traditional medicine, illegal hunting for pelts and meat, as well as experiencing rapid deforestation and habitat loss. They are a species that is facing certain extinction without our protection."
Pray for Me Guys! I'm not a big spicy foods fan but I am putting myself up for the Spicy Noodle Challenge! I've got milk, I've got water, and in the freezer I've got some ice cream to combat the heat. Wish Me Luck!
« SPONSORED ITEMS »
SKIN.➥Glam Affair || Moira Skin at Kustom9
TOP.➥Roslyn || Kendall Raglan Top at Dubai
FOOD.➥Junk Food || Mukbang Gacha at The Epiphany
.Junk Food || Mukbang Gacha - Ring Light
.Junk Food || Mukbang Gacha - Spicy Ramen Chopsticks
.Junk Food || Mukbang Gacha - Spicy Ramen Packs
.Junk Food || Mukbang Gacha - Spicy Ramen Tray
KITCHEN.➥North Oak || Modern Kitchen Set at Mainstore
.North Oak || Modern Kitchen Set - Warm Set Counters, Sink & Island
.North Oak || Modern Kitchen Set - Gemma Barstool
.North Oak || Modern Kitchen Set - Kylan Fridge
« OTHER CREDITS »
➥Apple Fall || West Village Francis Dining - Seeded Bread & Tomato
➥Chicchica || Farmer Milk
➥Nutmeg || Dacha Teatime - Milk Jug
➥Revoul || Whole Lotta Bunnies Hairstyle at Equal10
➥Soy. || The Natural Water 1 Gallon Bottle at The Epiphany
The real challenge is taking a street scene where no one is using a mobile phone. I failed at least three times here!
photo made in a cave of the Isle of Rowlyria .. many hidden spots on the island , visit it and discover them here : maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rowlyria/150/47/27
Dor Walker, here's my version... adjusted various tones & hues plus the little puddle. Tried to add some punch to it but don't know if I succeded.
Thanks for the challenge!
Wakering Photography Group Rust Challenge.
These items were at the Battlesbridge Antiques and Reclamation Centre.
These garden Ornamental Obelisk are also made on site by the company (anyoldfrenchiron.com) I was quite impressed with this one.
It's mainly very expensive clothes for people who spend summer holidays on boats. With summer over, I don't think there will be many customers. There was only one boat left in the harbour after I saw the last three sailboats leave. The canal will now be closed until next summer.
Saturday Self-challenge - numbers
Instead of golf there are now proper ski tracks made across the golf course.
for Saturday Self-Challenge theme seasonal.
Weekly Theme Challenge ~ Household Objects
Stay safe and well everyone.
Thank you to everyone who pauses long enough to look at my photo. Any comments or Faves are very much appreciated
When it comes to my pictures, I like to talk about challenges. Often, it's not about getting the best photos, but about the challenges in a particular situation.
In an old building that may be over 100 years old, such a window situation is unusual and only occurs in this room in the museum building. Of course, a tripod is not allowed.
So I tried to expose the outside and inside of the room in backlight, as close as possible to the exact same position.
Wide-angle lenses have their problems when orthogonal lines are distributed throughout the room because they distort in a cushion-shaped and barrel-shaped manner, and if you're unlucky, both at the same time (moustache type), and so a room where windows, corners, ceilings, and works of art form a grid makes the optical errors obvious.
This meant that I had to superimpose the exterior image over the interior image, and of course there were deviations, so I not only had to correct the distortion but also, quite often, correct parts of the image.
However, I found this “Petersburg hanging” of Münster Cathedral so interesting that I really wanted to show you the situation with a work of art by Albers, a work of art probably by Serra, and a black picture by an artist I don't know.
Deutsch
Ich spreche bei meinen Bildern gerne von Herausforderungen. Oft geht es mir gar nicht um die besten Fotos, sondern um die Herausforderungen in einer bestimmten Situation.
In einem alten Gebäude, das über 100 Jahre alt sein kann, ist eine solche Fenstersituation ungewöhnlich und kommt im Museumsgebäude nur in diesem Raum vor.
Ein Stativ ist natürlich nicht erlaubt. Also versuchte ich im Gegenlicht eine Belichtung des Außenraumes und eine Belichtung des Innenraumes, möglichst in der absolut gleichen Position.
Weitwinkel haben ihre Probleme, wenn über den ganzen Raum orthogonale Linien verteilt sind, weil sie kissenförmig oder tonnenförmig verzerren, wenn man Pech hat, beides gleichzeitig (Moustache-Type), und so ein Raum wo Fenster, Ecken, Decken und Kunstwerke ein Raster ergeben, macht die optischen Fehler deutlich.
Bedeutet, ich musste das Außenbild über das Innenbild bringen und natürlich gab es Abweichungen, und musste nicht nur entzerren sondern ganz oft einzelne Bildteile entzerren.
Jedoch fand ich diese "Petersburger Hängung" des Münsteraner Doms so interessant, dass ich euch die Situation unbedingt zeigen wollte mit einem Kunstwerk von Albers, einem Kunstwerk von wahrscheinlich Serra und einem schwarzen Bild, von dem ich nicht den Künstler kenne.
_MG_3629_pt2
Just for fun
Bare Face Challenge flickr group www.flickr.com/groups/14682117@N25/
No makeup
No lashes
No editing
Tag someone you know and see what they come up with.
I tag Bewitched Difference, Violetta Rain and Kay Windstorm, don't spank me! lol
People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy.
- Anton Chekhov
details and landmarks at ahchoo-e!.
I took a challenge to take a clear photo of my daughter & sun in law in this lovely misty surrounding to keep it for remembrance about kodaikanal trip. .
thanks for every one for views, faves & comments.
1st PK challenge i joined ahehheheh sana MANALO ahahaha!
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Original photo by Sir Boggs Dichoson | PostProcess by Me
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PK BASIC Post Processing Challenge # 26 MerLion Park
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comments and faves will be much appreciated