Lens-Artists Challenge #352: Mellow
Soft, gentle, and harmonious qualities are three of several characteristics that bring mellow attributes to a photograph. In the image above, for example, a soft, muted color palette dominates the scene. The leaning grass blades convey a sense of calmness and freshness, evoking the photographer’s experience in the field. All these elements work together to create a soft and soothing visual experience. The image is very mellow.
Mellow is the theme that Sofia gave us this week for the lens-artists challenge. Please visit her post to see the beautiful photos she shared and some guidelines that can help you achieve mellow photography. I will attempt to share some of my images, which hopefully align with Sofia’s ideas. I must disclose that I rarely think of mellowness when I’m composing a photo. I feel the scene and capture it to the best of my ability.
From Sofia’s post: “I want to focus on a different mellowness: a sense of softness, in tones or shapes, the slowness of a summer holiday, for example. That kind of relaxation.“
The natural soft hues of an Evening Primrose and ambient lighting help highlight a mellow quality to this image. Even the shape of the flower is mellow. Its petals are curving with the water weight.
The earth tones of Gregg’s Mistflower in the winter create a mellow palette that is enhanced by distant shades of soft greens in the background.
What is a soft, bright spring morning on a field of Hairy Buttercup flowers embracing Evening Primroses? Can you feel the freshness of the air and the mellow surroundings?
A shallow depth of field also helps create a dreamy bokeh. These Texas Vervain flowers seem to float and appear from thin air. Macro photography such as this brings out relaxed moments.
Soft motions, light hues, earth tones, natural light, and a shallow depth of field are just a few techniques to bring out mellowness in photography.
Last week, Ritva got us all thinking about books. Many of us enjoy quiet moments with a good book as well as visiting libraries on our trips. This week, Sofia takes us to mellow places through photography. I’ve already seen such beautiful responses. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader.
Next week, Beth (of Wandering Dawgs) will present her first challenge as our newest team member. I am super excited about what she’ll contribute. 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 Evening Primrose, Greggs Mistflower, Landscapes, Lens-Artists, Macros, Texas, and Wildflowers. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Leya
A perfect post, Egidio – as usual. It emanates calm and harmony in every piece. Thank you.
Egidio Leitao
I thank you for your kind reply. I appreciated that.
JohnRH
Great photos Egidio. Well done, as always.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, John.
Prior...
your photos were excellent for mellow – the softeness and the nice hues – wonderful
Egidio Leitao
Yvette, thank you for your kind feedback. Much appreciated.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, all of your images are very mellow. Thanks for explaining some of your techniques. The raindrops and the Spring are my two favorites.
Egidio Leitao
Beth, I’m happy you liked the photos. Thank you.
Toonsarah
You may not think about ‘mellow’ when you compose an image (nor do I!) but you certainly know how to capture it 🙂 The atmosphere in these shots is very restful and mellow.
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, thank you. Yes, we feel the scene without thinking of any labels.
photobyjohnbo
Mellow! I love those grasses!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, John. I have been trying to get photos of those grasses for a couple of weeks now. Every time I visit that preserve, I feel the breeze and want to capture its effect on the grass.
Klausbernd
Hi Egidio
Thanks for showing us your harmonious pictures. They really radiate calm.
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thank you kindly for these reassuring words.
philosophy through photography
Egidio, such a serene stroll through light, tone, and texture. 🌾
Each image whispers calm — not posed, just felt. The softness, the stillness, the quiet bokeh — all melt into a mellow mood that lingers. A lovely pause for the eyes and the mind.
Egidio Leitao
Philo, your kind words sooth my soul. Thank you very much.
philosophy through photography
You are welcome, Egidio. You made my day.
Rupali
All so relaxing, Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rupali.
Sofia Alves
I feel the mellow flowing through your wonderful post. It’s funny you say you don’t think about mellowness when composing and yet I always get this sense of deep calmness from your photos.
Egidio Leitao
Sofia, this feedback is very rewarding. Thank you. I think that mellowness permeates my photos without planning to do so.
margaret21
Such quiet, soothing shots.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Margaret.
shoreacres
I remember you mentioning Texas Vervain in your response to one of my posts, and here it is, in a lovely photo.
I’m more and more impressed with your images. While you say you’re not a professional photographer, the quality they exhibit belies that claim. I like your theme, as well. I’ve thought now and then of changing themes to allow for larger images, but themes I think might suit are available only through the business plan, which I can’t afford. I need to look around more.
On another topic, I was browsing your site and found a photo of a plant I recently found on the Sundew Trail: Glandularia tenera, the Latin American or mock vervain. I’d never seen it before, and now here it is again!
Egidio Leitao
Linda, the Texas Vervain always attracts me when I see it. The plant is so classy with its small flowers. Your compliment is very rewarding. I appreciate your feedback. As for the theme, Virtue does have a free version. I don’t know how it compares with the yearly plan.
That South American Mock Vervain was identified in iNaturalist. The person who confirmed it was sure of it. I have only seen it in a preserve (not open to the public).
I. J. Khanewala
Perfect mellow moments: ripening grain, raindrops on petals, purple flowers in a sea of green.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a miliion, I.J.
Anne Sandler
Soft, muted colors have made your post so mellow Egidio! I loved it. Your narrative also sent out softness. Well done!!
Egidio Leitao
Anne, this was a difficult challenge for me. I struggled with what I was going to show. I’m glad you liked the images and text. Thank you.
Tina Schell
Your post is truly wonderful Egidio – you nailed the brief for sure. Loved all of the images and your technique is terrific. The second and third images are my favorites this week.
Egidio Leitao
Tina, I’ thankful for your feedback. I confess that mellow was not in my mind when I captured those images. The moments just spoke to me and caught my eye.
Leanne Cole
Wonderful images Egidio, very mellow indeed.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Leanne. I appreciate your feedback and compliment.