Lens-Artists Challenge #16 – BIG Can Be Beautiful Too!

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

Winston Churchill

BIG BIRD

Back on Lens-Artists Challenge #11, Amy was focused on “Small is Beautiful”. This week I’d like to submit that Big can be Beautiful too! Exhibit A – the gorgeous hawk in my opening image. He visited a large tree next to my home earlier this year and posed nicely until I could get a shot without too many leaves in the way.

BIG-TAILED

“Life is one big road with lots of signs.”

Bob Marley

Speaking of posing, this beautiful peacock was giving us quite a show. I must admit I’d never seen a peacock fly, nor sit in a tree. Typically they’re on the ground strutting their stuff. This male showed us that peacock flight capabilities are actually quite good 😀. Well excuse us for wondering!

BIG MOUTH

“Big results require big ambitions.”

Heraclitus

Now there are those I’m sure who would say an alligator is not necessarily beautiful, but I would beg to differ. They are amazing creatures, built of strong armor and blessed with big, beautiful teeth – the better to eat you with if you are a small animal or an unsuspecting bird. Here on Kiawah, we don’t bother them and they don’t bother us. But a big lens and a bit of distance are very good things where gators are concerned.

BIG FLOCK

“Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.”

Christopher Morley

I’ll close with an image from this past week. A friend and I were shooting a very large flock of seabirds when they all decided to leave en masse. The tiny little sandpipers looked a bit lost among the large numbers of much bigger skimmers and gulls, but they seemed to hold their own quite nicely. But the MOST fun thing about the shoot was that I was sharing it with a good friend I’d previously known only through blogging. We had a great time connecting in real life vs virtually, and our husbands very much enjoyed the connection too. Whew!!

I look forward to seeing your Big Shots (pun intended) this week. Do remember to tag your posts Lens-Artists so that we can all see them in the WP Reader. Be sure to check in with Patti of Pilotfish next Saturday for Challenge #17.

For more information about our challenges click here.

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE?

Amy’s CHANGING challenge last week drew many interesting and creative responses.

Anvica’s Gallery showed us some very creative editing in her Out of Bounds post

Sue (Mac’s Girl) shared an amazing look at how times have changed in her Sign of the Times post about vintage advertisements

242 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #16 – BIG Can Be Beautiful Too!”

chava61 on October 21, 2018 at 3:27 pm said:

Here is my contribution: https://chava61.wordpress.com/2018/10/21/lens-artists-photo-challenge-16-big-can-be-beautiful-too/

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 3:49 pm said:
  
  Thanks for participating this week!
  
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Murtagh's Meadow on October 21, 2018 at 3:07 pm said:

Amazing wildlife shots Tina. Nothing as big as an alligator here!

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 3:50 pm said:
  
  Thanks MM-they can get up to about 13 ft so while not small, he’ll get bigger still!
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 3:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks for joining us this week!
  
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choosingmyperspective on October 21, 2018 at 1:30 pm said:

I forgot my best picture so am re-submitting. (oops…i’ll get this all down someday, I promise!)

https://chosenperspectives.com/2018/10/21/lensartistchallenge16-big-can-be-beautiful-too-10-21-18/

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 3:55 pm said:
  
  No worries😊 happy to have you with us!
  
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choosingmyperspective on October 21, 2018 at 1:23 pm said:

Here’s my post. Really enjoyed this one.

https://chosenperspectives.com/2018/10/21/lensartistchallenge16-big-can-be-beautiful-too-10-21-18/

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 3:58 pm said:
  
  BTW I couldn’t find a place to comment on your post😩
  
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  - choosingmyperspective on October 22, 2018 at 2:23 pm said:
    
    That’s strange. I know sometimes it’s the but you have to scroll down. And sometimes it’s not there. Not sure why. Checked this AM and it’s there! And i love your comments!
  - Tina Schell on October 22, 2018 at 3:59 pm said:
    
    Got it😊
Pingback: LensArtistChallenge#16-BIG Can Be Beautiful Too 10/21/18 – chosenperspectives
anne leueen on October 21, 2018 at 1:12 pm said:

I really enjoyed these photos; beautiful and also a touch of humor.( big mouth!)

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 3:59 pm said:
  
  Thanks Anne!
  
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choosingmyperspective on October 21, 2018 at 12:15 pm said:

Your photography is breath taking, as always, and I am planning on posting myself soon, but what really got my attention was you meeting a Blogging Friend in person. That is just the BEST! I also got to meet with my favorite friend this year, once at her home in Shreveport, LA and once at mine in Bellevue, WA. Our husbands too. It was so special. And to me, the best part of blogging so far!

Thanks for the BIG beauty and for sharing that sweet story!

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 10:25 pm said:
  
  I agree CMP, it was great fun. I’ve met 2 other blogging friends and am seeing another tomorrow. It’s great making virtual friends and having them become real ones! A great, unexpected bonus as far as I’m concerned!
  
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Jackie on October 21, 2018 at 11:33 am said:

I’m featuring some Canadian bigness!
https://junkboattravels.blogspot.com/2018/10/lens-artists-photo-challenge_21.html

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 11:46 am said:
  
  Thanks Jackie—LOVED your choices this week
  
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Tranature - quiet moments in nature on October 21, 2018 at 11:25 am said:

Great captures Tina, the feathers on the peacock are beautiful and the alligator is quite the smiler! My contribution for this week is here: https://tranature.com/2018/10/21/tanka-beech-tree/

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 11:27 am said:
  
  Thanks Xenia – loved your beautiful autumn scenes
  
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  - Tranature - quiet moments in nature on October 21, 2018 at 11:33 am said:
    
    Thank you Tina :o) xxx
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 11:20 am said:
  
  Thanks for joining us Xenia
  
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67steffen on October 21, 2018 at 10:47 am said:

Thumbs up on the peacock in the tree.

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 11:06 am said:
  
  Thanks Steffen!
  
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almeidadepaulo on October 21, 2018 at 10:33 am said:

Great captures Tina.!!!
This is my entry:”https://balance440.wordpress.com/2018/10/21/lens-artists-challenge-16-big-can-be-beautiful-too/”
Have a nice Sunday.

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 11:21 am said:
  
  Thanks Paulo-off to check it out!
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 11:09 am said:
  
  Thanks for joining our challenge this week!
  
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pattimoed on October 21, 2018 at 9:54 am said:

Hi, Tina. Here’s my BIG response to the challenge: https://pilotfishblog.com/2018/10/15/lens-artists-weekly-photo-challenge-16-big-is-beautiful/#comment-22295

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 11:24 am said:
  
  Thanks for joining our challenge!
  
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Shelley on October 21, 2018 at 9:19 am said:

Great shots, Tina – I love the pop of colors from the peacock and that alligator (or croc?) – such fun shots you captured! Here’s my take on small becoming big. Hope you have a great week. https://www.quaintrevival.com/pay-attention-to-little-signs-they-are-big/

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 9:27 am said:
  
  Thanks Shelley! He’s a gator, scary but a bit more docile than a croc!
  
  Sent from my iPhone
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 9:24 am said:
  
  Very compelling response, thanks Shelley
  
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pommepal on October 21, 2018 at 6:26 am said:

That crocodile is huge with very big teeth Tina. Great capture. I, of course, have to show you my BIG country… https://retiredfromgypsylife.wordpress.com/2018/10/21/the-outback-journey/

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 7:48 am said:
  
  Thanks Pauline. Our gators are, thankfully, a bit less fierce than your crocs! But they do get quite large and we steer clear of them for sure
  
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  - pommepal on October 21, 2018 at 8:45 pm said:
    
    No crocs where I live Tina. But because of the warming weather they are starting to move further south.
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Leya on October 21, 2018 at 4:47 am said:

Here’s my entry – thank you for letting us get bigger! https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2018/10/21/lens-artists-photo-challenge-16-big-can-be-beautiful-too/

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 7:53 am said:
  
  Thanks for joining us Suzy!
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 7:57 am said:
  
  Well done, thanks for joining us!
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 7:58 am said:
  
  Lovely choice Maria, thanks!
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 8:00 am said:
  
  A surprisingly good choice Anvica!
  
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perdebytjie on October 21, 2018 at 1:14 am said:

Wonderful blog, beautiful photo’s, Tina!

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 8:01 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Dina
  
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bushboy on October 21, 2018 at 12:29 am said:

Hi Tina, Great Big shots
Here is my contribution
http://bushboy.blog/2018/10/21/big/

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 8:03 am said:
  
  Thanks BB-off to check it out! Thanks for joining the week’s fun
  
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Svetlana Grobman on October 21, 2018 at 12:24 am said:

Great challenge, Tina! How far were you from the alligator? Amazing shot!

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 8:05 am said:
  
  LOL, not quite as far as I should have been!!!
  
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Dawn M. Miller on October 21, 2018 at 12:11 am said:

Great shot of the alligator!

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 8:08 am said:
  
  Thanks Dawn, I loved the grasses on his mouth. Sloppy eater I suppose 😊
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 8:12 am said:
  
  My pleasure Priscilla, loved your response
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 8:14 am said:
  
  Thanks for joining us this week Proscenium
  
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de Wets Wild on October 20, 2018 at 10:40 pm said:

Such beautiful and diverse wildlife, Tina!

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 10:41 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much de Wets. Quite a compliment in light of your natural environment!
  
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Gina on October 20, 2018 at 10:10 pm said:

I never realized a peacock’s tail feathers were that long! I adore the last photo though – really a fantastic capture.

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 10:12 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Gina, that was an amazing moment.
  
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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 10:19 pm said:
  
  BTW Gina – I cannot access your site. When I do I get something foreign (see below). Has anyone else reported an issue?
  
  PHOTOGRAPHY IN PEARLS
  Berbagi Informasi yang Berharga seperti Mutiara
  
  Home
  About
  Contact
  
  4 Keadaan Tempat tinggal Penyebabnya Kegemukan
  
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Perpetua on October 20, 2018 at 9:48 pm said:

Oh my, such big teeth you have but move over, the peacock is on centre stage. Stunning, Tina!

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 9:50 pm said:
  
  LOL, indeed he is Perpetua! Thanks very much
  
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 10:10 pm said:
  
  Such a festive appropriate response this week Yvette!
  
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Na'ama Yehuda on October 20, 2018 at 9:03 pm said:

Well, here’s my non-itty-bitty entry … Photo taken this past August in the jungles of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
https://naamayehuda.com/2018/10/20/not-itsy/
🙂
Na’ama

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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 10:09 pm said:
  
  Definitely NOT itty bitty Na’Ama!
  
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  - Na'ama Yehuda on October 22, 2018 at 12:29 am said:
    
    Nope. More like venti yeti!
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Laurel Greer on October 20, 2018 at 8:41 pm said:

The peacock is spectacular!

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 9:28 pm said:
  
  Thanks Laurel – I wholeheartedly agree!
  
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Amy on October 20, 2018 at 8:08 pm said:

I love these two bird captures, gorgeous peacock. The alligator does have good teeth, what a shot!
Cool post, Tina! 🙂

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 8:35 pm said:
  
  Many thanks Amy. It was a lovely week for nature photography
  
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loisajay on October 20, 2018 at 8:04 pm said:

Tina–that peacock is beautiful. Heck, I never know they could fly, either. Oh, that alligator! He simply must learn to floss after each meal. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 8:34 pm said:
  
  LOL, thanks Lois – thankfully his last meal wasn’t a beautifully-feathered peacock!!
  
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sustainabilitea on October 20, 2018 at 7:57 pm said:

I really like all the shots, Tina, but I love the shot of the hawk. I do love them.

janet

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 8:34 pm said:
  
  Thanks Janet – he/she was amazing! I hadn’t realize how very huge they are!
  
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pattimoed on October 20, 2018 at 7:05 pm said:

I was very happy to be far away from that gator’s big teeth!! Yikes! I enjoyed your “big” collection. Glad all’s well with you too!

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 7:07 pm said:
  
  I’d like to say they’re all talk and no action but nothing could be further from the truth when they are threatened or raising their young. Not unlike humans I suppose! Thanks Patti.
  
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  - pattimoed on October 20, 2018 at 9:56 pm said:
    
    Oh, yes. A fiercesome creature!
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- Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 10:08 pm said:
  
  Hope your recovery is bigger and faster than you even hope!
  
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lensandpensbysally on October 20, 2018 at 6:56 pm said:

Nature has so many stories and creatures to tell them.

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 6:57 pm said:
  
  It absolutely does Sally. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts
  
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Leya on October 20, 2018 at 6:14 pm said:

Big shots here (!) – technology doesn’t always work the way we want to, does it? love that gaitor – never thought I would say or write that…and the surprise peacock! I will see what I can come up with!

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 6:17 pm said:
  
  Thanks Ann-Christine, yes technology…..love it or hate it we must deal with it either way! Glad you enjoyed the gator, I love them. So prehistoric don’t you think? Look forward to your response.
  
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  - Leya on October 21, 2018 at 5:20 am said:
    
    Inspired by you and the prehistoric…I have posted mine!
  - Tina Schell on October 21, 2018 at 7:49 am said:
    
    Thanks Ann-Christina, looking forward to it!
Prior... on October 20, 2018 at 6:07 pm said:

After reading Jane’s comment and your reply – I went back and looked again and the bird’s taking off is really even more
interesting than i first realized
-I saw so many individual vibes with birds in different positions – wings straight up or some arched.

And from the reader the row of birds in flight is like another wave and is in
Sync with the water lines.
Very cool and nice idea for a theme with big – the gorgeous peacock with big feathers and big colors and the first one – many ways to see big there
And I felt “big confidence”

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 6:08 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Yvette. Looking forward to seeing your response!
  
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  - Prior... on October 20, 2018 at 6:57 pm said:
    
    thx….
Jane Lurie on October 20, 2018 at 5:47 pm said:

Beautiful big shots, Tina. Love that hawk and your birds taking off.

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 5:48 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jane – the takeoff was quite the surprise. We were lucky to have been in place an shooting when it happened.
  
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Abrie Joubert on October 20, 2018 at 5:33 pm said:

Hi Tina it was a late entry but you made up for it being a BIG entry. Glad to see you’re okay; was wondering… Such big teeth you have grandmother, certainly not referring to you Tina or the wolf but the beautiful Alligator. Bedtime in South Africa, I can now go and dream of what to post.

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- Tina Schell on October 20, 2018 at 5:35 pm said:
  
  😊 thanks Abrie! Technology issues while traveling. Glad to have reached you before bedtime!!
  
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