This week, Patti invites you to delve into juxtaposition as a photographic method. While out on a stroll, seek out subjects that differ in color, shape, texture, structure, or scale, highlighting contrasts between various environments, cultures, landscapes, and individuals. Feel free to apply post-processing techniques such as modifying brightness and contrast or cropping to ensure your subject(s) are prominent.
Juxtaposition refers to the act of placing two or more things, ideas, or concepts alongside each other, often to highlight their differences or similarities. A simple explanation; that is what resonates most with me. I must admit that I invested time in searching for photos for this, which isn’t as easy a task as one might assume, at least not for me. Even having an idea of where to find the appropriate photographs was a bit of a challenge. However, this is indeed part of the challenge.
First thing that came to mind – young, old, mother and a child, each representing the different stages of life and the unbreakable bond between generations. Photo was taken in Thailand. Same in the animal world, the header image is of the black bear and its cub I saw in Whistler in British Columbia.
Even if I don’t have a photo of this, I can vividly picture a scene that captures this essence, showcasing the mother or father with her child playing joyfully in the park, while the older generation watches fondly from a nearby bench, sharing smiles and stories. This moment encapsulates the beauty of familial love and the lessons that are passed down through the ages, reminding us of the importance of cherishing every fleeting moment together.
Some years ago, we saw this albino mallard and the usual brown female side by side in Padasjoki here in Finland. This unexpected sighting was particularly captivating, as the contrast between the striking white feathers of the albino and the rich brown of the female created a beautiful tableau against the backdrop of the shimmering lake. It was a first for me, and I found myself drawn to the uniqueness of the moment, marveling at the wonder of nature. I thought it would be suitable for this challenge, as it perfectly encapsulated the beauty and diversity of wildlife that often goes unnoticed in our everyday lives.
A city skyline in Singapore that beautifully merges contemporary skyscrapers with historical structures, illustrating the contrast between past and present in urban architecture. The harmonious fusion of sleek glass and steel designs with intricate buildings from earlier times crafts a compelling visual story, encouraging us to value the deep history while also celebrating cutting-edge architectural trends. I was really struck by the contrast, and it was even more concrete as I took in the view from a higher viewpoint.
When visiting Hong Kong, this contrast was fascinating to me. A traditional Chinese junk boat sailing in the harbor, with its vibrant red sails, juxtaposed with the stunning skyline of sleek skyscrapers, beautifully highlights the contrast between the rich historical maritime culture and contemporary urban architecture. As I stood looking at these boats sail against this backdrop, it felt unreal in a way, even though I knew the tourists were using them.
A solitary figure perched on a rocky peak, (my husband) I savored the breathtaking mountain landscape that unfolded before me, feeling the beauty of nature envelop me, illustrating the delicate balance between the grandeur of the natural world and my humble existence within it. I took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp, invigorating air, rich with the scent of pine and earth. The silence was profound. This scene became a poignant reminder of the simplicity and peace found in moments like these, where every detail—from the vibrant hues of the sky to the intricate patterns of the stones—spoke to the timeless beauty of the environment and humbly reminded me of our place within it.
I saw this in Florida, a man interacts with an egret on a pier, the connection between humans and wildlife. This moment illustrates not just a simple act of feeding, but a deeper bond formed through respect and understanding of nature. The majestic egret, with its striking white feathers, captivates with its grace and poise, reminding us of the beauty that exists in coexistence.
These to cows came to share our umbrella, on a Goa beach shows the mix of Indian culture with a lively tourist scene. As they graze on the sand, under the colorful beach umbrellas and sunbathers go on with their sunbathing .Their curious looks contrast with their farm origins against the busy atmosphere of holidaymakers. This scene captures a moment where rural life, connected to the sacredness of cows in Indian culture, blends with the relaxed vibe of the coast, sure made me to think about the coexistence of different worlds.
Last week, I sought out unique crops, and you all came through. I was thrilled by the diverse approaches you took, even though you mentioned it was challenging. It wasn’t apparent. There are numerous discoveries to be made if we present them differently to uncover the often overlooked curiosities that exist. Thank you all for participating.
I hope you will join in for this week’s interesting challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to Patti’s original post
Make sure to return on Saturday, February 28, at noon Eastern Time for an exciting new challenge from John at Journeys with Johnbo. I hope you’ll be there to join us! In the meantime, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset ❤️
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 