Lens-Artists Challenge #318 – Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places
I am drawn to nature as the main subject in my photography. Vast landscapes, intimate scenes, wildlife, wildflowers, and even nature abstracts appeal to my eye. So, it was with great joy that I embraced Patti’s lens-artists challenge this week. She asked, “as we search for beauty in surprising and unexpected places,” we should “keep in mind that we’re thinking of beauty in a wider context–beyond the typical.” Check out her post and see the beautiful images she shared.
Besides nature, I often find unexpected beauty in dilapidated buildings, barns, and rusty cars. I think there is implicit history in these subjects. Do you also find them appealing? Here are some images I selected for the challenge.
The following two photos are from a Big Bend Ranch State Park visit. We visited this old farm area used by settlers. Walking around, I could see scenes of hard times and get a sense of their simple lifestyle in this remote area. History was everywhere.
The following images are closer to home. I like biking county roads and looking at fields and farmhouses. Sometimes, I see a barn and wonder if it will still be there the next time I ride by that area. Changes are coming fast in the wide Austin metro area. Unfortunately, progress often destroys traces of our lives.
This final set is about transportation, or what is left from vehicles forgotten on a field, along a road, or in the back of a barn.
When I first visited Mariscal Mine in Big Bend National Park, I saw this car on the side near the old mine office. It grabbed my attention. A few years later, I could not locate the vehicle during another visit. Had it been washed away during a storm or removed from park grounds?
What was it like to travel in a stagecoach?
What about milk deliveries directly from the farm?
These are pieces of our history being left behind as witnesses of days gone by.
In closing, here is a typical Texas farm scene with an old truck and Bluebonnets.
To give you an idea of how much these unexpected jewels catch my eye, this last photo was something I saw as I was going home after a bike ride. I had passed the field but had to turn around to capture that image.
Last week, we traveled the globe with Tina’s Walking the Neighborhood challenge. I marveled at the surroundings you shared in your posts. As photographers, we do seem to pick beautiful areas in which to live. Your photos showed me that.
This week, Patti challenges us to show “beauty in surprising and unexpected places.” I can hardly wait to see your responses and the beautiful images you will highlight in your posts. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when responding to it so we can easily find it in the Reader.
Next week, Ann-Christine (of Leya) will present a new challenge. Tune in next Saturday at noon EDT in the USA. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
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Cee Neuner
Love the old cars and stage coach photos, the best this week 😀
Egidio Leitao
Oh, Cee, you put a smile on my face. Thanks for the compliment.
Tina Schell
Fantastic post Egidio! I loved them all but the old cars are my favorites. The image with the bluebonnets is really special. I also loved that beat-up old barn. Really great finds, captured perfectly as always!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Tina. I can’t get enough of old/rusty cars.
Writing to Freedom
This is a fun and unique take on Patti’s challenge Egidio. I like the stage coach, buildings, and car images. Somehow they look better in your Texas landscapes than here in Arkansas where they often look like trash.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Brad. In some instances, I really had to zoom in to eliminate the distracting and trashy backgrounds, e.g., the stagecoach.
Terri Webster Schrandt
I’m drawn to rustic buildings, too, Egidio! Yours are beautifully photographed. Sad to read that Austin’s growth may cause removal of some of these. Oh the stories they could tell!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Terri. I appreciate the comment. Yes, I often think about the stories those old structures/vehicles could tell.
Anne Sandler
Wow Egidio, I loved this post–from the barns to the cars. The images are full of texture and color.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne. I enjoyed finding those images for this challenge.
Rebecca Cuningham
Texas charm gets me every time. Fabulous.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rebecca.
pattimoed
What a terrific post, Egidio! Your photos highlight the beauty of these historic ruins and the layers of “story” they convey. Outstanding!
Egidio Leitao
Patti, thanks for the compliment. This was a really fun challenge pushing us to see beyond obvious beauty.
Teresa
Quite a find Egidio, especially the modes of transport. Love them.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Teresa.
I. J. Khanewala
Beautiful photos. And I’m really glad I can see your posts again.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, I.J. I’m happy to see you’re getting my posts. Sorry for the hassle you had to go through.
margaret21
Unexpected beauty – and a real sense of history here.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Margaret. I think the historical aspect of these scenes attract me.
margaret21
👍
Inside the Mind of Isadora
There’s something about old houses, cars and rock formations. I think they scream history. There is always a story in something that’s aged. Your selections are stellar. BRAVO!!!
Isadora 😎
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback. I agree with you about the history in those scenes. Thanks!
Sofia Alves
Charming photos, Egídio and you did capture the history and possible stories behind those cars and buildings. There’s something fascinating about scenes like the ones you shared with us, your photography made them even more interesting.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Sofia. Your comments are heartwarming.
restlessjo
The barn is my favourite, Egidio. Poor thing!
Egidio Leitao
Jo, I agree. I need to drive that road and see if the barn is still there. Thanks for your comment.
Leya
Fabulous! Love the rusty old cars and the farmland with old barns.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Ann-Christine.