Lens-Artists Challenge #226 – Textures

Summertime in the Mountains

“I am convinced that abstract form, imagery, color, texture and material convey a meaning equal to or greater than words.”

Katherine McCoy

This week our Guest Host, Jude, has asked us to visualize texture – a subject near and dear to the hearts of photographers. In response, I found myself drawn to the many types of textures offered by nature. My opening image was captured this past June as my husband and I spent a week in the North Carolina mountains. Although the weather was absolutely perfect, some of the areas were so high that there were dustings of ice visible in the early mornings. Nearby (shown below), an example of some of the mossy magic to be found in the mountain forests. Can’t you just imaging one of the Hobbit’s elves emerging just after you’d passed by?!

Mossy Magic

“There is something magical about photography.”

Harry Gruyzert

Speaking of magic, there are moments here on Kiawah that are nothing short of magical. My brother was visiting earlier this month and we went to the Ocean Course one evening for dinner. I had to tone down the colors of the iPhone image that follows because the sunset was so spectacular it would be hard to believe I hadn’t doctored it. As I mentioned in a previous post, the sweetgrass this year has been incredible – more colorful and longer-lasting than we’ve ever seen it. All of the elements combined that evening to add beautiful textures to the scene, but the sweetgrass color and texture are what to me make it special.

Sweetgrass at Sunset

“After sunset there is a gentle leaving of the light, the air begins to still and a quiet descends…A sense of magic prevails.”

John Sexton

Back on the beach textures are apparent everywhere we look. The other day while walking with my husband he drew my attention to a perfectly shaped starfish nestled into the sand. Although we see them sometimes they’re actually not very common here. I captured it with my iPhone along with the little sculpture created by Mother Nature and now adorning my desk. Although small in size there must be 20 shells all adhering to the larger shell at the base. A wonderful find!

Gifts from the Sea

“Photography is about searching, finding and reacting.”

Jesse Marlow

Of course there are many other examples of wonderful textures outside of those offered by Mother Nature. In a recent post I shared an image of a horse peeking out of his stall at the barn. Here is that door when closed, showing us the textures Father Time will create given the opportunity.

Age = Texture

“…I am not lonely. Shifting light, textures, shades; these are my companions.”

Steve Coleman

Finally, one more example of texture outside of Mother Nature’s offerings. When I saw the subject for this week’s challenge, my mind’s eye immediately went to an image I’ve posted before. As a former knitter, I do love the textures in this one.

Knit One, Purl One

“Doing what you love is the cornerstone to having abundance in your life.”

Wayne Dyer

Sincere thanks to Jude for hosting our challenge this week. Please click here to see and link to her beautiful original post. Be sure to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to Anne for her uber-fun Wildlife Close To Home challenge last week. What an array of marvelous creatures you all shared with us! Finally, I’ll be your host here on Travels and Trifles for next week’s challenge. Until then please stay safe and be kind, and my best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it. In fact, even if you don’t celebrate the holiday it’s a great opportunity to think about the many things for which we are, or should be thankful!

Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.

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Tags: LENS-ARTISTS, nature, Photo essay, photography, texture

• November 20, 2022
• Photography
• 107 Comments