Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #138: Natural Light

08Mar
by Oh, the Places We See
Blue & White Boat, Mill Pond, Apalachicola, FL

This week, Amy’s lovely challenge — Natural Light — calls to mind the effects of early morning sun on shrimp boats in Apalachicola. Although at rest in Scipio Creek Marina (better known as Mill Pond to the locals), old fishing boats take on new looks by the hour, as ordinary objects have their very own day in the sun.

I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it’s because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it’s because we all came from the sea.

John F. Kennedy
Boats at Mill Pond, Apalachicola FL
Even on a day of rest, boats are busy making reflections with the help of natural light.
  • Tangled lines, Mill Pond, Apalachicola FL
  • Apalachicola, FL - light on old rope, old boat
  • Broom, Apalachicola FL -- Mill Pond
Natural light, natural highlights — ordinary objects take center stage.

In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.


Francis Bacon
Apalachicola, FL -- Reflections on old boat
Contrast of light and dark as an old shrimper waits its turn to head out for the day.
Apalachicola, FL -- gray rope in a heap
Natural light makes even the ordinary seem extraordinary, if but for a short time only.
Old boat, Mill Pond, Apalachicola FL
From the darkness into the light — and another day of work.

Life isn’t just about darkness or light, rather it’s about finding light within the darkness.

Landon Parham
apalachicola Florida - life preserver and door
Coming together in natural light — a life preserver and a door to who knows where.

For more examples of Natural Light, head to Amy’s post and take a look at the other entries in this week’s challenge.

As for us, we’ll just sail on!

Rusha & Bert

35 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #138: Natural Light”

  1. Marsha

    Rusha, you have some lovely pictures of sunlight beaming off of unexpected items like ropes and life preservers. That makes the post so much fun. You’ve been to so many places! If you get to AZ, give me a call. 🙂 I love the quotes, too, especially the one by John Kennedy. We are truly all drawn to water, aren’t we?

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thank you for your kind words. I loved these boats, and I probably have a hundred shots from here! A fun day!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. I just couldn’t take my eyes off of them. The contents especially were interesting — old and very used! Thanks for commenting!

      Reply

      1. restlessjo

        Like yourselves I love boats but don’t really know why. I’m not even a proficient swimmer 🙂 🙂

      2. Oh, the Places We See

        May it’s a desire to get away. I’m not sure. But we own several boat paintings and photos, just no real boat.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. Boats are a special subject for me, yet I have no idea why. I’m not a boater at all — just love the idea of getting out, I suppose.

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. We loved Apalachicola almost more than St. George Island. And old boats just have a certain charm.
      Hope you are well. Looking forward to Pawleys!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We both love boats yet we’ve never owned one or even been boating enthusiasts. However, we collect paintings of boats for some reason! The day we spent at this harbor was magical — maybe it was the sunlight or just the old, collected things on each boat. Whatever it was, we loved it. Magic, I guess!

      Reply

  6. pattimoed

    Wonderful choice, Rusha, for natural light. I really like how you focused on the “big” picture in this collection and the details. Really a great collection. I love the contrast in textures in your last shot.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much! It was fun taking the pictures but even more fun sharing them. Response has been positive, and I’m working on my photography skills as well. Hope your week is unfolding beautifully!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thank you so much. You would love photographing these boats. So many details!! Appreciate the comment.

      Reply

      1. Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

        I know I would 🙂 the photos are lovely, my pleasure 🙂

  8. Toonsarah

    I love all the details and the contrasts of light and dark. The natural light really brings out the textures! A great set of images 🙂

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. It was fun walking around all these wonderful boats and looking at the tools of the trade!

      Reply

  9. Photos by Jez

    Love the nautical theme, Rusha 😃 The ripples refelcting off the boat hull is definitely my favourite 😃

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. I had a great time walking around this marina. So many details. Appreciate your comment.

      Reply

  11. Curt Mekemson

    Good choices, Rusha, but it was the old broom that one me over. It could probably make a great short story. 🙂 –Curt

    Reply

  12. Tina Schell

    Some lovey examples Rusha – they remind me very much of our shrimp boats here in nearby Wadmalaw. I love going over there to capture the old boats and their paraphernalia. Your lighting on this one is beautiful.

    Reply

  13. Pat

    What wonderful choices for this challenge. I especially like your observation that light can make the ordinary look extraordinary.

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much! You always impress me with your photos, so I’m very happy you like mine today. Thanks!

      Reply

  14. Amy

    The photo of the first one is incredibly beautiful, Rusha. “ordinary objects take center stage” through natural light, these are remarkable images.

    Reply

  16. whippetwisdom

    Gorgeous images Rusha, I especially love the reflections of the water on the hull of the boats 💙

    Reply

It makes our day to hear from you.