Lens-Artists Challenge #297: Music to My Eyes

lens-artists, Photography

Egídio has a topic this week Music to My Eyes, my first thought was panic. Music, love it, inspired by it, absolutely. Do I remember what and when inspired me…not really, not so clearly.

He wrote; Do you use music as inspiration? YES A song’s mood or lyrics can spark ideas for a photoshoot’s theme or location. I AGREE Sometimes, it happens before you capture the image, and sometimes after. ABSOLUTELY Thus, this is my twist (pardon the pun) for this week’s lens-artists challenge. What is music to your eyes? CHECK BELOW ☺

My music taste has changed over the years. It has evolved that is a fact. I am really drawn to artists like Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole. That style of music is so stylish – emotional, full of timeless classics and soulful tunes that resonate with me on a deep emotional level, takes me on a nostalgic journey, evoking powerful emotions and painting vivid pictures in my mind.

Well, a song shot is Stormy Weather by Etta James

I love the sea the power, the moodiness and strength of it. This is a song that always gets a strong reaction from me – I tear up nearly every time. I have shared this before in my Saturday Classic posts, but here I go again. Myrskyluodon Maija by composed by Lasse Mårtenson. I encourage you to listen to this even if you do not listen to any other song here.

I grew up in the disco era, but it is not in no way my favorite style of music, it has few really great hits and I just saw an document of the beginning of disco and the death of it as it became commercialized. How about some Post-disco funk celebration by Kool & the Gang after all that stormy weather.

I listen often from all era’s and from many genre’s. Each musical style carries its own unique essence and can evoke such a range of emotions. Country music has a profound way of storytelling, capturing life’s experiences through its heartfelt lyrics and melodies. Alternative music, on the other hand, offers a diverse landscape of sounds and themes, constantly pushing boundaries and defying conventions. I could list many singers that inspire me and are meaningful to me, but then I would not have room for photos and that is what we are looking for.

I have many singers who inspire and hold special meaning for me. The impact of music on our lives is immeasurable, and the artists who create it often become an integral part of our own personal narratives.

Speaking of photos, they have a unique power to capture and encapsulate memories, just like music does. Combining the visual and auditory arts can create a truly immersive experience, allowing us to relive moments and emotions in a tangible way.

Sunsets often bring up vivid association with songs, John Hiatt was a singer I listened to at one point of time. Lipstick sunset often comes to mind when I see pink sunsets.

Lipsticks sunset

Or you could sail away with me by David Gray

Summer Breeze by Seals & Crofts was playing in the back of my mind when I went through what photos I could post for this challenge.

I listened to this song and this is what I was able to create Near Light an instrumental Ambient Music piece by Ólafur Arnalds. I tried to match the captivating image that rose to my mind. I tried to evoke a sense of mystery and contemplation. The smoky, abstract background combined with the central figure I hope creates an atmosphere that feels both ethereal and introspective.

Once again, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who dedicated your time and energy to participate in my abstract challenge. Your contributions have truly enriched the experience, providing me with a wealth of ideas and inspiration. It’s truly fascinating to consider the diverse perspectives through which we perceive things: the unique lenses through which we view the world. Despite these differences, it’s amazing to recognize the common threads that bind us – the way that certain elements and experiences can ignite a spark of creativity and passion within us all.

Next week is Tina’s turn to host. Please visit her site Saturday 4th May for more information on the challenge I am sure she will once agains surprise us with something inspirational.

Until then, keep smiling ☺

To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.

And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge,  please click here.

43 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #297: Music to My Eyes”

  1. The music is powerful indeed, the cello and piano complement each other well. Great selection and matches Ritva 😀

  2. I was especially interested in how you have deliberately created images inspired by music, as that’s not something I’ve tried to do. That final photo is fantastic! And I’m now singing Summer Breeze and wishing summer were here instead of this miserable (so far) spring!

  3. Wonderful choices Ritva, in both music and narrative. Like you, music and photos bring me back in time, bringing back memories that I hold on to. Well done!

  4. Music is such a personal thing, Ritva. I love the sound of the cello. This evening we were at a concert and the musicians produced such powerful rhythms. Combining a flute, accordion and guitars with a classical orchestra. They held the audience in the palm of their hands. I could not capture that in a photograph, but I like your choices.

  5. Ritva, you had me right with your list of performers: Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole. I could have stopped there, but I know better. I wanted to see the amazing photos you capture and your musical choices. “Stormy Weather,” “Myrskyluodon Maija,” “Celebration,” “Summer Breeze,” and so on. Your photo “Lipstick Sunset” is a great example of how music can appear in a photo. Your photos are always so musical to my eyes. You excelled here once again!

  6. Oh boy, some favorites here, Ritva. Celebration took me right back to high school and college in fact it was our graduation song. Sail Away and Summer Breeze, bring back additional memories of our beach vacations, and I loved the way you incorporated Lipstick Sunset. I did listen to and watch a video of Myrskyloudon Maija. Pretty empowering, Ritva. And PS. I loved the way your summed up your reactions to your post last week. It was a fantastic week and we are lucky to have had you guide us in the search for Abstracts. Thank you

    1. Thanks Donna, you always say the nicest things, your comments are something to learn from. Last week was so busy but rewarding – glas you felt I voiced it so that it came through the right way.

  7. I don’t know all of these songs, but love the ones I did recognize. I want to come back and visit the ones I don’t know. Lovely photos too.

  8. Did you know that Kool and the Gang were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I will need to revisit this when I’m alone and not listening to music. I want to hear Myrskyluodon Maija.

  10. Beautifully done Ritva! Loved your choices and the tie together perfectly. Loved the breezy window and the ethereal closing especially!

  15. I just met you as a Lens Artist, but thumbing through your blog, I am so impressed with your photography. I especially love the photographs you have done of flowers. You also have some beautiful windows in the posts I’ve seen, including this one. 🙂

  16. Thank you for this inspirational post, Ritva. All your photos are amazing, your songs for/from them perfect. Your work for Near Light is sublime, I think you really captured the feel and all the small details of that piece in to a work of art.

  17. I love your selections, Ritva. It’s interesting how songs with equivalent titles can be so different. Sail Away, for example, is an entirely different song by Enya.

    I am also a big fan of Nat King Cole and his musical era.

      1. I got to thinking about that as well when I discovered there were two “Guitar Man” versions that are completely different songs.

  19. Your images are wonderful, Ritva and the songs you paired with them. I love your eclectic mix. Disco! We lived in Brooklyn during that era…the “ground zero” of disco. What a crazy time. I love how you created a photo to go along with a piece of music. A wonderful idea! Great inspiration!

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