Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.~Thomas Jefferson
One afternoon I strolled through Hyde Park in London and discovered a trapeze school. I stood, transfixed, watching young people climb up the swaying rope ladder and take turns practicing a challenging move–leaping from the safety of one swing, soaring across open space and grasping the outstretched arms of an instructor on a second swing. Timing was crucial. If they let go at the wrong moment or missed the instructor’s hands, they’d tumble far below. There was a safety net, but still, the prospect of letting go of the ropes and flying across open space had to be terrifying.
Some of them clung to the swing, waiting in vain for just the right moment to leap across the chasm. Others took a few trial swings and finally made the decision to go. After a successful acrobatic maneuver, satisfied smiles lit up their faces. In this moment of release, of action, these kids discovered their courage and found a true measure of their capabilities.
Thomas Jefferson is right. Our actions define who we are.
At various times in my life, I’ve been up there on the swing (figuratively speaking, of course), waiting for the right moment to act, to put a plan into motion. In those moments of action, my fears fell away and my spirits soared. I remind myself of this as I work on my next novel. It’s so easy to fall victim to inaction, to make excuses. But those moments of self-doubt finally give way when I take action. It’s a joy to let the story unfold in surprising and satisfying ways.
This week’s challenge is all about action. Capture nature, people, objects, or animals on the move. Capture action in the sky or on land, on the playing field or on a busy street. It’s totally up to you.
Here are a few reminders about the Lens-Artist Photo Challenges:
- We hope you join the challenge this week. Your participation is exactly what we are hoping for. When you do, include a link to this post.
- Use the tag “Lens-Artists” in your post. If you use a different tag or have a different spelling, other bloggers won’t find your post in the Reader and that would be a shame. Also keep in mind that you should use fewer than 15 tags for your post or it won’t appear in the Reader. For more information on how to tag, click here.
- Ann Christine will post the next challenge (#10) on Saturday, September 8th.
- Missed our initial Lens-Artists challenge announcement? Click here for details.
- Do you want some advice about taking action shots? Click here for some tips from the Digital Photography School.
As always, thanks for joining the challenge and have an inspiring week!
Categories: Photography
“Don’t ask. Act”
Enough said! and well said – empowering message with words and images here.
I liked both the sky shot and land one –
and side note – I found it interesting that you described the second photo as the
“Absolut Vodka Bus Stop Decor in Chicago.”
The inclusion of the Absolut ad in the title of the image versus
something like “bus stop along brick wall” or ” person in front of Bus stop with green concentric circles”
or just Bus Stop – hmm
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Prior! The Absolut bus stops were an advertising campaign in Chicago. Each bus stop was unique and featured Absolut Vodka! I’ve seen different companies use this same marketing idea too–but mostly in Chicago.
oh very cool. And GO Chicago for this cool idea.
Quick story – last July we had a 50th birthday party with little momentos from 5 decades. One item for the 1980’s – little gift bottles of Absolut- because in the late 1980’s this brand had ARTSY ads that were outstanding; many of us who worked in hospitality had a lot of free Absolut items – and the Absolut Vodka ads were just brilliant (esp the ads in magazines – imagine those) – and so your photo here shows their artsy advertising continues all these years later.
And those chairs at the stop… Are they part of the ad?
Hi, Prior. Yes, the chairs were part of the ad. I love how they blended in with the background. It is brillant.
🙂 extra cool
I love the uniqueness of the photos you selected for, action,. I love more the analogy it brought to life in defining our character. Donna.
Thank you so much, Donna. I’m glad this resonated with you. 🙂
Both action photos are remarkable, Patti. It must be a big adventure to try the Trapeze.:)
Thanks, Amy! I think it’s safe to say that you’re not going to see ME up there on the trapeze. 🙂
Oooh, action – I must see what I can sow you…
Hi, Sue. I can’t wait to see what you find. 🙂
A number of old ones, but a variety, I hope!
Great thoughts and stunning shot of the trapeze flyers! I agree we sometimes are up there…but the insecure feeling will give way and most of our flying will prepare us for better landings. Here is my take
https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/lens-artists-photo-challenge-9-action/
So true, Ann-Christine. Taking action becomes a “habit” once we take that first step. So glad you like this week’s theme! I’ll take a look at your site next. 🙂
Thank you!
hi patti, two very different photo on the theme i like both see, here is my post for this week, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-2QF.
greetings robert
Thanks, Robert! We’re delighted that you’re joining the fun. The shot of the biker is great!
I love the way that you approach the challenge, Patti. Always so thought provoking, and with superb photos. 🙂 🙂 Sadly, I am a bit of a prevaricator. 🙁
Hi, Jo. I know you are busy getting ready for your move! You can join any time. I’m so glad you like the theme. I’d say that you are not a person to shy away from ACTION!! You’re always on the move. 🙂
Thanks darlin
Hi Patti, here’s a whole set of action images for you to mull over – which do you like best? https://suejudd.com/2018/09/01/lens-artists-photo-challenge-action/
Great entries, Sue. I love your chef and the girl in a hurry.
Many thanks, Patti!
Absolut Vodka is from the start produced 40 kilometers from my home. Great shot!
Really! I didn’t realize that’s where it is produced. 🙂 They have great ads, don’t they? Wonderful.
Terrific choice for the week’s challenge Patti. Loved your examples and your thoughtful text
Hi, Tina. So glad you like this one! We are so busy right now and on the move, so it seemed like a good theme!
The trapeze photo is stunning!
I like to take action and motion photos too and here is my contribution:
http://www.travelways.com/nuptial-dance-rhine-river-germany
Hi, Tatiana. So glad you like it! It was a lucky moment to find the school in “action”! I’m delighted you joined our challenge. I’ll take a look at your shots next.
Thank you so much Patti – I like your challenge 🙂
🙂
Here is my entry: https://chava61.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/lens-artists-photo-challenge-9-action/
Great action shots, Chava!
Now this is what you call real action!
Thanks, Aditya! I was thrilled to catch the action. It was a great gift!
Great theme Patti and I love your take on it and the thoughts to go with it. That trapeze would be so scary, even when I was young I don’t think I could find the courage to let go… This is my daughter in action this week. https://retiredfromgypsylife.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/lens-artist-photo-challenge-action/
Hi, Pauline. I have had a few courageous moments, but this definitely was not one of them! I can’t imagine letting go of the ropes. So glad you like this challenge. I loved the shots of your daughter.
The shot of the trapeze artists is breathtaking, Patti, and your ghostly street man makes me think of an Edward Hopper work.
Here’s my action (and reaction) https://tishfarrell.com/2018/09/02/an-excitement-of-daffodils-at-bodnant-garden/
So glad you enjoyed the trapeze shot and the man on the street. Thanks for your kind words! Your shots of the daffodils and the little girls are marvelous too!
Many thanks, Patti.
I shall get into action soon… great challenge! 😉
Glad you like this one, A.J.!
Love it! Thanks! 😉
Your photos are perfect examples of the Action prompt. I love the leading lines in trapeze scene and the subtle blur in the vodka picture ads to the overall tone of a drunken state…! 😉 I dug back in my empty nest history for my entry this week. https://www.quaintrevival.com/30-day-blogging-challenge-how-to-find-your-writing-style/
Thanks so much for your kind words, Shelley! 🙂 Glad you joined the fun this week.
Beautiful trapeze shot Patti, it looks like a painting.
Thank you so much, Rupali. It was worth the wait to capture them at just the right moment. 🙂 🙂
One can surely see that. Thanks for sharing.
What a photo of the trapeze artists. Great words for current times. I’ll be back to join in later in the week.
🙂 Great V.J.!
Action shots are fun and challenging! I managed to link one into my Sunday Stills post today 🙂 https://secondwindleisure.com/2018/09/02/sunday-stills-whistle-while-you-work/
Glad you joined the fun, Terri. Action shots are a bit challenging and take patience, don’t they?
Hi Patti, it was exciting that you watched the Trapeze school’s students practice in front of a live audience. When we were in London, we stayed at the hotel looking over Hyde Park. We had a nice trip to London. Thank you for hosting the challenge, here’s my action post.
https://theshowersofblessings.com/2018/09/02/lens-artists-photo-challenge-9-action/
Thanks for sharing your shots of your man in action! Glad you enjoyed your trip to London too! Ours was marvelous.
You’re welcome, Patti. I’m glad that you had a marvelous trip to London also!
Love the trapeze action, Patti, but I could never, ever do that!! Chicago? If you’re ever back there, let me know. I can take the train into the city and we could meet. Participating tomorrow, so I’ll see you again then.
janet
I’d love that Janet! We should be back in Chicago in November. So glad you like the trapeze shot. I’m with you. I don’t think I could ever do that. 🙂
All right then. Get in touch with me before you come!!
Here are my two and happy Labor Day to all those in the US.
https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2018/09/03/lens-artists-challenge-action/
janet
Glad you are joining us,!
Here’s a little more action to add to the mix: https://outofmywritemind.com/2018/09/03/movement-afoot/
I love your action choices!
Thanks for joining the fun, Sandy! Glad you like my shots. 🙂
I love the action shot of the trapeze artists Patti, it is such a great feeling when you can take a leap and fly! For our rescue dogs this seems to come naturally: https://whippetwisdom.com/2018/09/03/haiku-from-cave-to-stars/
So glad you enjoyed these shots, Xenia. I love your shots of the dogs!
Thank you Patti! 🙂💖 xxx
Love your picture of the trapeze flyers, beautiful colors and details!
Thank you so much, Sylvia. 🙂 🙂
A fun theme, and a topic I love to capture in my photos. But I’m being awkward today and have gone out of action! https://travelwithintent.com/2018/09/04/london-st-pauls-cathedral-bells-out-of-action/
Interesting that the bells need some TLC from time to time. It’s great that the original.compsny is still in business!
Good challenge as always.
God to dredge up a photo from a few months ago.
Cheers muchly and have fun all!
https://stupidityhole.wordpress.com/2018/09/04/quite-possibly-the-stupidest-photo-ive-ever-taken/
Glad you joined us. Interesting shot!
Cheers for having me.
Hi Patty! Nice shots there and thanks for inspiration…
Here is our entry
https://haddhaiyaar.com/2018/09/04/1-2-3-action/
Happy Photo Blogging…
Hello again Patti, here is my contribution from my other blog: https://tranature.com/2018/09/05/wordless-wednesday-as-the-tide-rolls-in/
Hi Patti of course your captures are great but I also like the philosophical/intellectual undertone of your posts. I am certainly not intellectual but like to associate myself with those of said inclination 🙂 . I have to castigate you though as I had to bend my brain to be worthy of the example which was set. But with such a MOEDige (courageous) leader, how can I not 🙂
Thank you so much, Abrie! Your kind words always make me smile. I don’t know if I am a true intellectual, but I like to ponder! Thanks again for jumping into the challenge with verve and a great sense of humor. 🙂
Rather lazy action from me, Patti. 🙂 🙂 https://restlessjo.me/2018/09/06/train-spotting/ And now I shall have to spend the rest of the day catching up with all the others. 🙂 Hope the week is going well?
Here’s my entry for the week:
https://norasphotos4u.wordpress.com/2018/09/06/lens-artist-challenge-topic-action/
I’m glad I caught this week by the tail. And I was just wondering what to do with these photos. Thank you!
https://manjameximovie3.wordpress.com/2018/09/07/lens-artists-pc-call-for-action/
Wonderful action shots, Patti! There is a trapeze school near my office. Sometimes I look out my window and see people flying through the air. it’s a bit disconcerting for a moment until I remember there is a net beneath them! Have a great weekend!
HI Patti, what an amazing photo. I don’t think I could have watched it would have made me too anxious!Mine’s a lot calmer 🙂 https://lucidgypsy.com/2018/09/07/a-little-action-on-the-beach/
Thanks for a cool theme
Beautiful captures Patti. This is my entry : https://balance440.wordpress.com/2018/09/09/lens-artists-photo-challenge-9-action/
A day late – with reason! Hope you enjoy my take on this photo challenge!
https://lindylecoq.com/2018/09/09/lens-artists-photo-challenge-9-action/
Excellent photos.
Many thanks, Rabirius! 🙂