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.

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. 🐾