Lens-Artists Challenge #155 – On The Water

The Tina Marie

“My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This week our guest host John has asked us to interpret “On the Water”, which for John no doubt brings visions of amazing luxury liners who cruise the world’s most beautiful places. I’ve taken rather a different approach this week, exploring some thoughts about the way earth’s waters sustain us and the many creatures who depend on it (such as the lurking gator in today’s header 😊) My opening image above features a shrimp boat setting out to sea at daybreak. Looking rather weather-worn, her nets poised for action, with any luck she will deliver a fine catch of delicious fresh shrimp from our local waters.

Lovely Loon

“The loons! The loons! They’re welcoming us back.”

Ethel Thayer

In the image above, a beautiful loon floats serenely on the waters of Lake Arbutus. I’ve included it this week to honor good friends who summer on the lake in Michigan. Over the years during our many wonderful visits, the song of the loons welcomed us back. Recently our friends sold their summer home to a couple we all hope will love it, and those loons, as much as we have.

Pretty in Pink

“Like the lily, I rest on the deep water’s surface. Not knowing the journey’s end, I rest in nature’s embrace.”

Patricia Robin Woodruff

Like the birds and the creatures of the sea, plants and flowers depend on earth’s waters for their sustenance. Water lilies for example are born in the soil beneath the waters, rising up through them in their journey toward its surface. They create shade and protection for fish in landscape ponds, and provide a resting spot for frogs and dragonflies. The lily above was located in the amazing gardens of Asheville, North Carolina’s Biltmore Mansion. The mansion and its gardens are well worth a visit if you are ever in the area.

Upon Reflection

“I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now.”

Joni Mitchell

While I have no doubt the image above is well outside of John’s intent with his challenge, in fact the reflection of the overhead clouds is definitely “on the water”, don’t you think? Here in the south there is nothing more welcome than the white fluffy clouds that provide a bit of shelter from the heat of the summer sun.

Dichotomy

“A ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

John Augustus Shedd

Finally, an image from a visit to Bar Harbor, Maine. I loved the dichotomy of the smaller crafts made minute by the size of the visiting cruise ship. By cruising standards the ship is relatively small. On the other hand, the two-masted sailboat, quite large by sailboat standards, seems minuscule when positioned beside it. Think of it as a reminder that whenever our problems appear major, when compared with those of so many others, they are merely a drop in the ocean.

Sincere thanks to those who responded to last week’s “One Photo Two Ways”. It was really interesting to see the many ways we can interpret the scenes and subjects on which we choose to focus. We look forward to seeing your responses to John’s challenge this week. Please remember to link them to his original post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Finally, a reminder that next week’s guest host will be Anne Sandler of Slow Shutter Speed who will challenge us with Black & White. Until then, please stay safe and be kind.

Note: I’ll be on the road next week but will do my best to stay in touch. Apologies in advance if I’m a bit late in responding

Tags: LENS-ARTISTS, Photo essay, photography, water

• July 3, 2021
• Photography
• 105 Comments