Lens-Artists Challenge: Symmetry

~ oneletterup

Inspired by Lens-Artists Challenge #116: Symmetry

This week, we invite you to explore Symmetry as a way to create dramatic and impactful images.  Show us your images that use vertical, horizontal and/or radial symmetry. 

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Symmetry is…calming. Nice and orderly. Perhaps predictable.

Gee…what’s been missing for the last 6 months?

When I read Patti’s description of symmetry as it relates to photography, I realized many of my favorite shots inadvertently head in that direction.

For instance…horizontal symmetry is illustrated below. A walk with a friend one afternoon prompted…I have to stop and take a picture of this!

There was just something about the scene that drew me in…

Exeter River, Exeter, NH

Many walks in the woods behind my condo building are made possible by a long dirt path littered with stones, leaves, twigs and errant branches. It becomes muddy in Spring (although not this year, as we are experiencing a drought) and icy in Winter.

A few months from now, when the trees are bare, much more space will open up and the path will appear to widen. But now…with leaves just beginning to drop and colors starting to turn from green to yellow to red to orange to brown…it feels just right to me.

Vertical symmetry…

During one of those walks in May, I spotted a row of leaves, which to my eye appeared to be waiting in line. Hanging out – all fresh and new – ready for Summer, which was fast approaching.

Their veins exhibited nature’s predictable patterns in impressive detail.

Perhaps symmetry within symmetry?…

And then there are flowers. I discovered a plethora of socially distant sunflowers during recent gotta-get-out-of-the-house visits to a local farm this summer. One day I was lucky enough to find a bee who would hold still. Bonus!

Radial Symmetry Sunflower

Last, but not least, a small town baseball field captured my attention back in August. Empty no doubt because of local restrictions on gatherings…but ready nonetheless.

Vertical Symmetry
Play Ball…Please

Published by oneletterup

33 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge: Symmetry”

  1. Great point about our lack of predictability this year! Maybe that’s why symmetry is so calming to the eye and to us, in general! Your examples of symmetry in nature are beautiful! I love the blues in your reflection image. Stay well and stay safe!

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      1. I think I remember us talking about this some months ago…I don’t recall your photo(s) exactly, but we agreed symmetry was “calming, peaceful”…something like that 🙂

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      2. I remember too, but I also don’t remember the specific photo – but I’m thinking it was an outdoor shot (which I know doesn’t narrow it down!). 🙂

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      3. Probably 🙂 Did your blog go to Block today–as in no choice anymore?? My life was finally on the upswing…and now I have to learn Block 🙂 I’m trying to give myself pep talks…not sure they’re working. Aarrgghh!!!

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      4. That happened to me a few weeks ago. I just use a few features of it. You can keep choosing “classic block” each time and it will be the same or quite similar to what you were doing before. Doing an online chat with their help function people answered key questions for me. Annoying all the same.

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      5. That’s right, I remember now that you already made the change–for some reason I thought it was your choice… Maybe I’ll wait till the weekend to deal with it 🙂

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      7. Thank you! I’m spinning–over the news of the Trumps testing positive for Covid-10…and the ripple effects like Dow falling. Every time we catch our collective breath another shoe drops.

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      9. Each day brings “who know what” is aptly said, Andrea!! I guess I was thinking ‘he’s’ so virulent that even Covid would stay away from him 🙂

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  5. I’m with Ann-Christine – symmetry within symmetry is a wonderful image and a great example of the concept. Lovely post Andrea – here’s to a time when we no longer are so in need of calm!!!

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