Patti invites us, in this weeks Lens-Artists Challenge, to consider the shots we take – those which have a foreground – perhaps introducing the scene; middle ground – perhaps what the shot is ‘about’; and background, setting the shot in its conetxt, and rounding our ‘story’ off.
I’ve chosen three watery shots. The first, the featured photo, is so freighted with memories of a calm, peaceful November evening at l’Albufera, Valencia, full of peace and joy that I can’t really judge it on its merits. I like the swell of the rippling water in the foreground. The middle ground merely has a bird (I can’t any longer remember what kind) pausing on that pole: for me providing a little context. And the background is surely that dramatic evening sky?
My second is also an evening shot: a beachside walk in my daughter’s home town in Spain. There are seashore strollers silhouetted in the foreground. The Mediterranean itself provides middle-ground context, with no action whatsoever. And there’s Barcelona in the background. Or is Barcelona part of the middle ground, with the sunset providing the backdrop?
I come closer to home for my last shot, to Knaresborough. The raven perching on the wall is a surprising visitor to the photo, perhaps acting as compère, describing the scene behind: the quiet River Nidd and riverside houses. Behind is the commanding viaduct. Is this background feature actually the dominant part of the image? Three sides of the shot are framed by trees, giving a slightly bucolic air to this urban scene.
This was an interesting challenge, Patti. I think that in some ways the techniques you describe start to become more instinctive the more time one spends with camera in hand. But it’s good consciously to revisit them and think about them anew. But looking out of the window at the rain, I think I may give photography a miss this weekend!
From Pyrenees to Pennines 
These are terrific, Margaret. The seaside shots are great examples but a wonderful shots in their own right. And th bridge is a very handsome bridge (and a handsome compare).
LikeLiked by 1 person
The viaduct IS terrific. And I imagine that if I’d lived there at the planning stage I’d have been in the vanguard of the protest movement to Save Knaresborough From the Horror of a Railway Viaduct! Thanks Elke.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the raven shot, Margaret. Didn’t you do well! Albufera is a lovely memory for me, too. Happy weekend xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too Jo. And sorry I got distracted from our ‘conversation’ the other day. Life got in the way! xx
LikeLike
It does! I finally made it to my rooftop today xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the Knaresborough shot, there is so much to see in it. And the raven, off-centre, is perfectly placed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a very obliging raven then! Thanks Jude. The raven made a classic Knaresborough view a little different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t choose a favourite here! They all fit the brief perfectly and are great images in their own right. Perhaps the serenity of the first shot just edges it in front of the others, but I do also love the silhouettes and the distant city in your Barcelona shot, while the viaduct in Knaresborough (aways a great subject for a photo) is further enhanced by the foreground raven 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, thanks for that thoroughly positive critique Sarah! The first one is my favourite of the three too – always will be. But that’s memories rather than the photo itself. But it was an easy scene to show a positive image of!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Margaret
You showed very well the different gist of water. We love most the peaceful atmosphere of your first picture.
ThanksThe Fab Four of Cley:-) 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. There was peace there. Utter tranquility. Unforgettable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great set, Margaret and I must say I am in agreement with Sarah’s comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then perhaps you’d be willing to share my response to her. Thanks Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All three are striking although it’s clear that the first shot resonates with you most. Because your first two are Spanish, your third made me think of Ronda. I need to make time to go further north after visiting my Yorkshire friend and see Knaresborough for myself.
LikeLike
You must! I’d be pleased to be a tour guide!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be lovely! We’re crossing the Pennines after Holmfirth this year, visiting a chum in Stockport.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Knaresborough et al would be rather a big detour from there 😒
LikeLiked by 1 person
Margaret, your choices are amazing. The beauty in each scene is enhanced by your precise use of foreground, middle ground, and background. Great gallery!
LikeLike
Gorgeous photos, all of them. I have the very same scene of Knaresborough (minus the raven) hanging in my bedroom. A painting I bought at an antiques shop when I visited there many years ago with my daughter and father-in-law.
LikeLike
Loved all of your choices for the challenge Margaret. They are so different but each is wonderful. The opener is striking for its serenity, the middle is a gorgeous sunset with the figures giving it extra interest, and the closing image is postcard perfect. It would be a great entrant for a photo contest. Really beautifully done.
LikeLike