“To acquire knowledge, one must study;
but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”
―
It is a great honor to be your host for this Lens-Artists Photo Challenge and to be part of a community of observers. Thank you for visiting my blog and getting to know me. I look forward to getting to know you, too!
The artist’s gaze, the photographer’s eye, when cast on a subject begins a relationship. That relationship can grow into a deep affection and a profound wisdom. It is that aspect of relating to your subject that I invite you to explore in this challenge. 
“We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection.” ―
I am a very visual person, as you might be also, and consider observation to be the first tool in my learning kit. To look carefully, curiously, enthusiastically, enduringly, and lovingly at something changes me. I begin to feel connected to that subject. I develop an affection that fuels further and deeper observation and understanding. 
“Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins as in art with the pretty. It expands through successive stages of the beautiful to values as yet uncaptured by language. ” ― Aldo Leopold
scillagrace 
Hmmm. Inscrutable, little grasshopper. Beautiful photos, as always, and foooood for thought. Game on!
Thanks, John! Looking forward to seeing your response!
Good
All of these images are stunning, especially the field of coneflowers with the lone swallowtail. Thank you!
My pleasure! Thanks for your visit!
Pingback: Among the wildflowers – Suzy Blue
Wonderful post; the photos and the perspective on nature.
Thanks, Anne!
what a topic. Easy, but at the same time very challenging. I love your butterflies and your story of becoming an earth advocate. Top! https://solaner.wordpress.com/2021/04/24/lens-artists-photo-challange-145-getting-to-know-you/
Thanks! I’m glad you could join the challenge!
You’re welcome 😊
It’s fun getting to know you and seeing your gorgeous photography! Wonderfully clear shots, focused on critters I love with a delicate balance from the flowers! Perfect!!
Oh, thanks so much!
Hi, Priscilla. We’re delighted you’re hosting this week and chose this terrific topic. It’s a great idea. I’m sure you’ll inspire a lot of us! I love how you show how photography helped you make a connection to Mother Earth and nudged you towards becoming an active environmentalist. That’s truly wonderful. Photography gives us the gift of “sight,” doesn’t it?
It sure does…such a great gift!
Hmm … lovely images and I like the balance of colours in the photograph of the caterpillar.
Thanks, Khurt! Glad you could visit!
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #145 – Getting to Know You | Travels and Trifles
Loved your post as well as your challenge topic Priscilla. You’re so right about learning to love and the many steps it takes to get there. My response is here and highlights my love of Kiawah’s beautiful marshes https://travelsandtrifles.wordpress.com/2021/04/24/lens-artists-challenge-145-getting-to-know-you/
Thanks, Tina!
I will visit your post when I get home.
Such a beautiful and inspiring theme and post, Priscilla. “the photographer’s eye, when cast on a subject begins a relationship”, very well said. Love the monarch butterfly caterpillar. The field of coneflowers, how amazing!
Glad you enjoyed it! I look forward to reading yours. 😊
I am looking forward to writing and posting my challenge-response to your theme later this week. It’s a great topic and I am looking forward to sharing my take on the challenge. Your quote on the photographer relating to the subject is spot-on!
Looking forward to reading your interpretation, Johnbo!
Priscilla, this is a beautiful and thought provoking post. I love that nature is a passion of yours. She’s not political, sometimes demanding that we take care of her, but always there for us to appreciate her beauty. Thanks!
My pleasure, Anne! Glad to share your passion.
Pingback: Lens-artists Photo Challenge #145: Getting to know you. – Calling-all-RushBabes
Your post is very inspirational! Lovely shots, Scilla. Had a very busy weekend so will try to post as soon as I can.
Thanks, Teresa! Take your time…I have been on the road, so it’s taking me a while to read all the submissions. So fun to get to them now!
I came here via Tina’s post this morning. What a beautiful world we inhabit. I’m glad we have people like you to cherish and observe. Thank you for your lovely post 🙂 🙂
My pleasure! I’m so glad you came to visit!
Pingback: Getting to Know You – Anvica's gallery
I thought I left you a comment, but I don’t see it, if I repeated it, I’m sorry.
Congratulations on the topic, although I think it will not be easy for me. Your photographs are very beautiful.
You did a great job on this topic! You have a relationship with seeing so many beautiful natural and cultural sights around the world.
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge – Getting to Know You – photographias
Big topic and difficult to follow your beautiful post. Had to put my thinking hat on…
Here is mine:
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2021/04/25/lens-artists-challenge-getting-to-know-you/
I’m so glad you did! I enjoyed your delightful post on Glasgow!
Nice to meet you, Priscilla. I’ve popped over from Tina.
A great post and a fascinating theme for this week’s Lens Artist. I’m off to think about my response
Thanks, Debbie! I look forward to Getting to Know You through your post!
Pingback: Admiral Lord Collingwood, a forgotten hero ~ Travel with me
Like Jo, I came here via Tina’s post. I love your images of these beautiful flowers and insects. I also love your idea for a theme – one thing I especially enjoy is getting to know people through blogging. Here’s my response, introducing you to a forgotten hero from a place that’s dear to my heart: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/admiral-lord-collingwood-a-forgotten-hero/
Thanks for joining the challenge! I enjoyed reading about “that noble fellow” and learning more of the history of my ancestral country. Well done!
Nice photos.
I really like how you’ve captured detail and colour here. There’s a sense of vibrancy without it being overbearing.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.com/2021/04/25/valleys-lone-crown/
Pingback: Melt | What's (in) the Picture?
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #145: Getting to Know You | This is Another Story
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #145: Getting to Know You | The World Is A Book...
Gorgeous! I’m looking forward to the bigger butterflies arriving in a month or two. As of now, I am happy to see the Cabbage White flitting about. They are always the first to arrive, and the last to leave, hardy little butterflies.
Thanks! I find migratory butterflies amazing. To imagine something that delicate enduring a global journey blows my mind!
Pingback: Sunday Stills: Celebrating #Pets and #Kids – Second Wind Leisure Perspectives
I love what you did with this theme, Priscilla. I realized after reading yours and Tina’s that my Sunday Stills post celebrating pets and children works for your theme today! Your butterflies are gorgeous and I appreciate your affection for nature. Here is my post: https://secondwindleisure.com/2021/04/25/sunday-stills-celebrating-pets-and-kids/
Thanks for joining us, Terri!
Pingback: Following Pronghorn: LAPC & WWP - bend branches
I love pronghorn! They are unique and symbolic of trips to National Parks in the West. I always find that Nature has things to teach us when we observe with an open heart & mind. Great response!
I don’t think my pingback worked, so here is a link to my contribution: https://wp.me/p59O59-5LD
I love your wildflower photos! Thanks for joining us.
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #145 Getting To Know You | AEKShots
The more we look the more we see – especially if we look beyond the obvious. Love how all the pics are related to monarchs. Thanks for sharing your wonderful images with nonphotographers like myself.
Thanks for visiting, Frank! I’m glad the pictures invited you in to see more.
Hi, Priscilla. I’m back with a link to my post. I wrote about our experience with a fascinating culture when we visited Fiji.
Beautiful post, Patti! Thanks again for coaching me through the hosting process. I was without WiFi for a few days, so I hope my replies aren’t too tardy. I’ll be home tonight!
Hi, Priscilla. Sure. No worries. I’m delighted to lend a hand! You picked a wonderful topic!
Pingback: Get Close Just to Know You – From Hiding to Blogging
I love your bison photos!
Here is my entry: https://cxianliu.wordpress.com/2021/04/25/get-close-just-to-know-you/
I’m here from Tina’s post. Always nice to meet other people in the blogging world and see what makes them tick. I love the way you introduce us to a mere caterpillar and then lead us into your personal journey. Lovely photographs. I will see what I can come up with from my part of the world.
Jude xx
Thanks, Jude! I’m glad you came to visit!
Your photos are wonderful! I have attracted monarchs to my yard for the past several years. Milkweed abounds. A few weeks ago I was incredibly fortunate to be checking on a chrysalis at the exact moment that the butterfly began to emerge. I was able to capture this miraculous event on my phone and I have posted the video on YouTube https://youtu.be/of-B6kHKZNg. I hope you’ll take a look! I will post my submission to the challenge shortly.
What a magical moment to observe! Thanks for posting!
I appreciated your description of your journey towards becoming an advocate for the earth. The monarch photos are lovely, Priscilla. I have milkweed seeds that I plan to plant for them soon. They need all the help they can get!
Here’s my contribution this week. It’s about my connection with pronghorns.
Butterfly habitat is disappearing so fast. Thanks for supporting these migratory miracles by planting food for them! I love your pronghorn reflection. 🙂
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #145: Getting to Know You – Slow Shutter Speed
Love your eye and thoughtfulness, a wonderful theme! Now I find it difficult to know what to post on though, as nature is my own love as well. Love your flowers and monarchs! I will find something for you later on in the week – so glad you said yes to hosting and choosing such a beautiful theme.
I know that you will find something you have photographed lovingly and beautifully. I look forward to seeing it!
I am trying, Priscilla. Coming soon…
Pingback: Shoot, edit, repeat – Don't hold your breath
The photo of the caterpillar is wonderful. The Danaus butterflies are really wonderful. You built up the story beautifully. Interesting challenge. Here is my response
Pingback: Sunday Stills: Celebrating Past Pets – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write
Priscilla, you post is beautiful and I love the topic. Your butterflies are amazing. It gives us a chance to share something we are passionate about. Here is my post. https://tchistorygal.net/2021/04/25/sunday-stills-celebrating-past-pets/
Pingback: Spider Lines | What's (in) the Picture?
Great posting . nice to meet you… yes the photographer is ua love i like it to with histoire place’s. so it will be honer to visit my blog and tell me your opinions..👍💐
Partnerships in nature are always fascinating, both for the mind and visual aspects.
Maybe that´s the answer why it´s human nature to watch these animals hover their subjects.
Lovely photos and I have learned quite a handful.
Thank you for hosting this wonderful Theme!
My pleasure! Thanks for your visit.
Relation between butterfly and flowers 😍😍😍👌👌👌
Pollinators are so very important. Let’s protect them!
Ya sure 👌
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #145 – Getting To Know You – John's Space …..
Great job, John!
Pingback: Photo Challenge – Dewdrops – MINDING MY P'S WITH Q
Great perspective for a beautiful shot!
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #145: Getting to Know You – Jedi by Knight
Here is my small contribution: https://thisandthatthenextpart.wordpress.com/2021/04/26/lens-artists-photo-challenge-145-getting-to-know-you/
I love your response! I was thrilled to find myself in Paddington Station when I visited London decades ago. Thinking of the bear from darkest Peru just made me smile.
I am glad you like my post.
Pingback: Super Pink Moon – Nes Felicio Photography
Pingback: Getting to know you – Word Play at Midlife
Pingback: Chick Lit – Reflections of An Untidy Mind
Thank you for hosting the challenge this week and the wonderful topic. I enjoyed so much hearing the stories behind your lovely photos. The earth is such a beautiful and fragile place and its care is our collective responsibility.
Hosting has been a pleasure! Thank you for participating and for caring deeply about our fragile home.
Pingback: Getting to Know … Me! – My Camera & I
Pingback: Lens-Artists #145: My Island “Home” – Musin' With Susan
Pingback: Getting to Know ICM – David M's photoblog
Pingback: Sun | What's (in) the Picture?
Great images. So colorful and an amazing photo of those butterflies. Hope my pingback works.
Thank you! Yes, I have the link here and am just going over to visit. 🙂
Pingback: Lens- Artists Challenge #145 Getting to know you. – 100 Country Trek
Absolutely beautiful pictures 😍☺️
Thank you so much!
Pingback: Impressionist Garden View | What's (in) the Picture?
Pingback: Getting to know your Art, messy ever after – justbluedutch
Excellent example of a growing relationship…you and your Art. Thanks for sharing!
Hi there! I managed to write something about my Art Journey. Here´s the Link of my Post.
Thanks once again for hosting this wonderful challenge. See you around!
Fabulous!
Thank you!
Pingback: Getting To Know You – One Woman's Quest II
Thank you for joining the challenge and sharing your relationships…to birds, photography, your life journey, and your wonderfully supportive husband! It’s great to see that you are sustained in your recovery. Great post! Wishing you all the best. 🙂
Pingback: lens artists photo challenge getting to know you – photo roberts blog
hi priscilla, wonderful nature photos that you have chosen for the challenge theme, here is my contribution for this week, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-3Li.
many greetings robert
Danke! Your black & white photos are stunning. 🙂
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #145: Getting to Know You – Cee's Photo Challenges
What a beautiful post and concept for this week. Isn’t fun to co-host?
Here is my entry for this week. I hope you enjoy it!
I did enjoy your post! And I really enjoyed co-hosting, too. It’s such a delight to have an online community, especially in these connection-challenged times. 🙂
Love your post and the topic!
Thank you! I hope you are participating, too. 🙂
Pingback: Life Among The Pads | Out of My Write Mind
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #145: Getting to Know You | Murtagh's Meadow
Pingback: Hungry Monarch Caterpillars – Wandering Dawgs
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #145: Getting to Know You | Leya
Finally – https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2021/04/28/lens-artists-photo-challenge-145-getting-to-know-you/
Excellent and beautiful and touching! I knew you’d do a great job!
♥
Pingback: Getting to Know You – Cornwall in Colours
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #145: Getting to Know You | Kanlaon
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Getting to Know You | Journeys with Johnbo
Such beautiful photos, so inspiring. Not sure that I will take part in the challenge or maybe. However it was beautiful to read such descriptive words.
I’m glad you came to visit, and I hope you are enjoying getting to know something that you find fascinating and engaging in this beautiful world.
Great ❤️
Thanks!
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #145: Getting to Know You – MobsterTiger
Pingback: Haibun: Ancient Harmonies – Whippet Wisdom – a Highland Journey
Gorgeous images Priscilla and thank you for hosting this lovely challenge! Our contribution for this week, focusing on the music in our lives, is here: https://whippetwisdom.com/2021/04/29/haibun-ancient-harmonies/
Wonderful post! Music draws me in like nothing else. Thank you for including videos!
Thank you kindly dear Priscilla and thank you for your hosting this wonderful challenge!
My pleasure!
Pingback: Diptychs of Natural/Unnatural – Elizabatz Gallery
Your diptychs are absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing them!
Gosh – that field of coneflowers is amazing!
If you ever see echinacea in a drugstore, you can now picture where it comes from!
I won’t have to wait that long – I have some of the tea in my cupboard!
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #145 – Getting to know you – A Photo's Worth
Pingback: L-APC: Getting to Know You – Wanderlust and Wonderment
Pingback: Lens-Artists Challenge #145 – Getting to Know You – Svetlana's Photography
Amazing portraits! Great job!
Pingback: Blossom | What's (in) the Picture?
A wonderful theme and your post Priscilla.
Thank you! It was a joy to put together.
Pingback: Five things Friday: Getting to know you – Eat, Play, Live
Pingback: photo challenge 30 April – Appeltjie
Pingback: Sunset | What's (in) the Picture?
Thank you for this theme, Scilla. It was very timely for me. Your butterfly images are beautiful!
Thanks, Sue!
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Getting To Know You, Batavia | The Nature of Things
Pingback: ~ Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #145: Getting to Know You ~ | Lindy Low LeCoq
Late – but here’s a bit about me!
https://lindylecoq.com/2021/05/01/lens-artists-photo-challenge-145-getting-to-know-you/
Beautiful water photos!
Pingback: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Focus on the Details | scillagrace
Pingback: My Photo Week in Review: 05-02-2021 – Musin' With Susan
Beautiful Pictures ❤
Thank you so much! I appreciate your visit.
Stunning photos 🤩
Thank you! I’m glad you came to visit!
Welcome 🤗
Pingback: Valley’s Lone Crown | Stupidity Hole
thanks for sharing such natural pics
My pleasure!