It’s simple.
The connections we make to people, places, things and ideas, are what give purpose and meaning to our lives.
Let’s photograph connections this week. Are you interested in the intricacy of mosaic art, or how the strings of a marionette bring it to life? How about railroads, rivers and bridges connecting spaces and places? Personally, I can’t have bacon without eggs, or paper without a pen. And it is impossible to ignore interactions of people connecting with each other and the world around them.
We have just returned from three weeks exploring Italy, Greece and Turkey. The first part of the trip was hush-hush. My brother and his family booked a cruise originating in Rome, and we would nonchalantly join them for his milestone birthday. Interestingly enough, when we exited the Parthenon in Rome, prior to the journey, my brothers’s family was outside contemplating the hour wait to get in. And our journey began.
Connections.
Every morning, for the next eight days, I peeked over the balcony to see if the ship had arrived at our new port, and was secure to the dock. Only then could we get out and connect, if you will, to the local community.
Hinges, handles and doors were a constant source of inspiration for me. Yes, they kept me out. They also kept me curious.
In Ephesus, archeological digs unveiled walkways made with dice-sized marbles connecting us to an ancient past. To think people walked these same streets thousands of years ago is humbling. To imagine the work behind the masterpieces they walk on is astounding!
In Crete’s old town we wandered the alleys in search of life away from tourists. We discovered a man in a shop, open to the street, making knives. Completely engrossed in his work, he didn’t appear to know we looked on. Don’t you love it when someone owns their space and wears the passion of exactly what they are meant to do?
It is one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, its another thing to make a portrait of who they are -Paul Caponigro
And it is those connections that make this big old world feel like a little village. – Gina Bellman
At a distance, Santorini appears to have been carefully painted white, and dotted with random, blue rooftops specific to the churches. To get to the top you can ride a burro or walk the 588 steps conveniently numbered for you. Yes, in Santorini there are too many tourists, and yet we still walked into what felt like a travel magazine. The houses are tucked onto the hill like building blocks and the tiny alleys connect us to what can best be described as a shoppers mecca.
Following the cruise, we bid farewell to my family and entered the Dolomites in northern Italy. Here we discovered a network of trails connecting us to peaks and prolific mountain meadows. Gondolas to the top are as convenient as cappuccinos so we are on our way at daybreak.
And the fierce connection I have to nature, is content.
Wind Kisses, Donna
Your turn. Have you ever thought about how photography connects the world? Nobody sees the world exactly the same way you see it, and our impressions are as unique we are. How you interpret this week’s challenge is up to you. Is it in people, a sports team, a beloved pet or maybe a mantra? From macros to wide open places, the interpretations are limitless. Have a nice weekend. I look forward to connecting with you throughout the week. Remember to use the Lens-Artists tag and/or link in the comments so we can find you.
Last week we stepped out of reality with John’s challenge, AI. For something that felt intimidating, it was a great conversation to have and the AI art was phenomenal. There is always room to learn something new, and John sure gifted us that opportunity. I am already looking forward to next week’s challenge with Ritva. Join her Saturday 12:00 EST to enjoy her exquisite photography, and the world as she sees it.
Interested in knowing more about the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.