The host of this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge, Tina Schell, couldn’t have made a more profound statement for photographers at any level: it really is all about the light.
To love beauty is to see light.
Victor Hugo
Whether it’s soft, early morning light or rays turning everything gold just before sundown, light transforms ordinary objects into studies in contrast, all in a matter of moments.
Consider these photos taken in Apalachicola, Florida, one early spring afternoon. Near downtown, these old buildings — once thriving destinations for conducting business or serving vacationers — are now hauntingly deserted, but still magically aglow at sundown.
Further away from downtown Apalachicola, shrimp boats at Mill Pond stand waiting for another longed-for run into blue waters.
For those who love authenticity, antiquities, and relics of another time, it just doesn’t get any better than these working boats in Apalachicola — a real find for photographers and boat lovers of all ages.
It’s that interplay of light and shadow that bring these boats to life. Or make you do a double take as you notice some items receding into shadows while others pop out, awash in afternoon light.
After staring at the long row of boats, we became enamored with how light played on useful objects — like these coils of rope and cable ready to be tossed out into deep waters. But in their relaxed state, they’re almost art forms.
Sunsets are proof that endings can often be beautiful too.
Beau Taplin
Perhaps it’s too much to say this mariner’s “at the end of his rope,” but what else would be appropriate for a day on the water, away from everyone and everything, doing what you do best? Definitely a good end to a good day.
And, of course, it’s all about the light!
For more examples of how light impacts photos, check out Tina’s blog, Travels and Trifles. If you want to add a post of your own, be sure to add the tag Lens-Artists at the end.
Enjoy the light!
Rusha & Bert
I. J. Khanewala
What a lovely selection of everyday things in someone’s life, and in such wonderful light!
Oh, the Places We See
I love these old places, especially old yet still working boats!!! It’s the little things!
I. J. Khanewala
Yes, the way things have been patched together shows age and care. That comes through in those photos
Leya
Ah, what a great place, well captured by you! Love old things just like you do – and your collections here are beautiful.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for your sweet words. I do love old things — even old buildings. Not sure what that says about me, but I’m too old to change — and I love that, too!
Leya
Haha, yes, I love that too. And, old dilapidated buildings are my favourites as well.
WanderingCanadians
Lovely pictures. I like that you are able to find some beauty in a deserted town.
Oh, the Places We See
Well, the whole town isn’t deserted. Just a section of the old town that’s no longer in business. The newer part is thriving, and I love shopping there. Thanks for taking a look!
Greenglobaltrek
Wonderful collection of photos here! Couldn’t agree more. It IS all about the light and as an artist that’s the first thing one needs to look for! The lights and the darks. And as you’ve illustrated so well, very important photographic feature as well.
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for your comment and for noticing some of the lights and darks in these photos. I love mornings or afternoons, but when we travel, we have to take the shots whenever we can.
JohnRH
GREAT photos. Love the light vs shadow. Also, something about weathered and rusted man-made things vs Nature. Nature usually wins!
Oh, the Places We See
I like weathered objects and buildings, especially old barns and boats. Not sure what that says about me, but it is what it is. Thanks for always taking a look, John.
Toonsarah
Apalachicola looks like the sort of place I would love to take photos! I really like those old tumble-down buildings, but my favourites of your images are the close-ups of the ropes, cables etc – especially that last one with the rusting chain 😀
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for the comment. I don’t know what it says about us, but we love old, decrepit barns, buildings, even ropes. I love those close-ups of roping just because I love the details and the natural look of things. We do have a lot in common!
Toonsarah
Yes, I love all that sort of thing!
Anne Sandler
Rusha, great post! I loved your photography which illustrated the topic so well. I also loved your subjects.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Anne. I love old buildings, old ropes, old anything really! There’s a certain aging that just can’t be duplicated, unless it’s just more of the real thing. Appreciate your comment.
Anne Sandler
I love old stuff too, especially anything rusty. Rust has so much texture and color.
Oh, the Places We See
Rust is good!
Wind Kisses
What a great collection. And what a wonderful place to wander with a camera, you are right. Living art…..
Oh, the Places We See
It is living art, and I’m so glad you commented on it. I’m also pretty fond of old things — houses, furniture, even ropes!
Wind Kisses
Yes, I was thinking that about the ropes too.
Sue
Love the images of that building in Apalichicola, especially, Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Sue. I’ve even seen it framed and on sale in a gift shop there, so others like it as well.
Sue
I want a print!!!
Pat
What a beautiful set of photographs. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Pat. It was fun looking through my photos — and many of my favorites have light affecting them.
Pat
I have a few years of photos that haven’t been tagged so I’ve been working on that so I don’t have to spend so much time searching for those special ones. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
So smart. I really need a rainy day and the commitment to get my photos in order. You’ve made me think about it, at least!
Pat
I hope you do less thinking about it than I have. LOL
Tina Schell
What an amazing spot Rusha, loved your images. The light was really glorious and well-captured.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I love old warehouses, boats, etc.