February 9, 2019 • 39

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #32: Shadows Here and There

If I reached my hands down, near the earth, I could take handfuls of darkness! A darkness was always there, which we never noticed.~Robert Bly.~A Little Book on the Human Shadow

Observing and capturing light and shadow are a fundamental part of developing an artistic photographic eye.  Thanks, Tina, for selecting this theme for our Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #32!

In the tropics, I am keenly aware of shadows–small islands of coolness amidst the intense light and heat.  We arrived this week in Fiji, a nation of 300 islands.  It’s their rainy season, so in the afternoon, the clouds gather and for several minutes or hours, the rain pelts the earth.

Nadi, Fiji

To date, we have visited two islands–Viti Levu and Savusavu.  When the rains end and the sun comes out, the shadows reappear. In this first shot taken in Nadi, the palm tree makes a dramatic shadow on the sand.

Fiji Shadows. Shot with a Google Pixel 2.

Savusavu, Fiji

Several days ago, we took a small 19-seat plane to a more remote island.  Savusavu is truly an unspoiled paradise.  We take morning walks to the beach, where a few people fish and collect coconuts, and dogs wander, looking for another sniff and a pat.  I like how the palms create a beautiful doorway to the beach.

Through the Palms. Savusavu, Fiji.

Vancouver, B.C.

Here’s a different type of shadow in a different country and a different season.  It was created by two people spending a quiet moment at sunset in Vancouver B.C. In the distance, you can also see the shadowy outline of several oil tankers in the harbor, as well as distant mountains.

Shadows in Vancouver Harbor. Shot with a Fuji X-T2

Port Arthur, Tasmania

This church in Port Arthur was dramatic and filled with intense quiet.  I loved its burnished wood ceilings, simple carved statues and pews, and shadows that spilled into the aisle.

Port Arthur Church. Shot with a Google Pixel 2.

Balmoral Beach, Sydney, Australia

My last image is quite different from the others.  I fell in love with this huge sheltering tree at Balmoral Beach in Sydney.  I especially like the contrast between the brightly lit beach and the shadowy tree. I used a playful Buzz Sim filter, which turns a photo into an illustration.  I like the fairy tale feel of the shot.  Do you?  Or, is the image too artificial for your taste?

Balmoral Beach Tree Fantasy. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.

Thanks again, Tina, for a terrific and inspiring theme.

This weekend, we are flying back to the USA.  Our plans for the next week?  Recovering from jet lag, visiting family, eating plenty of salads (time to diet again) getting my hair cut (long overdue), and putting on warmer clothes again.   Wishing you lots of light, warmth, and inspiration in your part of the world!

 

Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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39 replies »

  3. Beautiful images of Fiji. The view through the palm trees is stunning. I love the fairy tale feel of the Balmoral Beach Tree Fantasy, very clever! 🙂
    Have a safe trip back home, Patti.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you, thank you, Amy! It’s great hearing your thoughts on these shots. Glad you like Balmoral. I wasn’t sure about the reaction to that one! Fingers crossed that our planes leave and arrive safely!!

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you, Tina. It’s wonderful to hear from you! I’ve been wondering how things are going. Glad you like the church. It was such a lovely and peaceful spot. Port Arthur was stunning. I’ll be in touch via email too!

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    • 🙂 🙂 (That’s me, smiling!) So glad you liked these shots. Oz is a great place. I was so bowled over by the natural beauty there even though we’ve been fortunate to go there a few times to visit friends/family. I hope you get back there too!

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Hi, Jo. It is a bit of heaven, Jo. I hope you get to come here some day. You’re right about the drama in that first shot. When the winds pick up and the rain starts falling, it’s a deluge!

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      Reply
  15. Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #32: Shadows Here and There – Twenty Four

  16. Your photos are gorgeous. You capture the shadows amazingly. Challenge complete! 😀 Also, I like that tree a lot too, but I think I would prefer it without the filter andwith a little bit more of luminosity, overall outstanding work!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi, Nanyi. Thanks so much for your thoughts and kind words. I understand your comments about the tree. Points well taken! I tried the shot with and without the filter. There was a little more luminosity (believe it or not) with the filter, so I went with that one. I am still going to “play” a bit more with it! Thanks again.

      Liked by 1 person

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  17. It looks like you’ve had a fun adventure, Patti! I hope you’ve missed all of the snow in the Pacific NW.

    I really like the last shot in Sydney. The beach in the distance reminds me a bit of a Seurat painting. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • It was an adventure, Jackie, and I’m so glad we did it. No snow here in Cali! I’m glad about that. We’ll be in Boston later this month, so I’m sure we’ll “find” some there! And thanks too for your thoughts on the tree image. I like that! Seurat! I hope you’re doing well in NYC. We keep getting reports of La Guardia delays. 😦

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  18. Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Shadows | This is Another Story
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