Ireland – Wandering Dawgs

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #387 – Shadowed

March 2, 2026Posted in PhotographyTagged beach, Ireland, Lens-Artists, Live Oaks, Photo Challenge, Scotland, Shadowed14 Comments

Our host John described his challenge like this: “Shadows evoke mystery, wonder, nostalgia, and even a touch of fright. This week, consider how shadows shape your photos. Look for the places where light steps back. You can take a literal approach and photograph an actual shadow, or lean into contrast and mood—shapes, silhouettes, or scenes where darkness adds depth and character to your subject.”

Blarney Castle Window, Ireland

Shadows on the Beach

Shadows in the Swamp Trail, Silver Springs State Park

Shadows in a Cemetery

Thank you to Patti for last week’s challenge of the Power of Juxtaposition. Your responses were very creative.

Many thanks to John for this week’s challenge. If you would like to join the challenge please be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to John’s post Lens-Artists #387: Shadowed.

Be sure to check back on Saturday, March 7 at noon eastern time when Ann-Christine will be hosting the challenge.

If you don’t want to miss any of our challenges you may want to think about subscribing to the Lens-Arrists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Ritva, Beth.

For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.

Every Day is a Gift

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #365 – Longing

September 18, 2025Posted in PhotographyTagged Florida Keys, Ireland, Italy, Lens-Artists, Longing, Photo Challenge38 Comments

For this challenge Egidio introduces us to the Portuguese word saudade. Wikipedia defines saudade as “an emotional state of melancholic or profoundly nostalgic longing for a beloved yet absent someone or something. It is a recollection of feelings, experiences, places, or events, often elusive, that cause a sense of separation from the exciting, pleasant, or joyous sensations they once caused.“

The closest English word to describe saudade is longing. I had a hard time deciding how to approach this challenge. I finally came up with a few places that have special meaning for me.

Ireland will always be with me. Words can’t describe the beauty of the green landscapes, the friendly and kind people, and the feeling I had while there. I still think of Ireland often and long to return.

It’s been almost 20 years since we’ve been to Florida Keys. I long to return to those carefree days of boating, fishing, watching the sunset, and scuba diving although these days I wouldn’t be diving.

My father was in the United States Air Force. When I was 16 he was assigned to a small base in Italy. Whenever Dad had a few days off we would take trips to see the country. Dad always took his Minolta camera with him and took thousands of slides of our adventures. My younger brother spent many hours converting those slide to digital format (thank you Joe). The following gallery shows three of the many places we went – Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Coliseum in Rome, and Trulli houses in Alberobello. When I look at these photos all my happy memories of traveling with my family come rushing back. I long to return to Italy one day.

Thank you to all the beautiful quiet moments you shared for Ritva’s challenge last week. Be sure to check back on Saturday, September 20 Eastern Time when Tina will be hosting our next challenge.

Egidio, thank you for teaching me a new word. I hope you will join him for this week’s challenge Longing. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to his post Lens-Artists #365 – Longing

For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.

Every Day is a Gift

Sunday Stills: Checking things off my Bucket List

November 4, 2024Posted in Alaska, Hawaii, Photography, Travel, WildlifeTagged Bucket List Images, Ireland, Scotland, Sunday Stills19 Comments

Terri’s challenge is to share images of places or things that are on our bucket list.

I created a bucket list many years ago. I’ve been checking things off and adding more items ever since.

Checking travel destinations off my bucket list.

Ireland and Scotland

Hawaii

Alaska

New York City

Statue of Liberty with Manhattan Skyline

Checking wildlife sightings off my bucket list.

Bull Elk Bugling in Cataloochee Valley, NC

My bucket list is constantly changing. I keep checking things off and adding new ones. Terri’s challenge has inspired me to start checking off a few more items!