This week Patti Moed in Lens-Artists in Challenge #131 encouraged us to get emotional in our photography.
Becky’s ‘UP’ Squares Challenge for January motivates us to square up all our pictures and tie them to the word UP, even it is housed in another supporting word.
To be honest, I’m great at getting the backs of people’s heads or other body parts, in this case. This little pouch clearly expressed his emotions as we passed him on the sidewalk.
“Please protect me, Dad. Pick me up – NOW!”
Speaking of needy and demanding pouches. We have one of our own. Puppy Girl, or Pee Gee, or PG Weegie, had no intentions of letting us leave home without her. No how, no way!
I went to the driver’s side to pick her up, and she scooted back to the passenger side. It takes two people to move this little mutt when she is determined. 🙂
Event pictures used to be my assignment as a Kiwanian at our July 3rd Blast. These kids clearly reflected joy as they splashed down the water slides and quickly scrambled up the ladder to go again.
Later in the evening at the July 3rd Blast, the families of Woodlake enjoy a spectacular fireworks sponsored by many of our local businesses. I didn’t take this picture, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen such awe expressed on a little girl’s face. Even the lady behind her smiles at the toddler’s enthusiasm. I’m sure it involved more than pointing up at the sparkling fireworks!
At another of our signature events, Toys for Joy, the parents shop and get the gifts wrapped while the children wait in another room. Apparently that did not bring joy to this little tot! His little sister looks on aghast not knowing quite what to say or do. Research says that girls mature before boys, and here’s one example.
She looks so stoic, like she’s saying, “Buck up, Bro.”
Emotions are enhanced, not expressed in this next picture. The colors, lights, and big screen shots manufacture excitement and joy to create ambiance at the Elton John concert in Las Vegas. Sorry Becky, I couldn’t bring myself to square up this picture even though Elton’s and the crowds’ expressions don’t show in the bottom section of the picture. They must have been thrilled to swarm around him as he played.
Finally, I want to end with a story. My brother and I took a trip to the Oregon coast and stayed in Newport, a fishing town for a few days. One day we took a boat ride out of Newport Bay into the Pacific.
At the beginning of the trip, the guide set out traps to catch crabs. When we returned, she pulled out the traps and showed us how to handle the crabs. I love the expressions as people watched her pick one up.
Then she invited her audience to give it a try. Nobody seemed super eager as she petted the crab’s tummy and put it to sleep.
Finally one brave girl stepped up to the plate and gave it a whirl. Look at the change in the onlookers’ expressions when she tried it. The uppermost thought in the white coat lady’s mind was relief.
Or maybe, “Mmmm, clam soup for lunch!”
Not everyone was convinced to try it.
Thank you Patti for offering this chance to examine how we capture people’s emotions in our pictures. Check out her site for more pingbacks and emotional pictures. I will try to be more cognizant of expressions and emotions from now on.
Attention Photographers
A hobby blogging friend of mine, Frank, is looking for photographers to collaborate with him on his website. He writes but wants to promote your photographs. It’s a great opportunity for fun and exposure. Contact him here. Collaborators – Beach Walk Reflections: Thoughts from thinking while walking (wordpress.com).
Announcements
- Tomorrow is our next Story Chat with author Anne Goodwin and her short story, “A Post Card from the Past.”
- Today I’m super excited that Carrot Ranch ran an interview about Story Chat in the Saddle Up Saloon.
- Autty Jade, A Day in the Brine hosts this week’s Writer’s Quotes Wednesday Writing Challenge – Change. Get your posts ready with quotes about change and your thoughts or photographs about the quotes and link to her post tomorrow.
Marsha Ingrao - Always Write 
40 responses to “#Lens-Artist Challenge #131 Emotions”
Crab curry is the best.. 😉
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That would be a pass for me. I’m not crazy about crab or curry. I had delicious chicken tortilla soup for lunch. mmmm Maybe one day I’ll develop a taste for curry and crab, but it’s too snowy today. 🙂 Have a great week, Lisa. 🙂
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You too.. 😉 the next weekend!!!!
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LOL for your two opening puppy photos Marsha – can’t say I blame your own little one for insuring she was along for the move!!! Also loved the crab story – who knew you could pet their stomachs – UGH!!!
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I actually was one of the ones who tried it, Tina. It was pretty easy. I didn’t put my hand pictures in the post because I was appalled at how old and wrinkled they were. It’s like a wake-up call when you see a picture and you realize those old lady hands are yours. I recognized my fingernails. LOL
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Oh dear – but just remember this Marsha….we are our own worst critics! Remember your bravery and sense of adventure instead of your wrinkles! We’ve earned every one of them!
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Earned, but have no wish to show them off to the world! 🙂
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Excellent. Pee Gee has Yoda ears!
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Yes, John, she does, and I had a nightmare last night about her ears.
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😱Yukky dream! 🤦♂️
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I know! It was weird. No crying, yowling, just this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. And Puppy Girl is the most pampered pet in the world.
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Great variety and stories, Marsha! That little PeeGee seems a real charachter!
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She is truly the love our our lives.
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♥
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You’ve captured quite a few different emotions there, Marsha. I love the crab collection. Who would have thought of putting a crab to sleep?
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Not I! It was a very fun trip except that Randy was too sick to enjoy it. I asked him why he didn’t say no to the trip when he knew he would get sick. I guess he just wanted me to have a good time. I didn’t even have any sea sick pills, poor guy. One of the other passergers gave him one, and he got by the rest of the trip, but he was pretty miserable.
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That was nice that Randy wanted you to enjoy the trip, but you probably would have enjoyed it more if he wasn’t sick too.
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Amen to that. I felt like a cruel and inhuman person, and there was no way to turn back. He just had to endure it. It’s a mistake neither of us will make again.
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It’s a difficult lesson to learn, but one worth learning.
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Who would have thought? Stroking a crab’s stomach puts it to sleep?? You’ve got a great collection here of a variety of emotions, Marsha. Great! Thanks for sharing them and telling us about the crab demonstration.
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You are very welcome. I would never have had the chance without your challenge.
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Wonderful emotions portrayed here, Marsha! I chuckled at Puppy Girl’s obstinate body language (“I dare you to move me!”).
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Obstinate is the right word! She’s slippery, too. You think you’ve grabbed onto that little 10 pound body, and poof, she’s on the other side of the car.
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Great photos . Little dog is so cute
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Thank you so much. They kind of look alike I thought. 🙂
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What fun! It’s not every day you can stroke a crab’s tum 🙂 🙂 Happy memories of kids climbing up and sliding back down again… and again!
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Fun times. Hope things get back to normal this July. Thanks for the comment, Jo. 🙂
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Love these emotive photos! The pups won my heart, as did the little boy watching the crab lady- so cute!
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Thanks so much, Jacquie. Do you ever use all these challenges you write or even read as fodder for any of your stories?
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Yes, some I do. I’m also putting together a short story anthology I hope to publish by the end of the year.
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That is so awesome. Congratulations.
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Great captures Marsha! The pup dog you captured and your doggie have resembalances. You even got their faces …lol. I think we’ll be able to have crab soon I’m hearing. My crabby days are gone after last week. Lol.🤣❤️
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Hi Cindy, I guess that why the dog appealed to me so much. She was making sure that I didn’t take advantage and carry her off to live with me! 🙂
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hahahaha I’m sure she was like ” that lady looks way too interesting in me” 🤣
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Yes, indeed. Point that phone somewhere else!
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What great moments! And I love your lil’ pup; she sounds fun 😃
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She is family. I found her on a walk eleven years ago and she’s been with us ever since. She rules the roost along with the two cats, who she now tolerates.
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Fantastic photos 💜😊
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Thanks, Willow. I had to search for these. You can’t search your iPhone for emotions!
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Lol
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