nature

Six word Saturday

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Time to try a new challenge?

This one's for Sonel

This one’s for Sonel

She tells me that she likes horses.

I love writing my little photo stories and the emphasis is always on the story.  Along the way I’ve met some superb photographers, and sometimes been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the person behind the camera.  I’m dedicating this post to Sonel, who this week started the Black and White Photo Challenge.  The subject for the first entry is Nature.

So, it’s time for a little gentle experimentation.  I am astounded by the facility with which even someone as inept as me can change the appearance of a photograph.  Whether that results in a good photo or a bad photo, I’m really not equipped to say.  I only know what I like.  Mostly that means a world of colour, from palest pastels to vibrant reds.  But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate black and white and all those interesting sepia shades.

I love the drama of my north eastern coastline

I love the drama of my north eastern coastline

Cliffs like these are common enough in Yorkshire

Cliffs like these are commonplace in Yorkshire

But flowers?  To me it seems a little cruel to divest them of their colour.

And what about my delicate hellebores?

What about my delicate hellebores? I think they need their jewel colours.

And how can this black and white version be called a sunflower?

And how can this black and white version be called a sunflower?

I know it’s chiefly my lack of skill, but I think I will be using black and white sparingly.  I’m more than happy to leave it to the experts.   Sonel’s images are amazing.  She’s even designed a wonderfully dramatic rose logo to accompany the post.  So, what are you waiting for?  Go there right now and admire, and then join in.  If I can do it, you surely can.

bwphotochallenge-logo-snOops!  Nearly forgot to thank Cate at Show My Face for letting me participate in Six word Saturday.

Sunday Post : Simplicity

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Jake’s back!  And with beautiful Simplicity this week.  No animated graphics, proving that simple can still be very beautiful.  Simplicity is “easy to explain; not complicated”.  Sounds good to me.

When I think of simplicity, my thoughts turn to the good things in life: crusty bread with cheese and tomatoes, stong coffee and, maybe, a glass of wine; strawberries fresh from the market stall, so nice you have to eat them out of the paper bag before you even get home; the smell of barbecueing fish as you stroll along the beach.

Do you agree with my definition in these photos?  Click on any of them to start the slide show.

Home made goods and pastries at the Arabian market in Cacela Velha
Working the wood lathe
The simplicity of blowing bubbles to amuse Robin
An empty beach with gently lapping tide
The simple beauty of wild cistus on the hillsides of Portugal.
Mingling with the friendly oranges
The hottest of red hibiscus!
The boat pulled up on the shoreline, waiting to put to sea for the next catch
Me beachcombing (courtesy of Michael)
A natural spring- the simplicity of nature
Full mopheads adorn the castle gardens in Tavira
And the simplicity of paper flowers used for celebration
The sun setting on a silent sea

The simplicity of life in the Algarve is what calls me back, again and again.  Thank you Jake for giving me the opportunity to share so much of what is beautiful in my world.

Please do join in Jakesprinter’s challenge by clicking on the flying dragon logo or the links.  Jake has many friends and I know there will be lots of great entries.