~ Lens-Artists Challenge #410/154: One Photo Two Ways ~

Posted on August 28, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

Ritva invites us to explore the different methods we use to create images, a throw-back to a challenge Tina posted on June 26, 2021. To see Ritva’s lovely images, go here.

Cropping is my go to method to create a less cluttered and more dramatic image from the original. It’s almost impossible to get a bird to pose, though sometimes it seems they do! So, cropping and cleaning up the image is usually essential. When the bird’s eye is in focus, I follow the rule of thirds to get a cross line in the center of the eye. Below the original shot of a Bald Eagle and then the cropped version.

Along with cropping, another handy tool to accentuate a photograph is to use filters; essentially the adjustment of light and color. The wonderful birding trail where I walk my beagles on the Long Beach WA Peninsula, has some handsome sweeping turns. I took this photo thinking “what mystery might be around this corner?” In it’s original form, it’s just another bend in the road. Cropping and filtering made it a bit more evocative.

I’ll finish with a goose floating on the marshes at the Breakers, Long Beach, WA. The nearly perfect reflection was what attracted me to capture the original shot. By cropping and enhancing it became a keeper, and in black and white I find it quite striking.

Thank you to Ritva and Tina for this theme. It’s important to recognize that taking a photo is easy, however turning it into a keeper, takes some work!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in Black and White Photos, Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature photography, pacific northwest, photography, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

~ Lens-Artists Challenge # 409: Best Ever Images ~

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

Steve Hyde is the guest host for this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge. He asks us to select 5 (five!) images we consider to be our best photographs; “pictures that celebrate our love of photography.” This is harder to do than it may seem. Every photo I keep has resonance, or I wouldn’t bother saving it. However, there are some in my collection that I believe are quite visually striking and/or create an exceptional interesting sensation upon viewing.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

During the first two months of the Covid 19 pandemic, when people were asked to stay where they were, I was at our condominium at the Breakers in Long Beach, WA. Most days I was the only human being walking the shoreline, so the resident Bald Eagles became accustomed to me. With his glare this adult male let me know he wasn’t about to share his meal.

Low tide on the Long Beach peninsula of Washington State, USA. A lone walker offers perspective, as sunlight through cirrus clouds reflects on the vast sandy shore.

From cabin #1 at Beach Haven, on the West side or Orcas Island, WA the sunsets often are spectacular. I had watched this young women when she paddled south through Presidents Channel, and I was thrilled for this “right place right time” moment, as she floated north through the glorious prism of sundown.

Moonglow over the Pacific, captured from the deck of our condominium at the Breakers, Long Beach, WA. I was fast asleep when my husband awakened me to see this full moon reflecting on the spring marshes and ocean. The lighting is as my camera caught it; no filters, just what the universe offered.

My older sister and I like to visit our younger sister in St. Louis, MO. She always has special places to take us, including the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Faust Park, Chesterfield MO. Next door to the Butterfly House is a lovely old Carousel from 1924. On the ride around I noticed the reflection of our prancing ponies on the glass enclosure gave an illusion of them frisking in the windswept grounds outside. Snap, snap with my iPhone netted an unexpected treasure.

Thank you to Steve for this opportunity to showcase some extra special favorite photos. You can see his invitation and fine examples here. It is quite a responsibility to take on the duties of hosting a Lens-Artists challenge. In addition to suggesting the subject, hosts look at the responses followers post, and comment on them! Here’s to you, Steve!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature photography, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography, travel, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #408: Over the Top ~

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

Egídio invites us to show our interpretation of Over the Top – images of things that are beyond the bound of what is expected, usual, normal or appropriate. My photo collection is crammed full of normal, usual, and expected images, however, there is one photo-shoot I did in 2019 on the campus of Washington State University, Vancouver that qualifies! Professor Emeritus Steve Sylvester planted a titan arum seed in 2002, cultivated it on his desk and then moved it to a stairwell planter in the Science and Engineering Building. After 17 years, Big Bucky finally bloomed.

What you may ask is “over the top” about this blossom? To start with, it is over 4 ft (1.22 m) in height.

In addition, the blooms of Amorphophallus titanum give off a powerful scent of rotting flesh which attracts pollinators. As a consequence, it is characterized as a carrion flower, earning it the names corpse flower or corpse plant.

Learning that there was a blooming corpse flower on the campus two miles from my home, got me out with my Panasonic. I didn’t notice any offending smell while I was there, however I’m not a pollinator attracted to carrion!

Thanks to Egídio for giving me the perfect opportunity to show this over the top plant! To see his stunning examples of over the top places and things go here.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, photography, plants | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #407: Celebrations ~

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

Patti invites us to showcase Celebrations Around the World, and provides a beautiful array of examples from her own travels here. Though I have albums with photos from celebrations I’ve been a part of over the years, this post will be of recent gatherings near home that celebrate events and are unique to my current life.

When I retired 14 years ago, I joined a writing group which has evolved over the years, and which I continue to be part of. Last summer we met at my home to celebrate writing together. We had a fine time chatting by the pond, and read pieces we had selected to share. Since I enjoy entertaining, this was a true joy for me.

The last wedding I attended was a lovely gathering celebrating a wonderful couple. Three weeks from now, my niece and her partner will be rejoicing their upcoming marriage with a reception, to which I will be taking my Panasonic!

Last year, Kai (the tall Doberman pinscher) turned 3. His owner and friends hosted a birthday party for dogs and their humans at our favorite dog park. Yes, we are sort of over-the-top about our pets! It is wonderful that the dogs have an opportunity to socialize, at the same time we humans can keep company with other dog lovers. 🐾

Any members of my family who are able, gather together for a celebration of Christmas before the actual day, usually at my sister’s home in Corvallis or at my home. We have plenty of good food, listen to holiday music while we chat, and enjoy being silly with crackers!

The No Kings protest I attended is a different kind of celebration. Above, several hundred people gathered together in Vancouver, WA to express our dismay at the Trump administration. There is a sense of rejoicing in the group, as we peacefully demonstrate our support for democracy. Solidarity brings joy.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, photography, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #406: Summer Daze ~

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

Ann, of Slow Shutter Speed invites us to showcase how we stay cool and what we do to enjoy summer. So far the weather has been fairly normal for this time of year in the Pacific Northwest, USA. There have been a few days over 95°F (35°C), and there will be more in August, however hot days have been followed by more moderate temperatures, so we have been able to enjoy time outside. There are massive wildfires in Washington and Oregon, though the prevailing westerly winds have kept the smoke away from our area.

By mid June, we say farewell to our Breakers condominium and friends at Long Beach, WA to spend most of the summer at home in Vancouver, WA. Why? Summer is always busy at the beach, so we prefer to let others rent our condo, while we enjoy the peace and quiet in our own home and grounds.

With morning coffee, I head out to our deck (my tree house!) to enjoy the fresh stillness, and watch birds as they bring their fledglings in to our feeders. I have seen Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Song Sparrow, Junco, House Finch, Goldfinch, Bewick Wren, Bushtit, Stellar’s Jay, Spotted Towhee, Crow, and Anna’s Hummingbird all partake of the feast, while I sit quietly enjoying the beauty of their being.

Almost every day, Max, Daisy and I go to our favorite dog park, where they can sniff and explore off leash, and I can walk without them tugging me onward!

By late afternoon, I settle into my garden nook; a shaded space facing the pond and waterfall, where I relax in the surroundings, create Lens-Artists posts, and read. Just finished Giving Up Is Unforgivable, by Joyce Vance, and I’m now re-reading What We Can Know, by Ian McEwan.

In between times, I tend my gardens. Tomatoes are starting to ripen, Basil is coming on strong, Zuccini is producing nicely and I have high hopes for my peppers.

Thanks to Ann for a fun and straightforward challenge!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in landscape gardening, Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, pacific northwest, photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #405: Adventure ~

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

Anne-Christine welcomes us back after a summer break with the theme of Adventure. Her invitation is here. Once a year, I have the pleasure of joining my sister and brother-in-law for a family fishing adventure at Odell Lake, at the summit of Willamette Pass in central Oregon State. We stay at a private campground adjacent to Crescent Creek, and a short drive from where we launch their boat.

The cold creek flows briskly and has a lovely screen of wildflowers lining both its banks.

I enjoy ambling along the creek where I can listen to the magic rippling water, watch butterflies flutter about, and look for interesting sights to photograph.

We get up early, drive ten minutes to Odell, launch the boat and have our lines in the water by 7:00. On good days, the lake is smooth and inviting as we set out fishing for Kokanee (landlocked Sockeye Salmon) and Mackinaw (Lake Trout).

Daisy is tucked away snoozing while we go about the handicraft of catching fish. My niece, Marie loves going after the big Lake Trout and is always thrilled when she lands one!

We are off the lake by noon to avoid the winds that almost always start around then. Large waves turn the fun of fishing into a struggle, so we reel in. Notice whitecaps above.

After lunch we clean and process the fish we have caught, then enjoy the afternoons and evenings at camp.

Thanks to Anne-Christine for this timely challenge. I enjoy this adventure with my family very much and it’s a pleasure to share it here.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in fishing, Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, outdoors, pacific northwest, photography, travel, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #404: B is for Blossom! ~

Posted on June 27, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

This week Beth, of Wandering Dawgs gives us a wide-open topic for the challenge; we are to select a subject that begins with B. Immediately I thought birds, yet since I often feature birds in my challenges, I selected blossoms instead. From the moment I spot spring crocus on through the seasons, blossoms cheer me along the way. Trillium is native to this region, and I love seeing it emerge around my yard in early spring.

More spring blossoms above: Camellia, Tulip, Cistus-mickie and Dicentra – bleeding heart. By the summer solstice Hydrangeas burst out in bright blue blossoms.

Summer blossoms: Major Wheeler Honeysuckle, Lincoln Rose, Artichoke (my first time with this plant!) and on into autumn, Rudbeckia and Coneflowers keep me cheerful.

“Where flowers bloom so does hope.” Lady Bird Johnson

Thanks to Beth for this welcoming challenge. I appreciate all of the Lens-Artist hosts and hope that you have a pleasant summer break!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in flowers, Gardening, Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature photography, pacific northwest, photography, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

~ Lens-Artist Challenge # 403: Perspective, Depth & Scale ~

Posted on June 27, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

John Steiner zero’s in on three tools that shape visual space in photography; perspective, depth and scale. Perspective provides an accurate impression of the height, width, depth, and position of subjects in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point. Immediately my mind went to this photo I took from the Lincoln Memorial, looking across to the Washington Monument and its reflection at dusk in December, 2006.

John comments that though the tools sound technical, “they are incredibly intuitive once you look for them, and you’ll likely find you’ve been using them all along.” That certainly is true of the photo above. I looked out and said, OMG, take this picture while you can!

Depth in photography means the image creates an illusion of three dimensions. Below, a beautiful clear summer day at Crater Lake National Park provided this picture perfect image. Another “right place, right time” moment.

Scale is helpful to show the relative size or dimension of a subject. This huge rock on Orcas Island, WA might have seemed just a big bolder, even with the trees in the background. I decided adding a known item – my water bottle – would provide a clue to just how big this thing was!

Thanks to John, for continuing to remind us of the importance of fundamentals!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature photography, outdoors, photography, travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #402: Looking Back at #1 – Wonder ~

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

Sofia harkens back to the beginning of Lens-Artists Photo Challenges with an invitation to showcase, “moments, places, people that we treasure; the little stories behind a shot that stuff our lives with meaning and joy.” I decided to keep my selections to NOW and present the little joys and wonders that have given me pleasure this week at Long Beach, WA. The weekend was quite warm and pollinators swarmed over the Butterfly bush I pass on my morning walks. Bees fascinate me, and are essential to the well-being of life on earth.

I was immediately charmed by the clean simplicity of this daisy. So simple and ordinary – yet extraordinary at the same time!

A friend from the Breakers, Patrick Moore crafts all sorts of amazing things with resin. I brought a bag of sea-glass and a tired old birdbath to him in early spring and asked him to give it new life. What a lovely piece he created, and I have just the place for it at home!

Daisy barks at the waves while Max keeps an eye out for crab-crunchies on an afternoon beach walk. The Pacific Ocean is always awe-inspiring, and on this day I was amazed to spot a whale doing a spy-hop out on the horizon!

Sunsets always fill me with admiration. Every one is different, and some are spectacular. I have many glorious sunset shots from Long Beach, and I was tempted to use one of them, however I’m determined to keep to my ‘here & now’ theme, and this is the only sunset shot I have from this week. Maybe not as stunning as others, but still wonderful.

Thanks to Sofia for her inspiring post which you can view here. It’s such a pleasure to share joy and wonderment on the Lens-Artists site.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature, nature photography, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography, Report from the Edge of a Continent, travel, weekly photo challenge | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

~ Lens-Artists Challenge #401: Focus! ~

Posted on June 13, 2026 by Lindy Le Coq

Patti is back in the line-up and I am determined to participate! It’s been one of those weeks we all have; when too much is going on, and all of it is important. Fortunately I am now at Long Beach, WA with the sun shining over the meadows and sparkling whitecaps in view on the Pacific Ocean. I simply don’t have it in me to fulfill the whole challenge, however I still want to end this week on a creative note, so here is one of my “Walking With Eagles” photos. I hope you enjoy it and find peace in its beauty.

Thank you to Patti, one of the original leaders of Lens-Artists, I believe!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

Posted in Lens-Artists, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, nature photography, pacific northwest, pacific ocean, photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | 20 Comments