“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.
“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.
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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Michael Williams
spectacular photos! the switch from landscape to macro to landscape again was a perfect trip for the eyes. Mike
Egidio Leitao
Mike, thanks a million for this enthusiastic feedback. I very much appreciate that.
Rupali
I agree with you Egidio, we need moments of serenity. We need to lift our spirits and calm our minds. You have shown wonderful examples.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for your kind words and feedback, Rupali.
Not all places are for tourists | mazeepuran (माझे e-पुराण)
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Lens-ArtistPC24-348-Serenity – WoollyMuses
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Rebecca Cuningham
A bit of Friday serenity, now. ; ) Thanks! https://fakeflamenco.com/2025/05/16/serene-nature-photos/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the link and great photos!
Rebecca Cuningham
Thanks to you as a great host and photographer.
Murtagh's Meadow
Beautiful post – I love the green fern especially
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Karina. I love photographing ferns.
Sue
Here at last is my contribution, Egidio: https://suejudd.com/2025/05/16/lens-artists-348-serenity/
Egidio Leitao
Sue, many thanks for the link. I left a response on your blog. Great photos you posted there.
Prior...
Hello, I wanted to say thank you for hosting this week – my fav was the foggy and misty mornings section – and I really liked your choice of quotes and diverse nature shots.
Here is my link for my post this week: https://wp.me/p1VBv6-eFT
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much. I just checked your post and left my comment there. Thank you so much, Ivette.
Serenity (Lens-Artists’ Photo Challenge #348 ) – priorhouse blog
Pingback: […] Thanks to Egidio, from Through Brazilian Eyes, for hosting this week and giving us the theme of Serenity- here. […]
Yanaj *
Another inspiring and uplifting challenge, superb pictures, and beautiful lines, Egídio. Utterly enjoyed! – Here is my contribution: https://beingamazedcom.wordpress.com/2025/05/15/%F0%9F%93%B8-lens-artists-challenge-348-embracing-serenity/
Egidio Leitao
Yanaj, your feedback is wonderful. I appreciate the strong compliment. I’ll rush to your post now.
Yanaj *
Most welcome, Egídio. I loved the challenge & your post!
📸 Lens-Artists Challenge #348: Embracing Serenity… – BEING AMAZED: Observations of a Female World Traveler
Pingback: […] week’s Lens-Artists Challenge ‘SERENITY’ is hosted by Egídio from ‘Through Brazilian Eyes’. An important topic, that encourages […]
Lindy Le Coq
Such compelling examples, Egídio! I’m afraid my offering is a bit pedestrian, however I so enjoyed this challenge as it does help me stay focused on what’s important in life! Egídio.
https://lindylecoq.com/2025/05/14/lens-artists-challenge-348-serenity/
Egidio Leitao
Lindy, thank your for this wonderful feedback and compliment. I just saw your post and left my reaction there. That was a gorgeous post.
sandyjwhite
I feel so much calmer after viewing your gallery, Egidio! Great topic.
Egidio Leitao
Sandy, this is very rewarding to know the photos made you feel calm. Thank you.
Lens-Artists Challenge #348: Serenity – /ˈsnæp.ʃɒt/
Pingback: […] from Capturing My World Through Brazilian Eyes is hosting the Challenge, and his theme is, ‘Serenity‘. ‘Last week, Ritva asked us to break the rules,’ says Egídio. ‘This week, […]
A Morning of Serenity - Heaven's Sunshine
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Terri Webster Schrandt
A remarkably apt post at this time, for me, Egidio. I’ll join you tomorrow. Your photos are the very definition of serene. The fern and yellow flower say it all.
Egidio Leitao
Terri, I’m glad the theme resonated with you. I’ve been exploring serenity and quiet times to alleviate the chaos we are living in these days. Thank you for your compliment.
Philo
My contribution
https://philosophyvia.photos/2025/05/13/lens-artists-challenge-348-serenity/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for posting the link, Philo. I’ll check your post.
Pondering That Red-Eye Flight – Nes Felicio Photography
Pingback: […] 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. – Egidio on the Lens-artists challenge on Serenity […]
Serenity on the Road | The Day After
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Lens-Artists Challenge #348: Serenity, Part Deux – John's Space …..
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I. J. Khanewala
Lovely photos to illustrate your topic, including two unexpectedly serene ones: the shot of the alleyway in Evora and the white sands. I would have hesitated to include them for the topic, but both work.
Here’s mine: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2025/05/12/emotions-recollected-in-tranquility/
Egidio Leitao
I know what you mean about the unexpected shots. I never think of a city as providing serenity. Both Évora and White Sands are magical. All one needs to do is move away from the busy streets or trails. Thanks for commenting and adding your link. I’ll check the post right away.
Tish Farrell
There are all very soothingly lovely compositions, Egidio.
https://tishfarrell.com/2025/05/12/serenity-inside-and-out/
Egidio Leitao
Tish, thanks for the feedback and link. I’ll reply to your post right away.
Joanne
Thank you, Egidio, for such a great challenge! Serenity is something we all need to find in these times. Looking at your pictures, and those posted by everyone else, projects a profound sense of stillness and calm.
Egidio Leitao
Joanne, I’m glad you like the challenge and everyone’s responses. I’m enjoying what I see, too. By the way, I tried to see your post, but it’s not showing up. I click on every possible link, but the site never loads from the entry page. It’s probably a temporary WP glitch. I’ll check it later.
philosophy through photography
What a beautifully tender collection of words and reflections—each image and quote felt like a soft exhale after a long day.
I truly appreciate how you’ve captured serenity not as an escape, but as a quiet rebellion against chaos.
Thank you for this peaceful pause in an otherwise noisy world.
Homebound image, my fav.
Egidio Leitao
Your feedback is so thoughtful. Thanks for taking time to write this. I appreciate it. Glad you also found a fav.
philosophy through photography
Welcome, my friend
Emotions recollected in tranquility – Don't hold your breath
Pingback: […] photography. How can you compose good images, control the behaviour of a complex machine, without a serene and detached mind? The featured photo is a contemplation of bad weather through the windows of a […]
Peabea
The Gentleness photo looks very serene as does the Water Lily. Love the reflection.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much for your feedback.
The Trip to Lofoten #2, the Fishing Villages – From Hiding to Blogging
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restlessjo
That water lily is just fabulous, Egidio. And I’m a sucker for shorelines at sunset xx
Egidio Leitao
So glad you liked these. Thanks, Jo.
Leya
Egidio, among all your beautiful posts, this one has a special place in my heart. Serenity. The word in itself is magnetic, and your images are exquisitely showing the theme. Love that fern – just like so many other commenters said. It is magicla.
Egidio Leitao
Ann-Christine, I am touched by your words. It is very rewarding to get your compliment. I’m glad the post has a special place in your heart. Thank you.
PR
It’s a great theme with very nice examples. I am trying so hard to search for any image in my collection that brings to mind the moment I felt serenity but none of them is giving me that feeling. May be my current state of mind is not comprehending serenity!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, PR. I hope the images you see today will bring you the serenity you’re looking for.
robert heft
hello egidio,
a wonderful theme and an interesting selection of pictures i like them very much especially the 1st and 2nd.
here is my contribution to the challenge week, https://wp.me/pfnz9O-In.
many greetings robert
Egidio Leitao
Robert, thanks for the detailed feedback and your link. I’ll look at your post. Thanks.
lens-artists photo challenge – serenity – photo robert blog 3
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Anne Sandler
Beautiful Egidio! We all need to find those special places. We are in the beautiful Gold Country right now, so I will publish my response when I get home.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anne. Enjoy your day out! Gold Country sounds like a beautiful place.
Bozeman Hot Springs: LAPC & FOWC - bend branches
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Tina Schell
One of my favorites of your many beautiful posts Egidio. Each image speaks to the soul but in its own way. Like Sarah I especially loved the fern which you turned into a piece of art. I expect some wonderful responses this week and appreciate your turning us away from the chaos if just for a few serene moments.
Egídio
Tina, your comment warms my heart. Thank you so much for this feedback. I’m overflowing with joy with the responses I’ve seen. Thanks for your kind words.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Beautiful images Egídio, I especially love the natural scenes and it is lovely to see all those places where we can find serenity. Our contribution for this week’s lovely challenge is here: https://tranature.com/2025/05/11/seeking-serenity/
Egídio
Xenia, I’m happy you liked the images and found serenity in them. Thank you. I’ll hurry to your post right away.
Lens-Artists Challenge #348 – Serenity – LEANNE COLE
Pingback: […] host this week is Egidio from Through Brazilian Eyes and he is asking us to look at SERENITY. Is it just me, but when I think of serenity, the first […]
Lens-Artists Challenge #348 – Serenity | Travels and Trifles
Pingback: […] often eludes us of late. Be sure to visit and link your responses to Egidio’s beautiful post here and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. As always we look forward to seeing your […]
Heyjude
I think we all need a good dose of serenity at the moment in this mad world. Love the fern photo.
Egídio
It’s wonderful you liked the post and photos. That fern image is getting a lot of good feedback. You’re not alone there. Thank you.
Steve Schwartzman
Your opening photo does a good job of conveying serenity in a landscape.
Egídio
Steve, many thanks for such kind words. I’m glad you thought so. Thank you.
Toonsarah
What lovely photos – I especially love the green fern unfolding 🙂 A great them too, reminding me to slow down and appreciate the moment. Here are some occasions when I did just that: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-serene-moments-around-the-world/
Egídio
Sarah, thank you for kindly commenting on the post. I’m happy you liked the theme. I’ll write my comments in your post.
Stupidity Hole
Nice, pleasing shots in this one.
I particularly like the last one as the sand in it looks unreal.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.com/2025/05/11/silhouette-against-clouds/
Egídio
I’m very thankful for your kind words. I’ll comment on yours right away. Thanks.
Teresa
You have found some amazing photos, Egidio. Especially the quiet laneway at night time. Here is my entry https://wanderingteresa.com/serenity-found-outdoors/
Egídio
Teresa, your words are soothing. Thank you for such a lovely comment. I’ll check your post right away. Thanks.
Serenity – Anvica's gallery
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Marianne
I love your gallery, especially the one of a deserted street.
https://anthropologist.wordpress.com/2025/05/11/lens-artists-challenge-348-serenity/
Egídio
Marianne, thanks for your feedback. I’m glad you liked the gallery. Also, thanks for sharing your post. I’ll comment there.
Ana
What a wonderful post! Both in pictures and words. And how necessary serenity is!
Egídio
Ana, I’m happy you liked the post and theme. Thank you.
Lens-Artists Challenge # 348: Serenity – Marianne Villanueva
Pingback: […] Lens-Artists photo challenge is Edigio. One of the pictures in his gallery was taken during a late-night walk in Evora, Portugal: “The serenity in those narrow and deserted streets created a sense of […]
tgeriatrix
https://geriatrixfotogallerie.wordpress.com/2025/05/11/serenity-in-a-spanish-town/
Egídio
Thanks for sharing your post. I’ll comment there.
Serenity in a Spanish town – Geriatri'x' Fotogallery
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Leanne Cole
Great challenge Egidio, I agree so much we all need to find that serenity in the world today. I love your photos for this too, that fern image is incredible.
Egidio Leitao
Leanne, that fern photo seems to be gaining a lot of admirers. Thank you for your comments.
Lens-Artists Challenge #348: Serenity – John's Space …..
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JohnRH
Great theme, great photos, great quotes. Excellent! 👏
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, John.
JohnRH
Mine. Starter post? https://fairplay740.wordpress.com/2025/05/10/lens-artists-challenge-348-serenity/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the link, John. I’ll comment there.
JohnRH
Number Two: https://fairplay740.wordpress.com/2025/05/12/lens-artists-challenge-348-serenity-part-deux/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you.
bushboy
Quite fabulous Egídio. So many wonderful photos. The water lily and fern are my favourites
Here is my contribution
https://bushboy.blog/2025/05/11/hear-the-silence/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Brian. I’ll check your post right away.
eklastic
I adore that stunning fern. And you’re right they take so much time to unfurl. Truly a serene prolonged moment.
Egidio Leitao
You and me. Ferns always fascinate me. Thanks for writing.
Brad Volz
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
Brad, what a wonderful reply to the challenge. Your words are comforting. Thanks for your comments.
margaret21
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
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.
margaret21
Not today, nor tomorrow … but soon.
marina
Beautiful serenity images. The deserted street in your photo reminds me so much of my hometown in Italy.
Egidio Leitao
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.
serenity – IN PRIMO PIANO – a photo blog
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Dawn M. Miller
I’m having a heck of a time leaving a comment here.
Fourth try…
Dawn M. Miller
Finally!
Good post, Egidio.
Good topic. Very inspirational. Love the lotus and that deserted street.
Egidio Leitao
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.
Dawn M. Miller
OMG…now I am SO embarrassed!
Egidio Leitao
Don’t worry about it. WP does these things often.
Egidio Leitao
I’m sorry WP is not cooperating.
Dawn M. Miller
Not your fault, i just wanted you to know there was an issue in case comments were sparse and you were wondering.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks.
Wandering Dawgs
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
Beth, I’m happy to read your note and how you connected with the theme. Thank you.
Sofia Alves
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
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.
Lens-Artists Challenge – Serenity – photographias
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photobyjohnbo
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
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.
Steve Schwartzman
I’ve occasionally experimented with night shots using long exposures during which I purposely move the camera or zoom the lens.