Lens-Artists Challenge #409 – Best Ever Images

Is it truly possible for anyone to evaluate which of their photos are their absolute favorites? Personally, I find it difficult! Instead, I can only select the images that I caught by accident, being at right place at the right time and feel proud of.

But this week’s guest host for the Lens Artists Challenge, Steve, (of Steve Hyde Photography Blog) has invited us to share our ‘best ever’ photos for World Photography Day. I love that idea! However, there are several challenges associated with this task. Firstly, the sheer difficulty of choosing between countless images can be overwhelming. I find myself transported back to memories and emotions, making it hard to rank the photos. Additionally, I’m not very skilled at self-criticism! This makes selecting a single standout image all the more daunting, as I often second-guess my choices and wonder if I’m overlooking better options or if I’m being too hard on myself. Ultimately, the journey of sifting through my collection could reveal not just the best photo, but something else altogether.

My initial visit to Hailuoto was unforgettable, marked by a windy, overcast day that left me in awe of the remarkable nature—including the unique dunes and expansive coastal meadows. Although we didn’t go fishing ourselves, Marjaniemi in Hailuoto stands out as one of the key fishing harbors in the Bothnian Bay, where fishing along the shoreline is a popular activity. For some reason this image of large, arched fishing nets and traps strewn across a grassy shoreline dotted with delicate white wildflowers appeals to me. In the background, a fishing boat rests on the ground next to a smaller wooden boat, with the sea extending towards a low, rocky horizon. Dramatic layers of storm clouds loom above, crafting a moody, windswept atmosphere, while the high-contrast monochrome style showcases the intricate textures of the nets, grass, boats, and rugged coastline.

Good photos often translate beautifully to monochrome, emphasizing light and shadow while focusing the viewer on composition. If monochrome retains its appeal, it suggests a balance of light and contrast. The simplicity of black and white photography helps us appreciate texture and form, allowing for deeper emotional reflection and highlighting how the absence of color can enhance a photograph.

I’ve posted this image at least four times because it’s one of my favorites. I even printed it out and have it framed on my wall. I captured this photo with permission at Verla’s Groundwood and Board Mill. I was fortunate to be allowed a new tour on my own after the official tour had concluded; the light coming through the window was perfectly positioned, allowing me to take this shot without needing additional lighting. In my view, luck often plays a crucial role in achieving a great photograph.

Verla,  Finland’s first factory museum was named a World Heritage site due to its status as a unique and culturally and historically significant example of an industrial settlement from the turn of the 20th century.

I was fortunate to photograph this young woman as she strolled along the shifting vertical lines within the dim, minimalist setting of the museum In Lahti, Finland. Dressed in a black top and flowing black-and-white striped trousers, her outfit mirrors the vivid horizontal light bands cast across the floor. A cool blue glow highlights her face and figure, while the striped light generates striking reflections and shadows in the foreground, imparting a moody, introspective, fine-art ambiance. This monochrome image is also one of those lucky moments.

We were incredibly fortunate; during one of our trips to Florida, we enjoyed an airboat ride through the vast and mysterious Everglades, a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife, where we saw several alligators basking in the sun. One particularly large alligator surprised me by lifting its head right beside the boat, giving me a bit of a jump —I certainly wasn’t expecting that! Its presence was both awe-inspiring and slightly intimidating, a reminder of the raw power of nature. Additionally, I managed to see an alligator with a tiny baby resting by its foreleg on the right side among the reeds, a surprising sight that captured the essence of family in the wild. It was truly one of those moments when luck played a part, as the experience felt like a rare glimpse into the untamed beauty of this remarkable habitat.

On this same trip we stayed at Key West, Florida, sitting and watching the sunset, I was able to capture this; there is not really a good story to be told. When traveling, I always try to capture the sunset; often they are nice, sometimes spectacular, and sometimes something unexpected happens. This time, this pelican made the shot; without it, it would have just been a lovely sunset, but now it ranks as one of my favorites.

I appreciate Steve for guiding us this week, even with his limit of just 5 favorites. We’re eager to see your choices. Don’t forget to link back to Steve’s original here and to utilize the Lens-Artists Tag so we can discover your posts.

Last week, Egídio asked us for over-the-top photos, and I loved that so many of you saw past the obvious OTT expectations and created truly unique interpretations. It was great to see such variety 🙂 and to know that you embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and imagination.

Next week is my turn turn to lead you to a new challenge, Saturday 22nd of August. Hope to see you then.

You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio,  Beth. Ritva, 

For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.

Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset