When you pay attention to detail, the big picture will take care of itself. ~George St-Pierre
Sometimes when I go out on a photo shoot, I focus on the big picture—like a sweeping landscape or cityscape —trying to capture as much of the scene as I can. But often, the details do a better job of “telling the story.”
Here’s a recent example. This week, I took several walks to the home of John Paul Jones, a Revolutionary war hero who lived in Portsmouth in the 1700’s. This beautifully preserved colonial house is now a museum, surrounded by several outbuildings and gardens.
My first goal was to focus on the home–at a distance– and then zero in on the details. The house, built in the Georgian style in the 1700’s, has a clapboard exterior, gabled dormers and a segmental arch over the front door. As I took the detail shot, I was surprised to see the row of dentils embedded in the arch. I hadn’t noticed that before.
Facade, John Paul Jones House 
Detail, John Paul Jones House
As I walked around the gardens, I paid attention to the details. Fortunately for me, the tulips were blooming this week. Here you can see the difference in the buds and petals from Monday to Tuesday on two sunny days.
As I walked around the site, I captured a few other details, like a path leading to a small outbuilding with a curved wooden bench with a view of the house and gardens and a sundial surrounded by budding tulips.
Once I started looking for the details, I was surprised at how many I found. Each detail enriched my experience of the visit and gave me a more complete picture of the place.
This week, we invite you join us for LAPC #146, Focusing on the Details. Include photos of the details from one subject (a person, a place, an object) or many subjects. It’s totally up to you. We hope you have fun taking a closer look at the details. In your post, include a link to my original post and use the Lens-Artists tag so we can easily find your post in the Reader.
A special thanks to Priscilla of Scillagrace for her fabulous Getting to Know You! challenge last week. I love how you all took this theme in many different directions–showing us more about yourself or people you love through photographs. Others focused on the places where you live and your culture. As always, your posts surprised, delighted, and inspired us. On Saturday, May 8, Amy will host LAPC #147, so be sure to visit her beautiful and thoughtful site for her latest inspiration.
Until then, have a wonderful creative week and please stay safe.
Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
Excellent! The JPJ House, upon looking at the detail with a zoomed dentils, needs PAINT! Was that sundial at 5:15pm? (You could check your EXIF data.) 🙂
Yes, sometimes it is best not to look too closely!
🤪
Yes! At a distance, it looks fine!
Hi, John. It was 5:15. Our sunset isn’t until 7:45 p.m. I love the longer daylight. And yes, it does need a good painting! Absolutely! I hope the Historical Society paints it this year.😀
😀
During my photographic journey I have tended to focus on the details but since moving here I have had to learn to appreciate the beauty of taking in a wider scene. Especially as the landscapes and seascapes are so wondrous. But mainly I love to zoom in on the smaller things, so I’ll see what I can come up with. Your photos are lovely Patti, I have a fondness for benches and sundials myself 😊
Hi, Jude. Yes, we both love them! Interesting that you have looked at the “bigger picture” now in Cornwall. I understand that. I felt the same way when we lived on Lake Winnepesaukee…it dominated the landscape. Looking forward to your post!
Hope you don’t mind sharing with Jo! This post has a lot of details and some of the bigger picture.
https://cornwallincolours.blog/2021/05/04/another-monday-spring-walk/
Glad you posted.
Patti, thank you for showing us the details of the home of John Paul Jones. I love the sundial.
Thanks, Beth. I love these historic houses. Hope you can join us, too!
Nice bench! I have my cushions at the ready 🙂 🙂 And tulips are always a joy, Patti. Have yourself a great week!
Hi, Jo. Perfect. Your cushions are ready for a spot in the garden! Perfect to sit out there with a glass of wine or a cup of tea. I’m ready, too. And enjoy your week, too. Do you have tulips where you are?
We had a few but tulips really aren’t part of the environment here. Only in a complex where they can be tended and removed. Too warm now, Patti 🤗💕
I love your garden bench despite the ugly background. A wonderful example of what you can reach, when either using the trainers-zoom or zoom-in into the scene. I also composed a small collection of images. All without a macro lens. https://solaner.wordpress.com/2021/05/01/lens-artists-photo-challange-146-focusing-on-the-details/
Hi, Andre. Interesting what you noted about the macro lens. I used both a macro and a 17 to 70mm zoom. Good point. As for the background, it’s always a question of whether to Photoshop out those details or leave them in!! It’s always a judgment call.
Thanks, Patti. I’m developing my images with a raw-developer (digital lab) and usually try to relinquish to the abilities of Photoshop or similar tools by choosing a proper composing while photographing. I know, it’s not always possible to have the nice surroundings we would like to have. But, photography shows the reality, while painting has the freedom to create an ideal setting, where everything is exactly as the creator wants it to. A friend of mine often wears a t-shirt saying “I can’t paint, that’s why I’m a photographer”.
Very true, Andre.. Painting can create the ideal and photography the reality.
😊
Here’s my contribution: https://thisandthatthenextpart.wordpress.com/2021/05/01/lens-artists-photo-challenge-146-focusing-on-the-details/
Hi, Chava. Your cheerful flowers made me smile. Thanks! I love the details.
🙂😊
Lovely details, Patti…must see what I can come up with…
Hi, Sue. Thanks! Let’s see what details you can find! Looking forward to seeing them.
😄
I do like focusing on the detail and these are great examples. Thanks for lovely challenge
Hi, MM. Thank you, too. I love your encouraging words!! I hope you can join us.
🙂
The details you captured of the John Paul Jones house tell the story. Tulips are beautiful!
Thank you for this photography lesson, Patti.
Hi, Amy. Thank you!! I love the tulips. It’s always a very short season for them, but I love them. Enjoy the weekend, Amy, and thanks, as always, for your encouraging words!
Was John right about the time? These are great shots. I think buildings are hard to photograph, especially the large skyscrapers downtown. Thanks for the inspiration this week. 🙂
Hi, Marsha. Yes, it was 5:15. Buildings can be overwhelming, but the details can be so revealing of the architect’s intent. That’s why I love Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. I hope you’re enjoying the weekend…
I love his work, too. I have a FL Wright book and have been to his home in Scottsdale, AZ.
So beautiful. I was specially taken with those first two photos of the house. The vividness and the contrast between the close-up and the far away.
Hi, Luanne. Oh…wonderful! I’m delighted. I love the colonial period architecture. The details are wonderful. Good to hear from you. Enjoy the weekend.
Thank you, Patti! hope you have been having a good weekend.
A lovely challenge, Patti! Beautiful details and I completely Love that bench. Looks a beautiful place to visit, calm and detailed. Wishing you a sunny Sunday too!
Hi, A-C. I’m delighted. I though it was an interesting detail off to the side with the flowers in the background. Happy, sunny Sunday, too! Looking forward to your post!
I liked your tulip pictures, Patti. They are the essence of spring! Here’s my contribution this week – a sculpture with many hidden details. https://bendbranches.com/2021/05/01/bits-pieces-of-a-whole-lapc-sculpture-saturday/
You picked a great sculpture, Siobhan. I love the details. You really helped me get a good sense of the artist and his work.
Hi Patti, I love posts that highlight the details, a great theme! I will join you tomorrow to share details in the water for Sunday Stills! So interesting to see your details in the architecture of the home. My favorite is the sundial, so beautiful!
Hi, Terri. That’s great. Tomorrow, then. I’m delighted you like these details. The sundial was a surprise, for sure as well as the architecture. See you tomorrow, then!
This is a wonderful challenge. I love the first two photos. The detail underneath the arch over the door. That cannot be seen in the wide shot.
Hi, Anne. So you love the old historic buildings, too? I love the details! Glad you agree! I hope you’re having a good week, too.
Such beautiful details, A-C, and just the right use of the slider.
janet
Sorry!! Patti, not A-C. Sigh. Anyway, here’s my entry.
https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2021/05/01/lens-artists-photo-challenge-146-focusing-on-the-details/
janet
I loved your post, Janet. Great details.😀
Thanks, Patti. 🙂
Hi, Janet. Thanks!! I love the difference in the flowers from one day to the next. The tulips flower for such a short time. I’m glad I captured them at the right time and I’m happy you enjoyed them, too!
I love architectural details on older buildings. Great theme but I went a bit left of field with my contribution Patti 🙂 🙂
Your post was a lot of fun, Brian….finding the hidden treasure!!
Patti, you are so right that sometimes we neglect details in favor of the big picture. I find that when I go back to a place I’ve photographed before, I do look for the smaller details. I loved your images of the John Paul Jones home. Even though it needs a face lift, it’s a beautiful sample of the architecture back then. Great captures.
Hi, Anne. Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the home, too. As you can see, I love architecture….and its surprising details.😀. I hope you can join us!! I’d love to see what details you’ve found.
Beautiful photos of so many details that I might have missed! Loved it!
Hi, Aletta. I almost missed some of them! It’s funny how you go to a place and get the big picture and then the details. (At least, that’s what I do!!). Glad to hear your thoughts on this post! Hope you can join us.
It is a beautiful time here right now, and I am happy to share with you my autumn details. https://mywanderings.travel.blog/2021/05/02/focusing-on-autumn-details/
Fabulous post, Teresa. Your autumn details are stunning.
I loved your post and the theme!!! You got me to unpack the Tamron 90 and get me to take pictures.
Hi, Ana. Wonderful!! I’m delighted. I’ll take a look next at your post.
What a gorgeous place and photos to discover.
Here is mine:
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2021/05/02/lens-artists-challenge-focusing-on-the-details/
I love your 2 museums, Sofia. Great choices for focusing on the details. The museum in Lisbon was incredible. I loved it.
I like the way you’ve used framing to draw attention in these shots as it helps carry the eye over them well.
There’s a nice mix of colour here, as well as an appreciable variation in details and how they work to better define the objects they’re a part of, I think.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.com/2021/05/02/old-pit/
Hi, SH. You’ve picked an intriguing spot to focus on! Interesting details and a mysterious past, I think!
What a delightful pot-pourri of images!
Hi, Margaret. I’m delighted you enjoyed them! It’s a great spot in our town.
Terrific post Patti, and a great challenge subject. I’m looking forward to seeing so many varieties in the response. You’re so right about details and how they can enhance our view and our understanding of any subject. My favorite this week was your tulip bulb/blossom comparison. Wonderfully done.
Hi, Tina. Many thanks! I was lucky last week–to have 2 sunny days in a row and to find the tulips in the garden. They are such wonderful flowers and bloom for such a short time. They’re already starting to fade. But while they last…it’s magic! Have a great week.
A beautiful old house and it’s great to be able to appreciate it both from a distance and closer-up. Love the challenge theme too, and I’ve had a wander around my local area to find some details to include: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-its-all-in-the-details/
Hi, Sarah. I love your idea–of challenging yourself close to home. Glad you liked the JPJ house. It’s a beauty…a bit faded, but still a beauty!!
Every time a Dandelion sees her shadow, an angel gets his wings. 😇
Forgot the link: https://photographyocd.com/2021/05/02/simply-imperceptible/
What a beautiful image, Mike! The light is marvelous.
Beautiful images Patti and I love focusing on the details! My contribution for this week’s lovely challenge is here: https://tranature.com/2021/05/02/silent-sunday-magic-in-the-detail/
Hi, Xenia. Your images are wonderful! I love your detail shots. Glad you like these, too!! Have a wonderful week.
Thank you kindly dear Patti and a wonderful week to you too! 💛
So many details…so little time…..Great topic, Patti!
Hi, Sandy. It’s true! So many details! Glad you like this one. I hope you can join us!
Hi Patti, here is my link. Great theme this week and helped round out more of my post. Have a great week and thanks for hosting!
https://secondwindleisure.com/2021/05/02/sunday-stills-water-in-the-details/
Hi, Terri. Wonderful! Glad you could join us!
A lovely collection of shots Patti.
Hi, Su. Thanks so much!! Hope you can join us.
I’m working on it!
Nice series Patti and good idea for the challenge this week…well done 🙂
Hi, Andy. Many thanks. Glad you like the images and the theme! I enjoyed your tour, too.
You had really cheerful sunlight that day. Superb photos. I love that photo of the sundial. It has another wonderful byproduct that you get when you zoom in to details: a great bokeh.
From me this week:
https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2021/05/03/changes/
Hi, IJ. What gorgeous flowers! I enjoyed your post. As for me, I was very lucky to have 2 sunny days in a row. After that, the weather changed and it’s been cool and rainy. Those lovely tulips are already fading. You’re right about the bokeh. It’s a wonderful treat. Thanks for your kind words.
Wonderful theme Patti.
Thank you, Rupali!! I hope you’ll join us.
Hi Patti,
What a wonderful collection of pictures you have here. I specially loved the budding tulips 🙂
https://radhikasreflection.wordpress.com/2021/05/03/photography-focusing-on-the-details/
Hi, Radhika. Thank you! I was lucky to have two sunny days in a row when the tulips were budding. This week is cool and gloomy! Glad you joined us and showed us the details in food.
Great rendition on the details Patti. For me, it always the little things that matters but I sometimes compromise because I am distracted by instant glance, not a good habit I think.But then, it´s actually a process.
I can´t say no to those budding Tulips, they are glorious.
Happy Spring to you.
Hi, JBD! Thanks so much! I am easily distracted, too. This post was a good exercise to force myself to slow down and really pay attention. I’m delighted you like the tulips! They are such gorgeous flowers–for such a short while. I think that makes them more precious. Thanks for your thoughtful comments!
Thank you for this challenge, Patti. Your comparison photos bring a different mood to the same scene. Lovely.
Hi, Tracy. I’m glad you like that comparison set! I was struck by the difference that one day in the sun made! Enjoy the day, too!
I enjoy your theme of details. So much in front of us – well, for those who take time to look. …. and photographers are wonderful at capturing details.
Hi, Frank. So true. With our cameras, we look for the details. That’s definitely a gift. Thanks as always for your thoughtful comments!
Hi Patti
I adore the rest awhile scene from your John Paul Jones series, do warm and inviting, and the clever way you juxtaposed the tulips on Monday and Tuesday. Very creative.
Here is my submission for this challenge:
https://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2021/05/03/great-blue-heron-and-photographer-dont-let-their-broken-legs-get-them-down-quirky-artist-stories-nbr-18/
Best, Babsje
Hi, Babsje. I’m delighted you like the tulips. I was so lucky to see them on two successive sunny days. This week we have lots of rain and the poor tulips are fading. Your poor heron isn’t letting a broken leg get her down–as you say. A good lesson for us! Take care and I hope you have a complete recovery.
Thanks again Patti. I know what you mean about the rain – I’m in the metrowest Boston so our weather has been similar and our tulips are done but it was so creative for you to juxtapose them on sequential days, lovely. Best, Babsje
Hi Patti. This was an appropriate challenge for me as I’ve been focusing on the details on my walks around the neighborhood since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
https://davidmsphotoblog.com/2021/05/04/focusing-on-the-details/
Hi, David. I enjoyed your images. The shadows on the snow is still lingering in my mind. Lovely! I’m glad the theme was a good choice for you this week.
Love the Sundial.
Love the way you took us closer and closer to the details.
Thank you Pattimoed
Thank you, PTP! I love that smile you just gave me!!
🙏🙏🙏
I love this challenge, Patti. And I also love these clapboard historic homes. My photos aren’t my best, but I think the details are interesting 🙂
https://tishfarrell.com/2021/05/04/ant-takes-up-aphid-herding-inside-a-bramley-apple-flower/
The details are interesting, Tish! I didn’t know about ants and aphids! Thanks so much for sharing and for your kind words. So, we both share a love of old homes!
https://thomas-bedel.de/wordpress/blog/lens-artists-photo-challenge-146-focusing-on-the-details/
here are my “details” pics
Hi, Thomas. You posted a wonderful collection! I’m delighted you joined us.
Hi Patti, you have a marvelous post for your theme this week. 😀 😀
I hope you enjoy my entry.
https://ceenphotography.com/2021/05/04/lens-artists-challenge-146-focusing-on-the-details/
Hi, Cee. I definitely enjoyed your post! I’m so glad you joined us! And thanks too for your kind words.
Patti, Thanks, it’s a great topic to pick for us and there are so many ways to look at details, as you’re showing in your super images. I had quite a choice of approach so I might just put out another post on the topic too.
But here’s my contribution:-
https://jazzibeeblog.wordpress.com/2021/05/04/close-up-see-the-details/
What a fabulous post, James. I really enjoyed it! Your images are wonderful!
Sunlight is the best picker-out of details and I love how you’ve used that in these pictures. I couldn’t resist joining in this week. I would have said mine is a boring topic, except that when you look at the details, you seem to see an entirely new world:
https://susanrushton.net/2021/05/04/lichens-on-stone-walls-in-darwen-lancashire/
Your post opened my eyes to the microcosmic world of lichens! Wow. Thanks! As for my images, yes, I was very lucky to have two days of sunshine in a row. We’re now in a rainy and cool period and the poor tulips are wilting. Glad you joined us, Susan.
hi patti, again great and different pictures that present us for this week I like them very much, here is my contribution to the challenge theme https://wp.me/p2AvI7-3LR.
many greetings robert
Hi, Robert. I’m delighted you like these images. I loved your images! Fabulous details!
Such wondrous details, Patti. Truly amazing 🙂
Thank you, Hammad! I’m glad you joined us this week!
Love the tulip close-ups, Patti 👏 & I’m always a sucker for sundials 😃 Here’s mine: https://jezbraithwaite.blog/2021/05/06/squirrel-bench-lens-artists-challenge-146/
Hi, Jez. Your post was a real treat. I love how all your details added up and enriched our appreciation of the bridge. And thanks too for your kind words on the tulips and the sundial. Enjoy the weekend, too!
Hello again Patti, Eivor and Pearl’s contribution for this week’s lovely challenge is here: https://whippetwisdom.com/2021/05/06/tanka-spring-unfurling/
An excellent post and topic. Because we tour numerous historic monuments and homes, we both love this post. I’m also a fan of getting up close and personal to see what else there is to see. The sundial is a special favorite!
Hi, Rusha. So we think alike! I love these old places. Their history calls to me. Glad you agree! The sundial was a surprise. I was so busy looking for flowers I didn’t notice it at first. Thanks as always for your thoughtful comments and kind words. They are always appreciated!
Here’s our post this week. We’re sharing details of Villa Monastero in Varenna, Italy! https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2021/05/06/lens-artists-photo-challenge146-focusing-on-the-details/
Ah, Varenna! I haven’t been there yet! I’ll look at your post next.
I love doing detail photos of landmarks. It makes my visit (and photos) unique and creates a nice twist!
Hi, Julie. I agree. It’s a great idea. I hope you can share some of them!
Hi again Patti, I am doing an interview of John Steiner as a participant in challenges. He mentioned LAPC most of all. With your permission, I’d like to include this post linked to the LAPD name in the interview post. 🙂 BTW, did you see my details post? I included it with my Writer’s Quotes Wednesday Challenge. You inspired me to investigate until I found the name of the plant! 🙂
Hi, Marsha. Of course. Please include it! Thanks. I saw your post, but I’m behind this week! I’ll read it next.
No worries. I know how busy you must be.
I seem to be sliding into my seat just as the bell rings these days! Life is full and I thank you for this challenge!
https://lindylecoq.com/2021/05/07/lens-artists-photo-challenge-146-focusing-on-the-details/
I love that…sliding into my seat just before the bell rings!! Life is like that right now, isn’t it?? I enjoyed your post very much. That last image is stunning!
The tulips are gorgeous!
Thank you so much, kzmcb!! I was lucky to see them on two sunny days.
I really like the budding tulips from Monday to Tuesday, an excellent choice to show how details change.
The curved wooden bench is really a charming detail in the pleasant surroundings and I love John Paul Jones house, at a distance as well as all details.
Hi, Anita. Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts. I was lucky that we had 2 sunny days in a row so I could see the change in the tulips. Now, the poor things look a bit wind blown, but last week they were beautiful. It was a fun experiment for me. Glad you like it, too!
A great theme, Patti. Details can really add to the story and pull people in.
I’m a bit late, but a tiny detail in this shot completes the image for me. https://pilotfishblog.com/2021/05/01/lens-artists-photo-challenge-146-focusing-on-the-details/
oops. Helps if I put the correct link! ://travelwithintent.com/2021/05/08/the-little-detail-japanese-gateway-kew-gardens/
Hi, Debbie. Glad you shared your image. The details are so intriguing. It made me want to “peel back” the tree blossoms and see what was behind them.
Such a lovely post, Patti, I especially like the white bench surrounded by flowers. What a beautiful place to sit! Here is my post this week: https://mycolorfulexpressions.com/lens-artist-photo-challenge-146-focusing-on-details/
I really enjoyed your collection this week, Sylvia, with such unique photos. I’m glad you liked the bench in my post, too! Enjoy the week.