June 13, 2021 • 59

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #152: Shade and Shadows

Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.

Junichiro Tanizaki

Ann-Christine has given us an intriguing theme this week. She has me thinking about the difference between the word “shade” and “shadow” in English and how we distinguish between the two. Then, I checked the Italian dictionary and discovered that Italians use the word “ombra” to indicate both situations/conditions–just like Swedes.

For me, the word “shadow” conjures up a mood of mystery or a premonition of danger, but “shade” is more neutral. In fact, “shade” can be a welcome oasis in a landscape of bright sunshine.

The Fairy Tale Forest

I’ll start with an image that reminds me of the Grimm’s Fairy Tales of children getting lost in the shadowy woods and meeting monsters and wolves. The woods can seem like ominous places–in our dreams, in stories, and even in real life. But even in the forest, under a canopy of trees, the blue sky can poke through and create an oasis of cooling shade.

A Walk in the Woods, Vancouver, B.C.

Ghosts of the Pharaohs

Shadows create a mood, a feeling that’s almost tangible…like the evening when I visited the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. I felt like the ghosts of the pharaohs were in the building.

Late Evening Visit to the Temple of Dendur. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Elegant Shade

Sometimes shade can be found in unique places….under awnings or even fountains–like this one in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. I’ve never seen such an elegant way to take cover from the sun.

Fontaine des Mers, Place de la Concorde, Paris

Magical Florence

I’ll end my post with a photo of Florence, one of my favorite places in the world. After a rainstorm, the rays of the sun poked through the clouds, creating bands of light and shadow. You can see the impact of the uneven light on the buildings below–especially Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Giotto’s Campanile. Isn’t this proof enough that Florence is a magical city?

Bruneschelli’s Dome and the Florence skyline, Italy

We hope you join us this week for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #152. Be sure to visit Ann-Christine’s post and see her beautiful collection featuring shade and shadows. In your post include a link to her post and the “Lens-Artists” tag.

Last week, you treated us to images featuring your favorite colors ranging in size From Large to Small. Thanks for sharing a fabulous rainbow of colors in many sizes.

We hope you’ll join us next week when it’s Amy’s turn to host LAPC #153. Until then, have a wonderful creative week and please stay safe.

Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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59 replies »

  3. I always love the light shining through the clouds the way you showed it in the last photo. It always reminds me of the glory of God which has so often been portrayed in that way. But the walk in the woods is what appeals to me today, possibly because of the heat we’re experiencing today and through the upcoming week. I love the silence of that shot as well.

    Have a wonderful week.

    janet

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    • Hi, Janet. Yes, the forest is an oasis of coolness and silence! I’m glad the photo conveyed that. I was hoping it would! We’re going to get the heat wave soon…Thanks for the warning! I hope all’s well. I’m assuming you’re back home?

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      • I’ve been home about 2 weeks although, in the annoying way of all vacations, it seems much longer than that. So glad I could be back for this week of excessive heat!! Not.

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    • Hi, Chava. Thanks! I corrected it. I don’t know how that one slipped by me!! It’s one of my favorite places in NYC. I used to take our son there when he was still in a stroller!! I hope you have a great week ahead.

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  7. Wonderful contrasts, Patti! I love the depths of that forest, though I’m not at all a woodland person, but the light falling on Florence is simply fabulous. Definitely magical 🙂 🙂

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  8. Terrific examples Patti, and I liked your description of the difference between the words. Most of our international visitors are commenting that they use only one word. Very Interesting! Loved your Florence photo – your love of the city comes shining through (literally and figuratively!)

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    • Hi, Tina. It’s interesting that we distinguish between those two words, but apparently, a few languages (or more) don’t do that. So you can tell Florence has captivated me?? Take care and I hope your week isn’t too stressful.

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  10. A great selection for this theme, Patti! Beautifully expressed with your words and photos. A Walk in the Woods is breathtaking. I am in awe with the Florence skyline.

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    • Hi, Amy. I’m so happy you like the “woods” photo. I wasn’t sure about that one… Isn’t that skyline amazing? I am in awe of that view! Have a good week, Amy. I hope all’s well.

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    • Hi, Philo. Thank you!! I’m delighted you like those photos. I wasn’t sure about the walk in the woods. I was hoping it wasn’t too dark. And Florence….I don’t think “she” can take a bad picture!! Thanks again and have a good week.

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    • Hi, Sarah. It does feel like Grimm’s, doesn’t it?? I loved the elegance of the fountain. So Parisienne! And Florence….that place is magical. Thanks so much for your thoughts. They are always helpful.

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