Even though I’m a city girl, I respect and love nature. Sometimes, in urban areas, it’s easy to lose sight of its majesty and power. But on our recent trip to two islands in Fiji, Mother Nature revealed herself in all her glory. That trip inspired this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #33—Nature.
Savusavu, Fiji
The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.―
One morning, Micah, our local guide, drove us to a neighboring village, famous for its waterfall. After meeting the chief of the village and offering him thanks for visiting his land, we drove a short distance to the waterfall. Its power and beauty were stunning. To give you a sense of its height, I included Rich and our guide in the photo.
Nature’s abundance is everywhere on the island. This awapuhi plant is growing on the veranda of the cottage.
Nadi, Fiji
For a few days, we stayed on the larger island of Viti Levu. One highlight was our visit to The Garden of the Sleeping Giant, an orchid paradise once owned by the American actor Raymond Burr. The star of Perry Mason and Ironside loved orchids as much as he loved Fiji. He planted a vast collection of over 2,000 Asian orchids, which can be viewed by the public.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.–Albert Einstein
One night near the end of our stay, nature put on a brilliant display for us at sunset. This is one of the dozens of shots I took trying to capture the evening sky.
For this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #33, it’s your chance to showcase Nature–including plants, animals, landscapes–and other features of the physical world–either close to home or far away. It’s up to you!
We hope you join us for this week’s challenge. The next one (#34) will be hosted by our talented friend Ann-Christine on Saturday, February 23rd. Wishing you an inspiring week in your corner of the world.
Before you go…
HAVE YOU SEEN THESE?
- Svetlana of Svetlana’s Photography combined the weekly “shadows” theme with a Valentine’s Day message.
- David of David Oakes–Images has posted a beautiful collection of shadows, some in monochrome.
- Samuel of Photear shares some expressive black and white shadows.
- Helen Chen of HHC Blog finds shadows all over her house.
If you want more information on joining the Lens-Artists Photo Challenges, click here. Most importantly, remember to TAG your post ”Lens-Artists ” so it appears in the Reader.
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Gorgeous – Fiji looks wonderful. I hadn’t heard about Raymond Burr’s orchid garden – that would be wonderful to see
Hi, Debbie. I was totally surprised that he had a garden in Fiji. It was wonderful. I hope you get to see it someday too.
Here is my contribution: https://chava61.wordpress.com/2019/02/16/lens-artists-photo-challenge-33-nature/
I love those penguins, Chava!
Nature’s abundance is crucial to our own sustainability. Thanks for honoring her.
Thanks, Sally! You make a good point. I was astounded at the abundance in vegetation, insects, animals…
Those awapuhi plants are incredible! I saw one in a flower arrangement for an Art In Bloom festival at the Milwaukee Art Museum and was utterly amazed. So unusual! Now to look through my Nature photos and come up with a post…
I like the awapuhi too – and used to use Paul Micthell’s awapuhi shampoo so this was informative as well as purdy
I’m glad you’re joining us, Scillagrace. Aren’t those plants amazing?
So fanciful!
Sunlight and water, at any time of day, always captivate me, Patti. There is so much beauty in this post, it’s simply breathtaking. 🙂 🙂
Hi, Jo. Thank you! I was astounded by the beauty there. I am trying to imagine the entire world before civilizations started springing up. The lushness of the vegetation was amazing and a bit overwhelming, to be honest. 🙂
well Raymond Burr gets a high five for sharing his love of orchids with the world in this way (love when stars have that passion for nature)
and good theme for this week – Fiji has some nice beauty
going to work on my entry 🙂
I totally agree. I was amazed at his passion for Fiji and orchids. Who knew?? It is wonderful that he shared these passions with the public. Looking forward to seeing your post!
Just finished it and wishing you a great rest of your day….
Some great images, Patti!
Thank you so much, Sue. With the beauty and nature in Fiji, it was easy, believe me!
If you say so, Patti! You must have had a great triip!
This is lovely! Reblogging to my sister site Timeless Wisdoms
Thank you, Ana! I am delighted you’re sharing this.
My pleasure
The first shot tells it all how the natural beauty of this Island. I can actually hear and feel the serenity as you describe your travel, Patti. Stunning!
It was, Perpetua. Stunning. Simply stunning. Thanks for taking a look!
This is an amazing post Patti – and of course I love your subject. That awaphui plant is incredible! My response is here https://travelsandtrifles.wordpress.com/2019/02/16/lens-artists-challenge-33-nature/
Hi, Tina. Isn’t that plant amazing? I keep looking at it and marveling! I’m not surprised you like the theme. 🙂 I’ll take a look at your post next. Where in the world will your shots be taken?? I love the wide range of experiences you’ve had!
Such a wonderful experience, Patti. Your photographs took me along for the ride.
Fiji looks like a very peaceful place. Nature at its best in every photograph. Just glorious …!!!
Isadora 😎
ps – there are 2 pingback by mistake. The 1st one has an error in the word artist. Please delete : )
Thank you so much, Isadora! It was a very peaceful and gorgeous spot. I will delete your first ping. Glad you’re joining us!
Yes, I am enjoying the challenges. It keeps me sharp and attentive to what I do and do not have in photographs. Thank you all for hosting. Isadora 😎
What a beautiful place, and many stunning photos, Patti! And Awapuhi plant is amazing.
Thanks for mentioning my blog. All 4 of you are wonderful photographers, leaders, teachers… Thank you so much for inspiring, motivating, and educating me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Have a wonderful day.
You’re very welcome, Helen! We are all having fun with the challenges and are so glad you’re enjoying them. Fiji was amazing. I’m delighted you enjoyed the pics.
Well, here’s mine, then, Patti: https://suejudd.com/2019/02/16/lens-artists-photo-challenge-33-nature/
Glad you joined us, Sue!
I wouldn’t miss it!
That waterfall looks amazing. Mother Nature gives us so many gifts as your lovely photos prove.
Hi, MM. It was amazing. You’re right about the generosity of Mother Nature. Her gifts are astounding. Thanks too for your kind words about the photos. 🙂
What a wonderful place. Here’s my response to your challenge – https://beinginnatureblog.wordpress.com/2019/02/17/red-seeds/
Thanks for joining us, Suzanne. I enjoyed your post.
Thank you Patti
Such a lush environment with the beauty of nature at each turn. That sunset is
spectacular, Patti!
I’m so glad nature cooperated on our visit there! The sunset was gorgeous. I had to capture it!
What a fabulous trip! Via you lens, I feel like touring these beautiful islands with you. Beautiful, both in photos and words.
Thank you, Patti, for sharing with us.
🙂 🙂 Thank you, Amy. I am delighted you enjoyed this. I feel the same way about your posts–beautiful!
Wonderful Patti!!!
Thank you so much, Paulo! 🙂 🙂 Mother Nature is amazing.
hi. patti, great pictures you show us for this week, they each have something special for themselves, here is my post for this challenge theme, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-31t.
greetings robert
Thank you, Robert. 🙂 I enjoyed your post too. 🙂
The sky shots are gorgeous and Fiji looks like a picturesque place. The Garden of the Sleeping Giant captured my imagination. With a memorable name like that and orchids , one can’t really go wrong.
Absolutely, Sheetal. The garden captured my imagination too. I’m so glad we were able to visit it. The mountain behind the site is the Sleeping Giant…I’m assuming there was a volcanic eruption at one point. So, I’m glad it’s still sleeping. 🙂 Thanks too for your kind words.
Fiji looks amazing. What fun that trip must have been! Thanks for sharing your lovely photos.
janet
Hi, Janet. It was an amazing trip. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for your kind words. 🙂
Stunning photos as usual 🙂 Nature in all its glory is one of my go to’s for beautiful photography, Patti! I’ve linked this to my Sunday Stills challenge for tomorrow (theme: fresh). Fiji is a place I would love to visit!
Hi, Terri. Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed my shots and that you’re linking to this post. 🙂 Much appreciated. I would definitely put Fiji on your list.
Love your photos
Here is my contribution
http://bushboy.blog/2019/02/17/nature/
You live in a paradise! Wonderful post.
These shots are great. Nice tones and textures and pretty vibrant stuff.
Here’s mine for this week; this time in the right location too!
https://stupidityhole.wordpress.com/2019/02/17/circular/
Hi, SH. The beaches in Sydney are amazing. I loved your shot of one of them.
Many of them are.
Glad you did 🙂
I enjoyed the walk through Yorkshire very much.
Great photos, Patti! I’m going to prepare my post… Love nature!!! 🙂
Wonderful, Ana. Looking forward to seeing your post. Thanks too for your kind words.
Gorgeous collection!
Wonderful post, IJ.
Amazingly colourful. Fiji looks wonderful in your photos. You must have had a wonderful trip.
Thank you, I.J. It was wonderful. The vibrant colors in nature are amazing, aren’t they?
Love your shots of Cuba, Debbie.
Lovely crocuses!
Gorgeous post, Amy. 🙂
Beautiful selection! I love the orchids – I didn’t know that was their name, I’ve seen them in Jamaica before. It was a pleasure to view your views of warmer climates. Thank you for sharing!
Hi, Shelley. Thank you! I loved the nature there and the warmer weather! We were very fortunate to be able to go. Now, we’re back in the USA where it’s a lot colder. I’m still getting used to it!
You’re welcome, Patti! You’re lucky to have the opportunity to travel there, and that you captured such stunning shots. Great memories to warm you up when it’s cold here in the states!
Yes, it is cold! We’re back!
Oh, I envy your freedom to travel as well as feel gratitude when you share the beauty of the world beyond my camera’s eye. I found that when I attempted to tag with Lens-Artists, WP would shift the upper case of “L” and “A” to lower case. Another puzzle.
https://ameditativejourney.wordpress.com/2019/02/17/lens-artist-photo-challenge-nature/
Hi, Brenda. We are very, very fortunate to be able to work and travel. We are very thankful for that. I’m glad you joined the challenge. I enjoyed your post. Very strange about the tagging for WP. There are a lot of mysteries with the WP site!
Wow! Great post! Thank you for sharing amazing photos!
Thank you so much! Nice to meet you here Inaloveworld!
Thank you so much!
Nice to meet you, too! Manuela
Simply stunning.
So glad you enjoyed the shots, Arkenaten!
What incredible landscapes in Fiji and wonderful flora too. The red and yellow plant featured is not an orchid though, it is an Heliconia, also popularly known as lobster-claw, wild plantain or false bird-of-paradise. They grow in the tropics in Australia and also in tropical glasshouses in the UK. Amazing looking plants!
Hi, Jude. Thanks so much for giving me the correct name of the plant. It was growing all over Fiji. It is amazing!
It certainly is!
You’re highlighting a beautiful part of the USA.
Lovely colors, aren’t they?
Thanks to the beautiful images in your post, I find myself missing not only Australia and New Zealand, but also a big craving to visit and meet with peoples throughout the islands of the South Pacific.
Hi, Fotoeins. It is definitely worth the long trip. We barely scratched the surface in Australia, even though we’ve been there a few times. And there are over 300 islands in Fiji! Well, I guess we just have to keep traveling!
Glad you joined the challenge. 🙂
I especially like the awapuhi plant and the Van Gogh quote.
So glad you enjoyed this post. That plant is amazing, isn’t it? I had never seen it before.
A lovely tribute to nature.
from the look of your beautiful photographs it looks as though you had a wonderful time in Fiji.
We did, Irene, but it took some mental processing to absorb it all. It’s such a different culture. I’m sure you had similar experiences when you traveled to more remote places.
We lived in the Pacific on a very remote island for four years so we know what it is like. A wonderful holiday.
How wonderful! You are adventurous.
Peaceful shots. Thanks for joining us.
Nature moves to its own timetable, doesn’t it!
Fabulous Fiji – the colours in these photos is so striking, esepcially the top landscape – mine is so muted by contrast
It is incredibly lush and vivid, isn’t it? The most vivid I can recall in the USA is the Northeast in autumn when the colors change.
Such beautiful images https://dailymusing57.com/2019/02/18/lens-artists-photo-challenge-nature/
Wonderful post, Irene.
Fiji – Mother Nature at her best! And you have captured the greatness and lushness and beauty of it all through your lens. Magnificent shots! That first photot is a feast to the eye, and I love the Awapuhi Plant. The first time I saw it was in Kew Gardens in London. Sometimes I find it almost unbelievable that such an intricate plant exists. And you can understand I would have loved that orchid garden…Thank you for taking me there!
Hi, AC. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. It was such a treat to see that part of the world. I was as amazed as you are with the lushness and beauty of the place. It is so rich with nature. It makes my mind spin to imagine the West before industrialization.
Yes – lushness does that to you, doesn’t it!
Can you resend the link? It was broken. Thanks, VJ!
I love the detail in your shots of the ducks.
Nature is abundant and generous! Thanks for joining us, Cee.
Hi Patti, My kind of challenge this week 😀 😀 Your photos are spectacular!!
Here is my entry
https://ceenphotography.com/2019/02/18/lens-artists-photo-challenge-33-nature/
Thanks so much, Cee. It was easy to take great shots there! It’s a stunning place. 🙂
Hello Fijian girl. I love your photos, here are mine, https://lucidgypsy.com/2019/02/18/lens-artist-challenge/
Going green (and red): https://photographyocd.com/2019/02/18/without-hope/
Beautiful Fijian landscapes, Patti, and all quite new to me. My nature is closer to home: over the garden fence
https://tishfarrell.com/2019/02/18/on-the-path-to-the-allotment-a-retrospective/
Gorgeous collection, Henry.
Awesome collection of photographs. Beautiful shots.
Thank you so much, Indira!
My pleasure.
Hi Patti, I love your Fuji photos. Thank you for the great theme this week. Here’s my post.
https://theshowersofblessings.com/2019/02/19/lens-artists-photo-challenge-33-nature/
Glad you joined us, Miriam!
Looking at you photos makes me want to get another camera, Patti!
Fuji cameras are amazing, Miriam.
Oh thank you, Patti. I have three other brands but not Fuji yet. I should look into it.
Gorgeous collection, David.
Patti, I just had to share the Galapagos Islands. https://wordpress.com/post/lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/40581
Your post was a visual treat!!
♥ And so was yours, but in different ways!
Seems the link went wrong! Again https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/lens-artists-photo-challenge-33-nature/
Beautiful collection, Dawn.
Hi Patti. A post for the challenge of the place where I live, with a few photos of shags.
https://photear.home.blog/2019/02/19/lens-artists-nature/
I didn’t realize that shags are another name for that type of bird!
I’m not an expert, but did read something when started photographing them. There are around 40 species, some of them named cormorants and others shags.
Lovely tropicals. Your photos make me long for Jamaica, the warm water and beautiful beaches.
I am sure you miss the warm weather and great beaches there. Thanks so much for your kind words, too.
You are welcome. 😊
What a wonderful post! Only five photos but I can imagine how many more glorious ones you must have from here. What a place!
Your orchid reminded me of the Botanical Garden in my old city Ljubljana which I visited with my sister last summer. I have posted my photo of this (or similar) plant in the past, but here are some trees: https://manjameximoving.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/lens-artists-pc-nature-in-the-city/
Thank you, MMM! I’d say I have several hundred photos of Fiji!! I’ll take a look at your post next.
I enjoyed your post on Fiji!
Stunning! 😉
Thank you so much, AJ! 🙂 🙂
😉 Post ready for tomorrow… thanks for the challenge! 🙂
Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
Thanks for reblogging, Henrietta!
U are welcome
Patti, your pictures on nature are beautiful; I especially like the last one of the sunset! Here is my post on Nature: https://mycolorfulexpressions.com/nature-lens-artists-photo-challenge/
So glad you enjoyed this theme, Sylvia. I’ll look at your post next.
I enjoyed your sunrise colors!
I enjoyed your collection! Beautiful shots. I keep thinking about that fox…
You have a beautiful, tranquil spot!
Hi Patti, sorry it’s a little late, but here is my take on the theme… https://firehorse.world/2019/02/20/nature/
No worries, Gavin. Glad you joined us.
🙂
Beautiful collection.
Loved this challenge–thanks. What can be better than pulling together photos and quotes about nature when it is unseasonably cold and wet outside. Here is my entry: https://learnmoreeveryday.wordpress.com/2019/02/20/the-wonder-of-nature/
Hi, Patti. (Another Patti!) Glad you liked this challenge–especially in the depths of winter. I’ll look at your post next.
Glad you enjoyed the challenge!
Fiji is gorgeous! Thanks for the photos and this challenge.
http://amoralegria.com/2019/02/20/lens-artists-photo-challenge-33-nature/
Glad you’re joining us Amoralegria!
The weather has been very kind on my trip to Athens – and Spring is truly on the way. https://travelwithintent.com/2019/02/21/spring-in-athens/
Enjoy Athens, Debbie!
Gorgeous snaps you have shared. All are simply jaw-dropping 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Hammad. 🙂 🙂
Lovely, Hammad!
Glad you joined us, Tracy.
Beautiful photographs Patti, it looks like paradise! Our contribution for this week is here: https://whippetwisdom.com/2019/02/21/haiku-natures-blessing/
Wonderful post, Pauline!
What a magical place Patti and your photos capture the tropical beauty. Another great theme. Here is my interpretation. https://retiredfromgypsylife.wordpress.com/2019/02/22/natures-bounty/
Thank you so much, Pauline. I enjoyed your post too!
Beautiful post, Ana.
Gorgeous photos – here is mine for the week
https://norasphotos4u.wordpress.com/2019/02/02/lens-artists-challenge-33-nature/
Beautiful beach scene, Nora!
Thanx much Patti!!
Stunning images of nature Fiji, colors in the world were so bright and deep! I felt the smell of leaves, flowers, and waters from the photographs! Thank you very much for sharing. 🙂
Here is mine: https://wordpress.com/post/macquie.net/3049
Thank you so much, Macquie! I’ll look at your post next.
Words cannot express such beauty. Thank you for sharing.
You’re very welcome Mukhamani! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Beautiful images, Patti. But the one in Fiji is my favorite one..
Thank you so much, Nurul!
https://mukhamani.wordpress.com/2019/02/22/lens-artists-photo-challenge-33-nature/
Another great theme and great images. Here’s my take https://wp.me/p5sYeD-1Rs
And your post was fabulous!!
Beautiful close-up shots, Cee. Ann-Christine is hosting the challenge this week. You’ll want to post your link on her site so you can get her feedback: https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/
I didn’t post for this challenge…missed it. Guess I haven’t worked out how to keep track of all of them yet.
But I have to tell you, your post had me in instant and delighted tears. I’m sitting in the Pacific Northwest, fighting the mild depression-like feelings that often happen at this time of year after months of gloom and cold. I usually fight that with re-visiting, in my mind, my favorite vacation ever. FIJI!
My 7 closest friends, 32 days sailing the Southern Lau Group, on a 95 foot yacht, visiting 20 islands (most were uninhabited), sailed by the first female Captain in the South Pacific, with a delightful Fijian crew who treated us like royalty!
I even got MARRIED there. Too spontaneous to have lasted for the long haul, but no one can ever take away that beautiful Fijian wedding away from me!!
I’ve been exactly where you were.
So happening across your post, with it’s gorgeous photos, just made my day, made the end of my winter, made my world!
Thank you so much!
I am thrilled that you found my post and it resonated with you on many levels!! That is wonderful you have so many great memories of Fiji! A magical place.
I also wanted to give you the directions to the challenges. Here’s Tina’s first post with directions: https://travelsandtrifles.wordpress.com/2018/06/30/come-join-us-a-new-weekly-photo-challenge/
I finally found a follow button and now will receive your posts! I didn’t know it was your challenge until Amy set me straight! Here is the link to what I offered in response to your wonderful subject.
https://lindylecoq.com/2019/02/22/lens-artists-photo-challenge-33-nature/
Wonderful, Lindy! I’ll look at your post next.
good job grams
???
Fantastic photos, love waterfalls 😍😍😍
Thank you so much, Ourcrossings! I’m sorry it took me a while to see this.
What a paradise!
It was, Erica. Thanks for stopping by.
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