Lens-Artists Challenge #287 – Sound
“Let’s photograph Sound this week,” Donna proposed in the latest Lens-Artists challenge.
A traditional photo, by itself, cannot directly show sounds. Photos capture a single moment in time. A photo preserves visual information, such as colors, shapes, and positions, but not sound. How can a photographer capture sounds? There are several ways to create an association between a photo and sounds, making it seem like the photo itself “shows” the sound.
With music being one of my passions in life — I even have a website where I review Brazilian music — it would seem fitting to open this post with that giant guitar at the entrance of a Disney World ride. Can you imagine the sound it would make if it were real?
With that musical lead in mind, when you look at these two musicians, I am inclined to say you can hear the music they make. Look at their expressions, for example. Facial expressions and body language often can show emotions and actions that suggest specific sounds.
The guitarist on the left is the amazing Guinga, the premier Brazilian guitarist. I was lucky to have met him in Austin, Texas, a few years ago. Besides making amazing music, he is a great guy. The other Brazilian musician is Gabriel Santiago. He got his Ph.D. here at The University of Texas at Austin and lived in Austin for many years. He’s presently living in Colorado. If you ever have a chance to hear them, do not miss the opportunity.
Here is another example of sound being present in a photograph. When I visited Chicago, I spent some time inside the Holy Name Cathedral. Although no one was playing the organ, I could almost hear its rich sound by simply looking at the organ pipes. Be sure to click the photo for a full experience.
One way to bring sounds into a photo is by using visual cues to evoke sounds. For example, photos capturing motion or action can hint at the sounds associated with that movement. Can you hear the ocean waves in the photos below? In the second photo, you may even “hear” the sound of the water shooting up through the hole in the rocks. These photos were captured in El Sunzal Beach, El Salvador.
Many of my nature photos can sometimes show the sounds I was experiencing when I captured those images. Here are some examples. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers some of the best swimming holes in Austin. All it takes is plenty of rain to keep Barton Creek flowing. This is often a busy area with many people swimming and playing. The first photo is a lot quieter than the second image, with the waterfalls flowing strongly.
These next four images should clearly show the sound that water can add to photos. They were captured at the Balcones District Park. The top set shows the fall area when it is dry. The bottom set adds the sound of rushing waters.
All of the above four images were photographed in the same area. Not only do they change visually, but the water also adds the sound a viewer would experience.
Donna, thanks for bringing up this interesting challenge. It is fascinating what things can add to our photographs. Please leave a comment on the host’s original challenge post, and make sure you use the hashtag “lens-artists” in your post.
I hope you enjoyed last week’s challenge in Anne’s post. I certainly enjoyed seeing everyone’s images and takes on the challenge. Join us next week when Ritva will introduce her first official Lens-Artist challenge. We look forward to your joining our challenges. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
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Archer
it always surprises me how water can change the feel of a sound. my father always tells me that loud water and very quiet water are things to be careful with, but for everything else have fun lol.
love the cathedral shot – you can really see how much thought went, not only into the architectural acoustics, but even in the lighting arrangement to suit the mood of the sound! enjoyed the post egidio!
archer
Egídio Leitão
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback, Archer. I agree with you about the effect water has in everything. Thanks again.
Brad Volz
Fun photos Edigio! Capturing sound photos is an interesting challenge. The guitar photos are clever and I remember Barton Springs from years ago traveling to Austin.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Brad. Barton Springs is still there and gets very busy when there is water in the creek.
100 Country Trek
Thanks for sharing this idea Anita
Egídio Leitão
You’re welcome, Anita.
Marie
Seeing sound. Great photo to show seeing sound.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks so much, Marie.
Khürt Williams
Those swimming holes look so inviting.
Egídio Leitão
They really are, Khürt. The water is very refreshing. Thanks for writing.
philosophy through photography
Wonderful examples, Egídio.
Love the water clicks and my fav too.
The guitar photos seems to be popular overall.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Phil
philosophy through photography
You are welcome.
Paradocs Photography
Great set Egidio! The photos of the guitarists are so well done!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the feedback, Patrick.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Il suono più evocativo in queste foto è quello delle cascate. Amo anche il suono dell’organo. Buona settimana, Egidio!
Egídio Leitão
Grazie, Luisella. Anche le cascate sono le mie preferite. Buona settimana!
margaret21
A really evocative take on the challenge. Those shots allow me to get in touch with the backdrop of sound, whether it’s guitar playing or tumbling water.
Egídio Leitão
Margaret, thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I appreciate your kind words.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
Water sounds, I do love them, even rain sounds nice
Egídio Leitão
Oh, yes, especially rain for me, too. Thanks, Ritva.
Tina Schell
Beautifully done Egidio. The organ is magnificent, I’m happy you suggested clicking on the image, it makes quite a difference! Also loved the guitar, maybe my top choice this week among all of the responses because it is just so perfect for the challenge! Terrific post.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, Tina. Your kind words are very much appreciated. Yes, I noticed the small thumbnail was not doing justice for the organ. I’m so happy you liked my take. You, Sofia, and a couple of others made reference to the comparison of sound/no sound in the end. Thanks, again.
Wind Kisses
Such a beautiful post, Egidio. I smiled at the feature photo and you could have stopped right there as it made the point. A great photo! But as I read on, it got even better and more in depth, very true to you. The photo of the cathedral is stunning and I agree it would be quite the experience to hear it being played. But my favorites are of Barton Creek. I imagine it does get crowded, but what fun to swim there. Outstanding variations of sound, Egidio.
Egídio Leitão
Donna, it means a lot to read your encouraging and complimentary words. Yes, Barton Springs gets loud in the summer, especially if there is enough water for swimming.
Wind Kisses
Thank you Egidio. I love your vision and you ability to inspire others, me included.
Anne Sandler
Great examples for this challenge Egidio! I loved the organ. It presents a blending of sight and sound. Your water images also blend sight and sound. I especially liked that you showed an area dry and again with water flowing. I could hear the difference. Well done!
Egídio Leitão
Anne, I am thrilled you caught the intent of those last four shots. I wanted to show how much our perception of the same scene can change with the presence of water. Thank you for your feedback!
Sofia Alves
Fantastic post, Egídio. I love the organ one but for me you nailed the challenge with your last set of with and without water. Yes, the difference is awesome.
Egídio Leitão
Sofia, you and a couple of other people mentioned that. I am so glad you got my intention in showing those sets of photos. Thank you for your feedback.
Pat
Nice selection of photos, with text that pulled it all together. I could definitely hear the water and the music. Thanks.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, Pat. I appreciate your feedback.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Beautiful evocative images Egidio and sitting with each of them, a sound emerges 😊
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Xenia. I appreciate your feedback and kind words.
pattimoed
Another beautiful and thoughtful post, Egidio. 😊😊 Your nature images always shine. But I loved the huge guitar and the 2 musicians. The expressions on their faces shows the intensity of their emotions and their love of music. I didn’t realize you are passionate about music. Do you play too?
Egídio Leitão
Patti, thank you so much for your supportive feedback and words of praise. To answer your question, yes, I do play the piano. I have not done that in a few years, but I do play it.
pattimoed
You’re very talented, Egidio.
sandyjwhite
Great collection of sounds, Egidio! I love the music water makes.
Egídio Leitão
Sandy, I’m the same way. Water has a very soothing effect on me. Thank you for your feedback.
sandyjwhite
My pleasure.
Inside the Mind of Isadora
These are wonderful examples of the word ‘Sound’.
The first photo has a striking impact when viewed. Isn’t it just like Disney to have impactful creations
on display. I’m not familiar with Brazilian music. I’m off to give them a listen. Great entries … Isadora 😎
Egídio Leitão
Isadora, thank you for your feedback. I appreciate your kind words.
Inside the Mind of Isadora
You’re very welcome 😎
photobyjohnbo
I love the guitar, but my favorite is the shot at the church.
Egídio Leitão
John, thank you for your feedback. I wish we could have heard that church organ sound.
Leya
Egidio, this is of course a wonderful post – but unfortunately I can only see the first three images! I will try again tomorrow if they might show up then.
Egídio Leitão
Ann-Christine, thank you for the feedback. I hope all photos will appear the next time. I double-checked here to see if there was any problem, but all was ok.
SoyBend
I liked the quiet and louder versions of Barton Creek. It does look like a great place for a swim!
Egídio Leitão
It is a fun place and gets very crowded when the creek has water. Otherwise, it’s dead.
Marsha
I love how this post ties in with your topic for this week. 🙂
Egídio Leitão
Marsha, it’s a natural progression, isn’t it? Thanks for pointing it out.
Marsha
Thanks for the topic. I have my post scheduled on Wednesday.
Egídio Leitão
You’re welcome, Marsha. I’m happy you’ll participate in the challenge.
Marsha
Thanks! 🙂 Nice challenge.