Before Rich and I started traveling full-time, we donated a lot of our possessions or gave them away to friends. The rest we put into storage. So, when we recently moved into our new apartment and unpacked all the items in storage for the past two years, we got a fresh look at our possessions. Sometimes it seemed like I was greeting an old friend; other times I was left wondering why I bothered to save a particular object!
For this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #111, we’re taking a fresh look at ordinary, everyday objects–things that you see and use in your daily life. Over time, our eyes tend to gloss over the details of the objects we see or use all the time–like a favorite coffee cup, a wristwatch, or a set of keys. For LAPC #111, we’re challenging you to take another look at everyday objects and see them from a new perspective. You can group objects into a still life to showcase them and create a visual story. You can also zoom in and take a closer look at them, or arrange them to provide a new perspective. Another option is to take a minimalist approach and focus on one object to create a unique “portrait.”
To get you started, I’ll share 4 recent photos of ordinary objects.
For this first image, I selected a few items in my apartment to create a still life, which I call “Grandma’s Pearls.” In the shot, I included a decorative box with an antique flower pattern and a wooden jewelry box I’ve had for ages. The lace tablecloth is a souvenir from our first visit to Venice and the pearls were my mother’s. Then, I arranged the items to create a story about treasured items from the past.

Grandma’s Pearls
This next shot of a cherry was inspired by the work of a very talented photographer, Carlo De Nino, who is a master of lighting and simplicity. The shot looks deceptively easy, but it took several attempts to get the lighting and the drops of water just right.
This shot is a close-up of a classic pocket watch, a family heirloom. I love the details and artistry in these antique time pieces.
This final image highlights ordinary spools of thread arranged in a row. I fiddled around with the sequence of colors and chose this shot because I like the shadows the spools create on the white table.
We hope you join us this week for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #111 Everyday Objects. In your post, include a link to this post and use the “Lens-Artists” tag so it will appear in the WP Reader. For instructions on adding tags, click on this link. If you’re looking for some creative ideas, take a look at this article about the everyday objects challenge from the Digital Photography School.
A special thanks to Tina for hosting last week’s Creativity in the Time of Covid challenge. A great theme, Tina! I loved the range and diversity of your creative ideas. They were fabulous! Even though some of you are struggling emotionally through the pandemic or are sheltering at home, your creative ideas, new projects, and new creative skills have been a gift to all of us. I salute all of you! You’re a testament to the resilience of humankind.
Have You Seen These?
- We welcome the talented Andrew Seal, a new participant to LAPC from Vancouver. In his post, “Endless Possibilities,” he explores a surprising new creative tool on his site The Changing Palette.
- Hannah of Zebra’s Child shows us how she got creative with night photography.
- Paulie of The Life in My Years highlights the wide range of his creative photographic projects–including portraits and still lifes.
- Joanne of Joanne’s Crafts and Adventures shares her creative ideas–from baking to needlepoint.
What’s up next? Ann-Christine will host LAPC #112 on Saturday, August 29th. That week, we’ll also announce our next surprise guest host for LAPC #113 on September 5.
Take care, everyone, and keep creating!
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Oooh, I like this subject, Patti! I must see what I can come up with!
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Wonderful, Sue. I’m looking forward to it!
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😊😊
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Hmmm. Nice! Food for thought. TBC…
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Will we see jigsaw puzzle pieces, John??😀
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Hmm. I have plenty of those! Good suggestion.
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Beautiful still life images Patti. This is going to be a challenge for me since I don’t keep things and don’t have the creativity to arrange a still life. A close up is more my thing. Great challenge!
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Hi, Anne. Close ups definitely work, too. I hope you can join us!
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These are all wonderful photos Patti. I don’t usually take photos indoors or of ‘things’ but I’ll see what I can come up with.
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Hi, Jude. Thank you! I’d love to see what you come up with. Tina interpreted this with outside objects (beach umbrellas). Um….
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Patti, this was a difficult challenge for me because I had to limit myself to four photos!! Most of my photos and everyday objects are outside, but I found I have quite a few indoors, too. It was fun because I got to go through a LOT of photos in my search, yet frustrating because I had such a difficult time choosing. 🙂
I especially like your pearl shot and that of the pocket watch. Have a marvelous Saturday!
https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2020/08/22/lens-artists-photo-challenge-111-everyday-objects/
janet
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Hi, Janet. I’m glad you like the pearls and pocket watch. It was a fun challenge to photograph them in an artistic way. Definitely it took many. attempts, but I’m happy with the results. I’m glad you had a lot to choose from! Wonderful. Glad you’re joining us!
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I love them all! Grandma’s Pearls is my favorite.
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Hi, Beth. 😊😊. Thank you so much!
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Beautiful still life arrangements, Patti. Enjoyed each one for their creativity, lighting and focal points.
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Many thanks, Jane. I’m happy to hear that! I’m learning, learning, learning….😊😊😊😊
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My entry – https://transitionofthoughts.com/2020/08/23/photography-everyday-things/
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Glad you joined us, Aseem.
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It was fun getting to photograph everyday objects :). Surely don’t get to do that everyday ;).
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Beautifully done Patti. The photographic choices are spot on and I loved the way you showed different approaches. Grandma’s pearls shows your artistic talent perfectly and the use of aperture on the watch is wonderful.
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Thanks, Tina! I enjoyed your creative “take” on the theme, too. I love it. Beach umbrellas. Perfect for your part of the world. I’m glad for your feedback on the shots. As you know, I’m experimenting!!
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They are all lovely shots, but I’m especially drawn to the old watch. And I know what you mean with the cherry shot. I spent a morning trying to get a shot of a pomegranate I was happy with.
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Hi, Su. 😊😊. Thank you! I’d love to see that pomegranate shot. It is tricky, isn’t it? It’s interesting how small changes (shift in angle, lighting, etc.) have a huge impact.
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I’ll hunt it out and post it. I’ve recently set up a rudimentary “studio” in our spare room so my food photography is less ad hoc. It is a work in progress 😬
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great idea, Patti – https://solaner.wordpress.com/2020/08/22/lens-artists-challenge-111-everyday-objects/
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Hi, Andre. I’m delighted you joined us! I’ll take a look next.
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Wonderful challenge, Patti! Excellent photo and light – love your pearls especially! I don’t do much still life – but I have tried – inspired by you.
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Hi, A-C. Thanks! Glad you like them. I’m experimenting–as you know. The light is good in our new apartment–part of the reason why we chose this one. I’m looking forward to seeing your collection!!
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Thank you, Patti – and yes, experimenting is uplifting and good for everybody!
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Wonderful theme and images, Patti. I love them all, they expose detail we usually would skim over.
I had to laugh when you talked about becoming reacquainted with your stored possessions. When we moved into our house and took our things out of storage we also wondered why we kept them when we hadn’t needed or even thought about them for over 10 years. We’d moved on.
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So we had the same experience! Funny, isn’t it? Yes, we moved on. It makes me a bit sad that the china we inherited doesn’t thrill me anymore, but at the same time, we have other priorities and interests and tastes. Evolution–I suppose! Glad you liked these shots. I’m experimenting!
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Beautiful still life images, Patti! The string of pearls is elegant, I love the arrangement. The cherry image is a beautiful artwork, it take a lot of patience and photography skills to capture it. And the watch is classic!
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Hi, Amy. Thank you!! Glad you like the pearls and the cherry. It does take patience, but I’m enjoying experimenting… It was fun imagining how to set up the “scene” to communicate a feeling or idea. I’m looking forward to your post, too.
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I think you’ve captured detail quite well in a few of these shots. The threads look great, the boxes feel humble and the watch has a good focus on some of its small parts. However, my favourite is the cherry. It feels moody in a way that I appreciate.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.wordpress.com/2020/08/23/sunrise-crane/
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Hi, SH. I’m so glad to hear you like the cherry. I was wondering what impression it makes. I can see why you think it’s moody. Great feedback.
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Nice responses to this challenge. I hope you will wear Grandma’s pearls even if only at home under a t-shirt. Pearls like to be near our warm bodies .I have always been told they should be worn to keep their best luster.
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Your comment made me smile, Anne. I don’t have any reason to dress up at this point in the pandemic, but I love your idea! Pearls do reflect, absorb our body heat. I love that. Now I’m wondering if you’re going to photograph a horse shoe? A bridle? Um…?? Hope you join us!
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I was busy taking some photos today. I now have a computer issue but I am optimistic it will be fixable.
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I hope so, Anne! I hate those times when I’m without my computer, too.
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I am writing this a couple of hours later and lo and behold the computer with some restarts and updates and more restarts has decided it can still function! I
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I like the light in the first two photos. Beautiful, couid be Vermeer’s light. And the objects could have also existed in that time. Very evocative. I like the transition from that to a modern aesthetic in the last photo.
I dug up a photo of two objects which I’d collected in my travels. They made me think of the meanings that we give to the word culture: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2020/08/10/get-me-out-of-here/
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Hi, IJ. I’m delighted you are joining us! Wonderful. I really value your feedback on my images. Vermeer light is the goal for all of us photographers. I’m thrilled you like the light in my images. Our dining room table is near a set of double windows, which let in great light. I didn’t need any extra lamps, etc. I’m looking forward to seeing your post next.
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That’s exactly what I though: you must have similar windows! Glad to have your confirmation.
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Love this topic, Patti, as it is very personal for each one of us. Here is mine https://mywanderings.travel.blog/2020/08/23/there-was-an-owl/
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Hi, Teresa. Wonderful! I really enjoyed your collection of owls. I’m hoping we all get to see other people’s favorites, too.
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Thanks Patti, it is such a joy to see other people’s favourites too.
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It’s fun, isn’t it?
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Sure is👍🏼
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Great topic, Patti! Love the Grandma’s Pearls!!!
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Wonderful, Ana. I’m. delighted that you like this one. I can’t. wait to see your post–if you can do one this week.
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These are great, Patti! I especially love the first and last shots 🙂 🙂
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Hi, Jo. Thank you! Now I’m wondering what favorite objects you would have if you joined us…cake plates? walking shoes? (I’m teasing, of course!).
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Good question, Patti! The plates isn’t a bad guess because I did use to collect them on my travels, to display on a delft rack. Of course, I don’t have such a thing in this house so some are on the walls, but mostly in a cupboard 😦 You know- those things you couldn’t part with on moving? 🙂 🙂
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These are beautifully observed shots of things that it might be easy for you to take for granted. Time to put the observational thinking cap on then!
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Wonderful, Margaret. I hope you join us. I’m looking forward to seeing your collection. Glad you like my images. It was fun choosing them and arranging them. Still life photos offer interesting possibilities.
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Great photos, as always, and an interesting theme that I really struggle with!
Here is mine:
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2020/08/23/lens-artists-challenge-everyday-objects/
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Hi, Sophia. It is true. It’s a struggle to see everyday objects in a new light. But I’m glad I tried it this week. I think it gives me a better appreciation of the artistry of ceramics and glass makers. That red lamp in your collection has great details, too. Have a good week.
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Thank you, Patti and you too 🙂
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Wow! That photo of the watch is timeless. (Sorry for the pun.) 🙂 Seriously, the detail and short focal length make the image my favorite of your challenge images.
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Hi, John. Glad you like the pocket watch. I wish they would come back in style again. I love them. I hope you join us, too!
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Patti, this is pure poetry. Beautiful image …. my favourite has to be cherry. Every image is so delicate. Loads of thought has gone into every image. Excellent, Patti.
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Thank you, Vivi. I enjoyed the thought process before taking the shot. I’m delighted you appreciate that! It was a great experiment to come up with these images/concepts. Your post was wonderful, too. I loved it!
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Thank you, Patti … a fantastic gallery you shared with us. I don’t have patience for shots like that. I only work with the auto mood. *laughing – if I was going to my shots manual – I wouldn’t come far during a holiday. *laughing. I admire those that are able to work manual.
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Wonderful still life’s. I think I like the pearls the best.
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The pearls…thanks! It was fun thinking through the concept and how to arrange the shots. I hope you join us!
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I love your everyday objects. That cherry — wow!
https://anthropologist.wordpress.com/2020/08/23/lens-artists-photo-challenge-111-everyday-objects/
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I’m happy you like them.😀I wasn’t sure how people would respond to the cherry image. Glad to hear that you like that one! Can you tell that I love cherries??😀. Glad you joined us, too.
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I loved the way you isolated the one cherry on the table — it was a dramatic photo. Loved! Yes, I do love cherries. Ah, I didn’t even notice the light in the second photo until I read your comment, I was just mindlessly taking pictures of garden chairs! But I looked again. Saw there was a shadow, looked up the time: 8:43 a.m. THANK YOU.
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👍😊
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Hi Patti, You did a brilliant job with these still life pictures. I’m impressed that you traveled for two years and got rid of everything. We are in the process of paring down, too, but right now everything is in limbo, boxes, furniture stuffed into a tiny room, beds stripped, cabinets buried by furniture and things I might need. But your posed pictures inspire me. Have a great week. 🙂
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Hi, Marsha. Many thanks! I’m having fun learning about them. It was so liberating after we got rid of our “stuff.” I hope you have the same experience. But first you have to go through the painful process of “culling.” Ugh!
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How true! We are culling right now. 🙂
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Here’s mine: https://thisandthatthenextpart.wordpress.com/2020/08/23/lens-artists-photo-challenge-111-everyday-objects/
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Hi, Chava. I loved that wonderful clock of your grandfather’s! I’m glad you shared it with us.
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This belonged to both of my paternal grandparents. Actually I associate it more with my grandmother as not only did she outlive my grandfather by 11 years but clock was in dining area off the kitchen where my grandmother served our meals.
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What a wonderful memento.
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I liked your first picture, especially the jewelry box.
Here’s my contribution. https://bendbranches.com/2020/08/23/household-treasures-from-a-different-angle-lapc/
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Hi, Siobhan. Wonderful! It’s an old box with character, I think! I’m glad you joined us. I’ll look at your post next.
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Beautiful set of still life photos!!
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😀. It was fun experimenting, Nora. I hope you can join us!
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Great topic, Patti 👏 Love the old watch; I’ve a couple of pocket watches that may feature, but I’ll have to see what else catches my eye 🤔
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Hi, Jez. Oh, that’s wonderful! I’d love to see your collection of watches. What artistry! But now you have me wondering what else you are going to feature!! Glad you’re joining us!!
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Hi Patti, the watches made it into the post, with some colour thrown in for good measure to brighten a dreich day: https://jezbraithwaite.blog/2020/08/25/time-for-lens-artists-photo-challenge/
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A small selection of everyday objects photographed in the last 6 months:
https://davidmsphotoblog.com/2020/08/24/everyday-objects/
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Hi, David. A wonderful collection. I’m still dreaming about the sprinkles!
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I wasn’t sure if this website accepts pingbacks so here’s the URL to my post: https://islandinthenet.com/isolation-photo-project-day-154/
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Hi, Khurt. Thanks for including the link to your post. I enjoyed your collection!
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What terrific photos you have for this week.
Here is my entry. I hope you enjoy my choices.
https://ceenphotography.com/2020/08/25/lens-artists-photo-challenge-111-everyday-objects/
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Hi, Cee. I’m delighted you like them! And I loved your choices…especially the colored pencils, puzzle piece, and the wallet and keys.
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A great collection here, Patti. Those spools of thread are quite appealing!
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Hi, Sandy. It’s interesting how these ordinary things can be inspiring!! I’m glad you like them. It almost makes me want to sew again??!!
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Well, I’m not much of a seamstress….don’t even like to sew on buttons(lol!).
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I’m hemming my husband’s pants today after giving up on going to a tailor.🙁
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You are lucky to have those skills!
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Nice! Great collection you have selected! 😀
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I enjoyed your collection, too, Lily. Glad you joined us!
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Patti, thanks so much for this creative challenge this week. Your photo of the watch face made me rethink how I view some of the old things we love and used in decorating our condo.
Here is our contribution to this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2020/08/25/lens-artists-photo-challenge-111-everyday-objects/
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Hi, Rusha. I really enjoyed your collection this week and the glimpse into your home. I’m still thinking about those adorable sock monkeys! I’m delighted you were inspired by the watch! Take care and have a good week.
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What an unusual theme for this week Patti but it inspired me to dig up objects that become memorable because of their extraordinary design .
Your antique watch picture set me off on this path to ‘Unlock the secrets of these everyday objects’ and also provide you with a glimpse of how clever Indian handicrafts are .
Here is my contribution.
https://sheetalthinksaloud.wordpress.com/2020/08/25/__trashed-19/
PS : the link says trashed coz I binned it accidentally and then on recovery, the title was never the same 😊.
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Hi, Sheetal. Your post is fabulous! That’s wonderful my watch picture led you to this idea. I love the clever knife and lock. Really fascinating. You might be able to copy the entire post into a new post and then post it. I’d love for more people to see it.
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Lovely pictures, and a great challenge. I particularly love the cherry, and the rainbow of thread. Beautiful!
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And I loved your spare change, Celia! I’m so glad you liked the cherry and thread. It was fun experimenting with them.
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hi patti, interesting pictures that introduce us to the topic I like them very much, here is my post for this week, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-3A2.
many greetings robert
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Hi, Robert. Glad you enjoyed them! I enjoyed your images as well. Take care and have a good weekend.
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I also have the experience of being reacquainted with items from storage – even if it’s up on a closet shelf. I am a saver, so this topic was a good fit for me. I really like how you arranged and photographed the spools of thread – and yes, the drops and lighting on the cherry provide more of a challenge than one would think. Lovely result!
My contribution:
http://oneletterup.com/2020/08/27/lens-artists-challenge-everyday-objects
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Glad you liked my still life shots, OLU. I enjoyed your collection, too The glass vase and the Mickey watch are my favorites. You picked great items to highlight.
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Thanks – I really enjoy setting up shots like these. 🙂
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Had some fun trying to make this idea work . . . here it is: https://maximizingluxurytravel.com/2020/08/27/lens-artists-photo-challenge-111-everyday-objects-feathers/
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Your collection is beautiful, Karen. I’m glad you highlighted your collection. A great idea.
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I love the patience you had to get that cherry just the way you wanted! Bravo!!!
My post is a “live and imperfect” snapshot of objects I love in my home.
Wishing all Lens-Artists well.
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Hi, Lindy. Thanks! I wonder if I’m more stubborn than patient??? I’m glad you like the cherry. It’s also one of my favorite summer fruit.😊. Wishing you a good week/weekend, too. It’s going to be cool and rainy here tomorrow, but hopefully nice on Sunday.
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Wonderful theme Patti and love the first shot, a precious one.
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Hi, Rupali. I’m glad you like the “family” treasures shot. Pearls are wonderful warm to the touch and hold great memories when they are handed down. I’m enjoying seeing everyone’s treasures this week. It’s a lot of fun. Thanks for your thoughts, too! You’ve been a great supporter of the challenges.
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A wonderful collection – I love them all. Am only posting mine down – a bit late I know:)
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It’s never too late, MM. No worries! I enjoyed your collection…the bolt, the work boots, and the vase. Beautifully captured.
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thank you
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I love these everyday objects, Patti. Here are mine, I have just corrected my link: https://pilotfishblog.com/2020/08/22/lens-artists-photo-challenge-111-everyday-objects/
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Glad you joined us, Sue! The link works just fine. The lighting is great in your images. I enjoyed them.
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I love this post, Patti, and the way you captured all your subjects, especially that cherry. But then (a bit belatedly) your challenge also had me going off at tangents, hence my little essay on the things we have: https://tishfarrell.com/2020/08/29/dear-john-a-household-treasure/
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Your post is marvelous, Tish. I loved your choice of John Lennon’s image and your explanation of what objects mean to us in general and what Lennon means to you specifically. Glad you like the cherry!
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Patti, I love your topic, it certainly got me thinking. Sorry for posting late, this week has been hectic with the family visiting. Here is my post: https://pilotfishblog.com/2020/08/22/lens-artists-photo-challenge-111-everyday-objects/.
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I loved your choice for the challenge, Sylvia. It’s true that sometimes we don’t notice the details in things we see all the time!
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Patti, I really like your topic and of course your photos for this week. 😀
You’ve gotten some great feedback on this challenge.
Here is my entry for the week. I had to pick all five words.
https://ceenphotography.com/2020/08/31/lens-artists-photo-challenge-112-pick-a-word-all-5-of-them/
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Ridiculously late responding to this one, but loved the prompt and it stuck with me…
https://followyournose.me/2020/09/05/every-day-things/
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It’s wonderful that you joined us, Katharine. I’ll take a look at your post next.
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Great work .
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