Posted on by Anne Sandler · 56 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #281: Favorite Images of 2023

Do resolutions truly work? Which is more important, looking back or moving forward? In our Lens Artists community all three are important. With this challenge we are looking back at our favorites from 2023.

And we are looking forward to 2024 as we welcome Ritva of Ritva Sillanmaki Photography and Egídio of Through Brazilian Eyes to the Lens Artists team. We know they will bring their marvelous photography, extensive travel experiences, and fresh insight to our weekly challenges. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to them. Click on the links to Ritva and Egídio’s blogs at the end of today’s post to follow them and receive all of our upcoming Lens Artists challenges. 

And now for my favorites of 2023. My feelings about 2023 are all over the place. Very positive and enjoyable and then very difficult. Let’s talk about the first part of the year which was wonderful with my trip to Melbourne Australia. My friends Sandy and Peg and I were able to visit and photograph with Leanne Cole for three wonderful days in Port Campbell. Here are some favorites from that trip.

Maist Rest Rain Forest
Building in Melbourne
Twelve Apostles
Web Bridge

And you know how much I love photographing macro subjects. Here are three of my flowers and some of their guests.

Here are some single favorites.

The difficult part of 2023 came in August when I was rearended and suffered a severe whiplash. I wasn’t able to do photography for a few months. And if it weren’t for my wonderful photo buddies taking me to places close and for short durations, I would have gone bonkers. You don’t know how important that camera is until you can’t use it!

January has me looking forward to more photo opportunities. I’m trying to add more time to the outings without traveling far. I don’t make resolutions, but I do pick words. This year is gratitude. Living in gratitude. And, I’m grateful for all of you in the Lens-Artists community and look forward to sharing photos with you in 2024.

Here is a list of our team. Please be sure to follow us so you don’t miss a challenge!

Next week Patti will be leading the challenge, so look for her post. Let’s have a great 2024!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 22 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #153: It’s a wonderful world

With all that’s been happening in the world this past 1 1/2 years, it’s important to live in continuous gratitude and remember that there is still a lot of beauty in the world, mostly provided by nature. In her challenge, Amy reminds us that there is a lot around us locally to be grateful for. Photography brings me into that world. At least once a week I go out with friends to capture people, places, animals and things that bring joy into my life.

I’m happy to share some of them with you from this year alone. Please read the captions for information.

This scene in Port Costa presented a beautiful and natural frame around the bridge emerging from the fog in the distance.

  • Donner Lake in the winter delivers an awesome relaxing snow scene.
  • A shadowed path always relaxes me as I walk.
  • Oh, do I love tree canopies!
  • White lilies growing near the ocean. Unbelievable!
  • Unusual trees grab my attention. Different can be beautiful!
  • Even when disaster happens, nature provides. This bridge is only seen during a drought season.

  • Love in a dog’s eyes!
  • A working farm gets us out of suburbia into a quiet natural setting.
  • A little lady bug going about her business on a small poppy helps us understand that we all have a mission.
  • Only once a year do we get to see the beauty of the lotus flowers. This teaches us to savor the moment.
  • The Great Egret in flight is graceful and beautiful.

Thank you Amy for helping us to remember that there is a wonderful world out there, and I’m especially thankful for my photo buddies who see it with me.