Changing Seasons, Kiawah Island
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
Maya Angelou
As we turn the calendar page to begin a new year, the Lens-Artists team is excited to announce that we are expanding with the addition of two new members. Ritva of Ritva Sillanmaki Photography and Egidio of Through Brazilian Eyes are joining us effective immediately. We know they will bring their marvelous photography, extensive travel experiences and fresh insight to our Weekly Challenges. We are very much looking forward to having them on our team. Please join us in extending them a warm welcome. Click on the links to their blogs at the end of today's post to follow them and receive all of our upcoming Lens-Artists Challenges.
This week we're inviting you, as has been our tradition, to share your favorite images of 2023. We're asking that you limit your selection to 12 or fewer. I've opened with a favorite image of Kiawah's ephemeral sweetgrass which illustrates the change of seasons either from summer to autumn or from autumn to winter depending on the time of year. The next image, taken at the same location, shows what happens to the grasses as winter very occasionally works its magic here on Kiawah.
Frozen, Kiawah Island
"The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer."
Anonymous
At the other end of the seasonal spectrum, I've included a favorite image of summer on Kiawah. Created during a lovely afternoon at the beach - where the breezes and an umbrella are the perfect antidote to the southern heat - I was drawn to the stunning clouds in a bright blue sky on a summer's day.
Summer Skies, Kiawah Island
"The water rolls, the clouds move and light reflects off all it touches. How wonderful this world is.
Steve Coleman
A second favorite from this year's summer was made during a fun visit from our Lens-Artists teammate John and his wife Lynn. It's a fun memory as well as an example of the enjoyment I sometimes get from taking an artistic approach to my images.
Summer Scene, Sanctuary Hotel Garden, Kiawah Island
"Photography is closely associated with my spiritual path."
David L. Smith
I've often written about our Kiawah Island Photography Club, which has been an invaluable resource for me these many years. Two of my favorite experiences this year involved local club outings. The first was a private visit to The Goatery, a nearby farm complete with chickens, pigs, and of course goats. I've combined one of those images with another - my portrait of a beautiful horse captured at neighboring Seabrook Island's equestrian center. I used P/S's AI tool to create the soft grey background and eliminate distractions.
Favorite Outings
"To my mind, photographing people or animals amounts to the same thing."
Yann Arthus Bertrand
Nature surrounds us here on Kiawah and as such is my most frequent subject, however I've enjoyed several challenges this year focused on inanimate objects. It was for one of those challenges that I captured the image that follows, which became a personal favorite because of its simplicity.
Let There Be Light
"What's really important is to simplify."
William Albert Allard
I'll close this week's post with a final favorite, that of a beautiful day's end on Kiawah as the sun sets on another year. We thank you for your many notes of appreciation for our efforts and look forward to your always-creative responses to our challenges. Please be sure to follow all of our team members listed below and to watch for and link to our posts in the Lens-Artists Tag section at noon EST each Saturday.
Spectacular Sunset, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
"You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, and you only get so many days on the planet. A good photographer does the math and doesn't waste either."
Galen Rowell
Our best wishes for a New Year filled with peace, happiness, love, friendship and a spirit of renewal - may we find joy in the simple things. This year as always please stay safe, be kind, and enjoy the journey.
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