28 November 2016
Lens:
I. Taken in Camera+ and edited in Hipstamatic, Stackables and Pixlr
1. Autumnal Scenario Photomontage; Copyright © 2016 Sally W. Donatello All Rights Reserved
II. Taken in Camera+ and edited in Hipstamatic and Stackables
2. Autumnal Scenario; Copyright © 2016 Sally W. Donatello All Rights Reserved
Let me know which you prefer and why. Click on image to enlarge, which takes you to another page. If you decide to leave a comment, please return to this page.
Pens:
Years of palpable uncertainty are in my country’s future. Everyone needs an instant escape mechanism to shelter their souls from the day-to-day news—news that carries an unsettling forecast of what is yet to be. What to do? Lately I’ve longed to believe that I had awoken to a parallel universe, and all I had to do was wait until sleep came again and I arose in my real world. Alas, to no avail. Then I began to invent a monumental science fiction scenario that in few ways was healing. Meta-narratives continued to enter my mind’s neediness.
Last week on a crisp morning I set out on my daily walk in blustery weather that mimicked my mood. Suddenly, I spied flattering clouds swiftly crossing the skyline, giving me a dose of supreme contentment for a nanosecond. That illusion of a sweet state of mind was followed by an autumnal scene that was simple in its storytelling. Still, my thoughts were diverted by the natural wonders before me.
Nature is my sanctuary. She is the repository of the world’s ambition, even in the path of human intervention.
In nature I loose time, the sense of boundaries release themselves. I no longer care about time, its dimensions and meaning. It’s the equivalent of flow in photography or any creative endeavor or activity where the mind becomes one with the doing. Some inner force becomes in charge, and I am tranquil.
I am relieved of the ticking. Time is relinquished, it’s on its own as it should be.
Tip of the Week: Daisy Gilardini is an accomplished wildlife photographer who is widely known and respected for her work documenting nature in extreme environments. She is especially captivated by the polar bear. From her website:
” Many times I tried to understand this irresistible attraction to the Polar Regions, which I would define almost as an addiction or obsession. These extreme adventures transport me out of my ordinary worldliness leading me in a voyage of self-discovery….If human kind wants to survive and evolve with our planet we have to act responsibly, by acknowledging with humility that Nature is not depended by us but we are dependent by Nature….While science provides the data necessary to explain issues and suggest solutions, photography symbolizes these issues. Science is the brain, while photography is the heart and we need to reach people’s heart and emotions in order to move them to action, for Nature and for us.”
The results of Gilardini’s environmental expeditions can be seen in her books such as Bear Tales and Polar Wonders.
“Hitching a Ride,” Wapusk National Park, Canada, 2016, by Daisy Gilardini
View other entries for this week’s challenge :
https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2016/11/28/sally-ds-mobile-photography-challenge-all-ears/
https://netdancer.com/2016/11/28/
https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2016/11/29/chihulys-basket-series/
https://artalsolife.com/2016/11/30/the-fernery-2/
https://zimmerbitch.wordpress.com/2016/12/01/13601/
Note:
As always I welcome comments about this post or any part of my blog. My photographs for the mobile photography challenge are taken with an iPhone 6.
****If you would like to buy a print of any of my photographs or have any questions, please view the Contact Information found on the masthead. Thank you.
If you’d like to join this Mobile Photography Challenge, please click here for details and history of the challenge. If you have any questions, please contact me. Below is a reminder of the monthly schedule with themes for upcoming challenges:
1st Monday: Nature.
2nd Monday: Macro.
3rd Monday: Black and White.
4th Monday Challenger’s Choice (Pick One: Abstraction, Animals, Architecture, Food Photography, Night Photography, Objects, Panorama, Portraiture, Photomontage, Still Life, Street Photography, and Travel).
5th Monday: Editing and Processing with Various Apps Using Themes from the Fourth Week.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
Hi, Sally. I love the colors in the first shot. You’ve really “nailed” the photomontage. A perfect blend of images that creates a feeling of tranquility. Like you, I’m looking for those “escapes” from the stress of these uncertain times.
Patti, I’m humbled. Thanks so much. Yes, we must find those small spaces that give us a sense of calm and momentary peace.
I like that both images foster emotion; one can’t look at them dispassionately. But I love the first — the colours are so uplifting and such a powerful reminder of nature’s beauty.
Su, your response brought a huge smile to my evening. Thanks.
We can bang our heads against a wall or we can look for the beauty in life, Sally. I prefer your option 🙂 I like the flame colours of the first and the more soothing colours of the second. To me they represent both ends of the spectrum.
Jo, indeed, it’s a journey of self-discovery just trying to get through this continual uncertainty for USA and its effects upon the world. I’m glad that you agree with nature’s ability to guide us in this time of wide and deep unknown. Just returned from my walk in gentle rain. I’ll be thinking about you as you create your next walking adventure. Thanks so much for you response.
I meant your response.
I prefer the first one, because of the warm colours and vibrancy.
Thanks so much for your comment.
I love number one best too!! wonderful colour collage!
Cybele, I’m humbled. I appreciate your response.
The first one is beautiful!
Amy, thank you so much.
Love the painterly quality in these images. They radiate calmness and serenity. My favourite is the first one. I like the more complex composition of it. 🙂
Otto, Thanks for the use of serenity. Nature certainly provides that descriptor.
i’m grateful to see these
and learn of the phone’s
magical powers of escape 🙂
I appreciate your response. Thanks.
Hi Sally, Love the rich colors in the first image. Thanks for the tips, too.
Jane, my pleasure, thanks for your comment. I appreciate your response.
I’m with Janet, the colors of the first draw one in.
Tina, thanks so much.
I love the painterly quality of these photos. Like you, I find great solace in nature. Now I’ve moved and life is settling down I will try and join in your challenge more often. 🙂
Suzanne, that would be lovely. It seems that you’ve found your HOME. I hope that you have.
It does feel like home here, which is a relief after all the upheaval of the past few years.
Terrific, happy for you.
I would go for the first photo as it has a more satisfying balance to the composition. Can’t really explain though why – it just feels that way to me!?
Marc, thanks, it one of my photomontages where I combine two or more images.
Dear Sally, I love the first one … it is really great!
Thanks for sharing and all the best for you
Ulli
Ulli, thanks, I really enjoy your work.
And I yours … 😉
Thanks.
The colors of the first photo are quite magnificent, but I am drawn to that second photo for its starkness and detail. It is so soothing and peaceful; I love it.
Angeline, I also feel a greater kinship to the second. Thanks for your response.
Wow I love the first image Sally.The colors are very pleasing.
Edith, lovely to hear from you. Thank you for your response to the image.
Sally, I instantly fell in love with the first one because of the rich, autumn colors. Have a happy, post-Thanksgiving week.
janet
Janet, hope that your holiday was memorable or at least relaxing and rejuvenating.
I prefer the first one because the tree in the foreground seems to have a see through effect. The colors help too!
Thank you so much for your comment and visit.