Less is More – Lens-Artists Challenge #43
“To say more while saying less is the secret of being simple.”
Dejan Stojanovic
Amy has challenged us to portray “less is more” in this week’s post. I’ve opened with a simple image of a beautiful lily captured during a visit to Charleston’s Magnolia Gardens earlier this month. I loved the way the light made the blossom nearly transparent, allowing the flower to stand on its own against the dark background.
“Speak little. Listen more. Learn a lot.”
Anthony T. Hincks
It’s not unusual to see alligators and turtles sunning at this particular ramp in the Gardens. Somehow the creatures have found a way to peacefully co-exist. On this particular day the last turtle seemed to be thinking that if the gator would just move up a few inches he’d have a bit more room to join the party!
“The more you are grateful for what you have the more there is to be grateful for.”
Pravin Agarwal
Back to the Garden’s flowers, to me these hydrangeas looked like giant snowballs waiting to be thrown. In their pure whiteness (is that really a word?!) it struck me that sometimes less color means more beauty. I also thought this image would make a nice abstract but since last week was all about impressionism I’ll hold that thought for another day.
“The more we give away, the richer we become.”
Craig Groeschel
One of my favorite things about the Gardens is the birdlife. In the spring the herons, egrets and cormorants are busy nesting, giving birth, and raising their chicks. I shot this image using an aperture setting to blur the background, allowing focus to rest on the two birds and their carefully crafted nest. I further emphasized the birds by adding a bit of light to the nest area in post processing.
“The universe doesn’t know good or bad, only less or more.”
Pat Cadigan
Although the Garden’s flowers are magnificent, so too is its simple swamp. I can imagine the landscape must have looked much like this at the beginning of time. I particularly love the cypress trees whose roots seem to reach to earth’s very core. No floral embellishments are needed to enhance the beauty of the scene.
“True merit is like a river – the deeper it is the less noise it makes.”
Edward Wood
At quite the opposite end of the spectrum, the image above is bursting with life and color. Full disclosure, as I was shooting the scene a young family happened to arrive at just the same time. Rather than wait for them to pass, or ask them to wait for me to finish, I asked if they’d let their young daughter add to my composition. They happily obliged and I think she adds just the right amount of “less” to the scene’s colorful “more”.
“What we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
Mother Teresa
Finally, since I began with flowers I shall close with one. This image is actually from our west coast visit earlier this month. But it was too perfect in its simplicity not to include it with a post about less being more (thank you Sharon!).
Thanks to Amy for her clever challenge this week. I hope you’ll stop here next Saturday for Challenge #44. In the meanwhile, here’s wishing you a great week ahead.
#Fuji, #Magnolia Gardens, #Charleson
Beautiful photos. I especially like the flowers – but the other pictures are really good as well.
Thanks Rabirius. The flowers there are incredible
Floral snowballs, we may get some snow overnight to may be make some real ones early tomorrow morning. The weather guessers don’t think there will be any accumulation. Borrowing a line from Star Trek, “anything is possible.” 🙂
Yikes David. I am SO done with winter!!!
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I could not help but smile at the one of the alligator and turtles.
I know, they’re funny aren’t they?! Thanks for the visit Colline
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So, apparently turtles aren’t afraid of alligators! What I don’t learn…
Happy to keep you up to date on our local wildlife John 🙂
Beautiful images and thoughtful responses to the challenge. Less is often more. I am sure the last turtle would agree; a little less alligator and there would be more space for a turtle. 😀
Well said! But I don’t think that’s happening 😊
Great images, Tina.
Thanks Jane. It was a beautiful day
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Beautiful. Loved it. Simply 😊
Thanks very much Ashok
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My pleasure Tina
Wow Tina! I don’t have the right words for this stunning post! Beautiful!
Thanks Dina, your words did just fine!
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Tina, your images are ” The drop in the ocean” as your quotation of Mother Teresa stated. I am drawn to the Calalily image.
Thanks Cornelia, such a beautiful thought!
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One of the good things about Internet, that almost everybody in the world can see such a beautiful pictures mixed with wise words, philosophy of life.
What a nice thought, thanks very much!
Hi EL, I tried to leave you a like and a comment but couldn’t find a spot on your blog, sorry
Your posts always are such a treat T ! I don’t tell you enough , so sorry , how much I enjoy the awesome photos & thought-provoking words you generously share – THANK You!!
Diane, that was such a nice thought, it made my day, thanks!
Charleston’s Magnolia gardens looks like a beautiful place to visit
Your images are wonderful. Particularly like the first and last photos.
Thanks MM, it’s a truly special place, we are lucky to have it so close by
You have some wonderful photos there. That backlit Calla lily is superb, and that photo from a heronry is specially charming.
Thanks IJ, the lily was really showing off LOL
The power of one singular beauty where we can just focus it only takes ones. Stunning photography as ever, Tina.
Thanks Perpetua, I loved Amy’s pushing us to a new direction
A quote that steers my thinking, and your first image is a stellar example.
Thank you Sally, it was a beautiful bloom
You really have an eye for beautiful photos which I would overlook.
On Sat, Apr 27, 2019 at 12:03 PM Travels and Trifles wrote:
> Tina Schell posted: ““To say more while saying less is the secret of being > simple.” Dejan Stojanovic Amy has challenged us to portray “less is more” > in this week’s post. I’ve opened with a simple image of a beautiful lily > captured during a visit to Charleston’s Magn” >
Well thanks El, comes with practice for sure. Kind of like your ukelele or dancing 😊
A gator and turtles together! Amazing moment captured perfectly, especially with that last turtle…
LOL, he was hanging on for dear life Steffan, thanks for stopping by
Hi Tina – I like the “extra color” the girl brings into the contrasting photo – and it enhanced the comparison made to the previous photo – like how you mentioned the beginning of time and then moved into the color photo – a small child gives us the now, gives us life – and also hints to the future (children are the future)
so that was a striking part of the post for me.
I also sometimes love when photographers grab shots of people (nice that they said yes) because it really adds to the originality and uniqueness of a photo – you know? Like there are bridges with flowers and nice reflections (not all as nice as this one – ha) but then add a small child to the right – with resting arms and a soft presence – and the photo just became spirited and super original (something like that…)
oh and I do believe your white snowballs are from a viburnum – not hibiscus – I could be wrong – but I have the Viburnum Opulus ”Roseum” aka snowball bush – and the leaves in your photo match the ones of my shrub…
Thanks Yvette, I agree that people often enhance a photo altho sometimes they can be a distraction depending on who and where they are! As for the snowballs, I’m sure you’re right as I am not so good with flower names
oh you are right – people can really be a distraction – big time – and I forgot about that – hmmm
and wishing you a nice rest of your sunday
A lovely collection from one of my favorite places, Tina! There is always something new to see there. Your lily image is gorgeous. “Just the Swamp” is a lovely composition and another that can be tough to get with no tourists and the right light.
Thanks very much Ellen, we are so lucky to have these beautiful plantations nearby, sad histories notwithstanding
That lily is stunning, Tina! The light and color are perfect. And your shot of peaceful coexistence between the turtles and crocodile made me laugh! If they can co-exist why can’t we?? Wonderful post, as always!
Thanks Patti, the lily was simply calling out to be photographed! As for the turtles and crocs , they often sun in that spot and the tourists love them!!
I love when your photographic eye finds such a great composition. I am still smiling about the “sworn” enemies sunning themselves together. 🙂
Well maybe their shells make them a last choice meal 😊😊
🙂 🙂
Shine a light is the stand out for me.
For me too David, many thanks!
A beautiful sequence Tina,I especially love the way you captured the light shining through the white lily 🙂💖 xxx
Many thanks Xenia – that lily was quite amazing in person
A beautiful set of photos Tina!
Thanks very much Aletta, glad these caught your eye.
Loved every fantastic picture, Tina! And my thoughts about the turtle’s thoughts were exactly the same as yours, lol!
Thanks Anita, They’re always a big hit with the visitors but it’s clear who’s the boss!
I agree with Su Leslie – the first and last are my favourites too though all the photos are lovely.
Thanks Suzanne – it was a very beautiful day at the gardens, which is actually the norm 🙂
I really like all of these images Tina, but the first and last (especially the lily) are sensational.
Ooh, sensational – I like that description :-). Many thanks Su
The photographs are gorgeous. Just when I thought nothing could top picture no 1, along came the alligator. Now that’s an unusual ramp, the likes of one I haven’t seen before. The birds, the reflection, the tiny tourist, there is so much of beauty. What a fantastic post Tina!
Such a lovely compliment Sheetal, thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed this one
I am stunned once more. Your photos are simply remarkable!
You are too good to me Dor, but don’t stop LOL
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These are all beautiful!!
Thanks Nora
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Hey T, You were right today. These photos were really special. My fave was mommy and baby Heron. However last rose reminded me of the magnificent rose garden I inherited from the previous owners of our last home in Charlotte. I actually had “a rose doctor “ that cared for them . About 20 rose bushes in every color and variety.
Fun today. Looks like Brooky won. Hope your Chicken Marsala was a hit. Dar 😘
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Thanks DarDar – always great to be with you. Promise to work on the game before fall 🤬. Really thought you had a shot at it but she’s hard to beat. Glad you enjoyed the post. The flowers were gorgeous that day.
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Love the flowers!
Thanks Leslee! Are you around this month??
Your photos are always so beautiful and inspiring, Tina! Whimsical describes the turtles sunning with the alligator!
Thanks Terri – whimsical is the PERFECT word for them. i must remember that one for a future challenge 🙂
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Thoughtful, creative, insightful, superbly presented. I should just copy and paste this comment every time you post.
Oh you have DEFINITELY made my day John! Thanks for your kind encouragement.
Loved these, but the Tiny Tourist won my heart. How lovely of the parents to allow you to use her in your photo as she really makes the shot work.
I thought so too Jude – they were very sweet. I wish I’d taken their contact information so I could have sent them a copy. Thanks for stopping by!
Beautiful images, Tina. The turtle photo is so cute (yeah, that alligator is not going anywhere!) and the little girl on the bridge is the perfect touch. Whiteness? Most definitely a word–how else to describe the gorgeous hydrangeas.
Thanks Lois – the little girl was very sweet and happy to be part of my photo! As for the gator, he does seem to own the dominant position, doesn’t he? LOL
I meant Lily
Tina, the magnolia is stunning!
Thanks Kath – I knew what you meant LOL. It was a glorious day at Magnolia!
Such an inspiring post, Tina. Beautiful photos go perfectly with these quotes. The first and last photos are breathtaking, the birdlife is beautifully focus and the little one made me smile. The deeper it is… so true! 🙂
Thanks Amy – terrific challenge! I enjoyed putting my response together, glad you enjoyed!
Stunning images, Tina! I love the opening shot, such exquisite detail!
Thank you Sue, my favorite also
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Great minds and all that….😄
Outstanding and delightful photos, Tina. That second one brought a smile to my face. The first one is stunning in its simplicity. Light is a marvelous thing.
janet
Light IS a marvelous thing Janet. And you, we have to love the gator/turtle co-habitation, done we ?😊
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Those were beautiful, Tina..especially the rose.😘
Thought you might like that one Sharon 😊
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I was so struck with the simplicity and symmetry of the bridge that I completely missed the tiny tourist. Boy am I embarrassed. Still, it is an absolutely stunning photograph.
LOL, she’s really a tiny little thing and easily missed Michael! You’d be surprised how difficult it is to find that bridge without people on it! (or maybe not 😀) It’s quite a beautiful spot, as is the rest of the garden
The bridge. Ahhhhh… The bridge.
Loved them all! You’re amazing!
And you are a terrific follower 🙂 Thanks so much Laurel
Such beautiful images. You captured the raw beaut of nature. The alligators and turtles were just wonderful to see. Thank you.
My pleasure Isaiah, glad you enjoyed!
Beautiful images Tina.
Thanks Rupali, glad these caught your eye
Great collection, Tina! And I agree about less colour sometimes giving more beauty. The purity of your first shot really got to my heart. The tiny tourist is a gem.
Thanks Ann-Christine. This challenge offered so many interesting opportunities, I enjoyed putting the response together
I can truly understand that!
Terrific colorful collection, Tina, with nice clarity. Adorable Tiny Tourist. 😁
Thanks Jane – I’m sure it brought you some happy memories :0)
Beautiful photos!
Thanks so much Laura – it’s a very beautiful spot