A photograph itself is a kind of magic. In its simplest form, it captures a moment gone and preserves a place and time unchanged on its two-dimensional plane. The mechanics of that alone are an astounding feat… Jennifer Mason
I have been photographing for years, but it is still magical to me. I will never tire of the thrill of looking through the viewfinder and capturing a moment, frozen in time. A photograph creates a perfect record of that day, that place, that feeling–like this moment in Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver when the city seemed to appear magically out of the clouds, gleaming and resplendent.

Magical View. Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, B.C.
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.~Roald Dahl
On any given day, photography also challenges me to believe in magic and that I can find it right around the next corner. When I do find it, the thrill is unimaginable–like this moment when I saw this magical fuchsia flower sparkling in the morning sun.

Magical Flowers. Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Vancouver
Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice.~Nora Roberts
Believing in magic does take practice. It’s the discipline of seeing the ugliness in the world, but remaining convinced that goodness and beauty still exist, and they can transcend and transform the negative. Sometimes changing my perspective opens new vistas of beauty and magic–like when I looked up and saw this brilliant palette of color at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Magical Colors. Queen Elizabeth Garden, Vancouver, B.C.
Magic happens when we pretend to be children again and see something as if it were the first time. As I looked at this gaillardias flower through the camera lens, it helped me pay attention to the purplish tint in the center and appreciate the beautiful patterns in the petals. Thank you, 18 to 55 mm Fuji lens.

Flower Magic, Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, B.C.
Photography takes me places I never thought I’d go. It is a process of discovery–not only about the world, but also about myself. For me, it’s a journey of wonder, of beauty, and magic.

Magical Garden Paths, Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, B.C.
Ann-Christine is hosting this week’s challenge in which she asks “What Is Magical To You?” Please stop by and view her post in which she shares images of her garden, which are truly magical. Be sure to link your post this week to Ann-Christine’s post. (Links posted within the Reader are not working correctly.) Please use the Lens-Artists tag to help us find you. For instructions on how to join us, click here.
A special thanks to all of you who joined my Silhouette challenge last week. Your unique and varied posts opened my eyes to the possibilities of the silhouette. I love that we share our work and learn from each other. My sincere thanks to you all!
Next week, visit Amy’s blog for Challenge #64.
As always, Amy, Tina, Ann-Christine, and I hope you will join us.
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
beautiful so magically mesmerizing..lovely colors captured in closeness of shape and shine…a pleasure to view
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Thank you so much, Anjum. I am so glad to hear that!
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Photography does open the door to magical places. Your photos prove that point. Beautiful images. My favorite is Flower Magic. 🙂
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Thank you, thank you. I was so delighted to see the beautiful details in that flower. 🙂 Your kind thoughts make me feel great!
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You’re most welcome. 🙂
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Wowwww Patti, stunning, the rain drops in the fuchsia are superb!!!
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Thank you, thank you, Paulo! 🙂 🙂 Big smile!
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Vancouver with the mountains in the distance, gardens , fuchsias…..all these are magical to me.
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I’m delighted that you agree, Anne. It’s a magical place. 🙂 I guess you’ve been here!
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I grew up in Vancouver.
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Ohhh! Wonderful!
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Magical Patti 😀
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Thank you so much, Brian. 🙂 I’m so glad you think so!
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I have to vote for the second shot, “Magical Flowers.” Lovely all, although.
janet
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Thank you, Janet! That flower was a “wow” when I saw it! Glad you like it, too.
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Me too – that was a top photo big Time!!
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I think you jumped into my brain for this one Patti, I feel exactly the same way. Quite a magical post. The quotes and images are superb,
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Many thanks, Tina. I am delightedl. 🙂 🙂 So we think alike about photography. 🙂 🙂 I guess we both believe in magic, don’t we?
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Hi Patti. I was hugely taken with “Believing in magic does take practice. It’s the discipline of seeing the ugliness in the world, but remaining convinced that goodness and beauty still exist, and they can transcend and transform the negative.” Would you permit me to use your fuchsia photo and the quote in a blog-post (I would of course fully credit you for both, and link back). Kind regards, Liz (New Zealand).
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Yes, of course, Liz. You can use it with attribution. I’m delighted that my words and image struck a cord with you. 🙂 🙂 Can you please send me a link to your post? I’d love to read it. Thanks!
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I’m so glad you found my post, Patti! I’ve only just got up and seen your message (7.20am here in NZ). I’ll leave the link anyway: https://exploringcolour.wordpress.com/2019/09/15/magical/
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Thanks, Liz.
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Stunning. So colorful, very attractive shots.
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Thank you, Indira! I’m delighted to hear that.
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🙂
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WOW. Beautiful photos. Photography is indeed magical. (Don’t let it capture your soul!)
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Too late. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for your generous appraisal, John.
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Ha. 🙂
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Thanks
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Beautiful set of photos of magical moments. Photos create records of… , well said, Patti. 🙂
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Thank you, Amy. It was a gorgeous day. I’m glad to share some of the magic!
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Well said… and magical photos…
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Thank you, Nes! Glad to hear that.
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Absolutely stunning Patti!
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Aww….thanks, Aletta. It was a glorious day at the gardens.
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I can imagine that
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Patti, I feel the same about photography, it’s magical!
And magical set of photographs!!! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Ana. I really appreciate that. We feel the same way about photography!
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A beautiful sequence Patti, I especially love the gorgeous combination of colours in your fuchsia capture 🙂💖🌺 xxx
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Thank you so much, Xenia! I’m hoping you share some magical images, too!
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Thank you Patti, I found some magic by the woodland pond this morning 😉💖🌳 xxx
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The magic well captured, Patti! And photography is a splendid way of capturing magical moments! – everything can never be captured, because the feeling is different for all of us. Vancouver seems a wonderful place! I love the Fuchsia. my grandmother’s favorite flower. It reminds me of glass.
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It is a gorgeous flower, AC. I’m sure you’d love Vancouver. The mountains and sea are magical. :). :).
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♥
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A lovely thoughtful post in the value of magic Pattie
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Thank you so much, MM. Magic makes life brighter and happier!
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It does🙂
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A wonderful appreciation of the magic of photography, Patti. 🙂 🙂 It’s all about stopping to look, and marvel at our world, isn’t it, and photography grants you a wish every time you do.
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Absolutely, Jo. I couldn’t agree more. Photography helps us pause and appreciate the beauty around us.
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I agree! Photography is magic! Great snaps!
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Thank you so much, Pam. I hope you join us!
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I’m on it! 😊
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Great!
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There is a “magical” punch to each of your images. The combination of recording your visual experience and nature’s majesty are strong choices for the challenge.
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Thank you so much, Sally. We both share a love of photography!
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Superb pictures. Just amazing
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Many thanks, Robert!
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Beautiful!
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You are very welcome
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Photography is magic, I completely agree.
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I knew you’d agree with me! 🙂 🙂
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I liked the curving paths and flower beds in that last shot. Magical!
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Thanks for your thoughts on that one, SB. I cropped the shot a bit to highlight the paths. I’m glad that came through in the shot. I wasn’t sure!
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It’s strange, Siobhan. I posted my comment twice on your site, but I’m not sure it went through. Beautiful shots! I love that sky!
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Yes, they went through but I have to approve each comment and sometimes I don’t get to them right away. Sorry about that! I appreciate your input. 😁
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No worries, Siobhan! I usually get some sort of message that the comment needs to be reviewed/moderated, but this time I didn’t see it. Would you mind deleting one of my duplicate comments?? Thanks so much!
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Sure! Thanks for your understanding.
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I find that close-ups of flowers are always magical, letting the creative eye see what it had missed. Wonderful photo of the fuchsia, Patti. The background bouquet adds to the magic. ❤
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So true, Olga. I can honestly say that I appreciate the artistry of flowers far more now–after photographing them. The variety and artistry of their designs are astounding. I’m glad we share that! And thanks too for your kind words about the fuchsia.
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I so like your beautiful flower photos.
Photography does help focus on the magic around us. 🙂
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Hi, Imelda. Thank you! I’m glad you agree with my thoughts on the magic of photography. Thanks for stopping by.
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Magical shots, Patti. They are just amazing. And Magical Garden Paths look so awesome…
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Hi, Nurul. I’m delighted you think that the shots “work.” Photography is always an experiment, isn’t it? 🙂 I’m glad the “magical paths” shot worked for you. I wasn’t sure the magic came through!
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Some splendid magical moments here, Patti. Those gaillardias are really eye-catching.
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Hi, Sue. Thanks so much. I’m glad the shots had an impact on you. I’m trying different processing techniques, so it’s always trial and error!!
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Absolutely magical post ….🙂💫
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Thank you so much, Julie. I’m so glad to hear your thoughts. 🙂
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Great shots! I love the scope of your photography, from super wide cityscapes to those intimate close-ups on the plants. Thanks for sharing!!
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Thank you so much, Barmes. I’m delighted to hear your kind words.
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Beautiful flower pictures.
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Thank you, Rabirius!
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That’s quite right: photography itself is magic. It makes you see things you would never see otherwise.
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Yes, IJ. I’m glad you agree!
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Gorgeous photos. You’re very talented.
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Oh, thank you so much! I’m learning as I go! Aren’t we all??
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I also read some of your writing on your blog. You’re very talented.
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Thanks for reposting this, Brett!
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