Lens-Artists Challenge #348: Serenity

Gentleness

In her presence, a quiet dawn breaks,
soft and steady, like the first light of day.
Ahmed Gamel

The world is in constant chaos. If not close to our doorstep, we just need to look around. Wars and conflicts seem to be everywhere in one fashion or another. We are left with two options: to let things bog us down or to look for serenity to lift our spirits and calm our minds. Serenity alleviates today’s problems for me. The featured image translates as serenity and calm, with those gentle waves lapping at the shore with their repetitive sound and motion. A walk at sunset or sunrise can bring serenity. Here are other serenity examples.

The stars know everything. How you hold me close when the world feels too loud.
Widad

I still vividly recall our late-night walks in Évora (Portugal). The serenity in those narrow and deserted streets created a sense of stillness. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Homebound

In the tranquil woods, I wander, each tree a thought, each breeze a lesson.
Immortality

Serenity in nature’s details teaches us about the small wonders we sometimes overlook. It is always around us.

When water is still, your reflection is clear, a mirror of peace, drawing the heart near.
Hex

A single flower in bloom brings up its delicate beauty. It can be a moment of quiet appreciation and serenity for the soul, eyes, and mind.

She brings the rain, the world turns grey, yet melts the clouds, she clears the way.
Asher

Foggy and misty mornings, obscured details, and soft gradients lend an ethereal and quiet atmosphere. Explore those scenes to find serenity.

In the ‘silence’, I find serenity.
Sudzedrebel

Stripping away distractions and focusing on simple forms and negative space can create a feeling of peace, clarity, and serenity. Try minimalist compositions.

White Sands NP

Water, deserted city streets at night, macro photography, the power of one, atmospheric scenes, and minimalist compositions are just a few possibilities to bring serenity into your photography. How do you find serenity?

Last week, Ritva asked us to break the rules. Your beautiful photos taught us that photography can be emotional, even without rules. This week, I’m challenging you to find serenity in your photos. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader.

Next week, it is Tina’s turn to share a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.

That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you might also be interested in others featuring Cityscapes, Évora, Fern, Landscapes, Lens-Artists, Macros, National Parks, Portugal, Water lily, and White Sands NP. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.


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18 Responses

  1. Brad Volz
    | Reply

    This is a heartfelt and timely challenge Egidio. And your photos, mixed with perfect quotes, point us toward serenity in nature and the moment. I especially like the night street, yellow flower, and white sands. Well done. To finding and carrying serenity with us. 🌷😍

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Brad, what a wonderful reply to the challenge. Your words are comforting. Thanks for your comments.

  2. margaret21
    | Reply

    This is a great idea for a challenge, and you’ve set the bar high with your own images. You’ll be glad to hear I’ve just been for a short local walk this evening, where I knew I’d find serenity, and taken some shots especially for this challenge, Watch this space!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Margaret, many thanks for your positive feedback. As for setting the bar high, I hope the variety of examples will actually simplify the challenge. I look forward to your photos.

  3. marina
    | Reply

    Beautiful serenity images. The deserted street in your photo reminds me so much of my hometown in Italy.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Marina, thank you for commenting on the post. Isn’t it wonderful that several European cities have that same vibe. Your hometown must be just as beautiful as Évora.

  4. Pingback: […] Linked to Lens-Artists […]

  5. Dawn M. Miller
    | Reply

    I’m having a heck of a time leaving a comment here.
    Fourth try…

    • Dawn M. Miller
      | Reply

      Finally!
      Good post, Egidio.
      Good topic. Very inspirational. Love the lotus and that deserted street.

      • Egidio Leitao
        | Reply

        Dawn, WP is having a hard time waking up today. Your first comment is here, too. I’m glad you feel inspired with the post and photos. Thanks for writing.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      I’m sorry WP is not cooperating.

  6. Wandering Dawgs
    | Reply

    Egidio, I love this post. I feel the serenity in every one of your images. The single flower with it’s reflection in the water is stunning.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Beth, I’m happy to read your note and how you connected with the theme. Thank you.

  7. Sofia Alves
    | Reply

    Évora is my mother’s birthplace, it has a special place in my heart. Your photo of it is beautiful and definitely captures the mood there. Times has its own pace in the Alentejo 🙂 Wonderful challenge, Egídio.
    Here is mine:
    https://photographias.wordpress.com/2025/05/10/lens-artists-challenge-serenity-2/

    • Egídio
      | Reply

      Sofia, I’m glad the Évora shot connected with you. We loved our time there. Our house was just up that street. Thanks for your link, too.

  8. Pingback: […] Posted for Egídio’s Lens-Artists Challenge […]

  9. photobyjohnbo
    | Reply

    Egidio, I love that night shot in Portugal. European streets are so charming with their narrow roads, especially those that are too narrow to support those new-fangled automobiles.

    • Egídio
      | Reply

      Thanks for the feedback, John. Portugal was a good place to experiment with night shots. I generally don’t bother with night photography because I rarely have a tripod with me.

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