Gallery: pick a word (June 2024)
A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it.
Irving Penn
That description of a ‘good photograph’ sets a high bar for us to aspire to. If I can do even one of those three things with an image, I’m satisfied!
Paula’s Pick a Word challenge sends me scouring my archives each month for photos that not only match her words (not always easy!) but also satisfy me as an image. I’ll leave you to decide, however, if any of them meets even one of Penn’s criteria. And indeed if they fit Paula’s words!
I never stick only to her five words however, as I like to tell you something about each photo. But I do try to be more succinct for this challenge than for most of my posts!
This month my photos will take you to Portugal (twice), Oman, Colombia and India. And I’ve tried to include some at least that you won’t have seen in previous posts.
MONASTIC
The cloisters of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém, near Lisbon, Portugal
This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the finest examples of the late Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture.
ABANDONED
An old truck outside the entrance to the 1,000 Nights Camp in the Wahiba Sands, Oman
The truck is now half buried in the dunes and has been left here as a tourist photo opp, as the sign suggests.
CRYSTAL
The Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, Colombia
Although called a cathedral, this is really a Roman Catholic church constructed in the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres underground. It utilises the caves left behind by previous mining operations. The huge cross behind the main altar is an illusion. It appears from a distance as if it has been carved from salt but it is in fact a hollow opening in the rock behind, cleverly lit to appear solid.
ECHOING
Looking out from a sea cave at Ponta da Piedade, near Lagos in Portugal
The limestone cliffs here have been eroded by wind and waves into dramatic arches, pillars and grottoes like this one. And yes, the echoes are impressive!
AFFABLE
A friendly local shopkeeper in Narlai, Rajasthan
A guide from our hotel, who lives in the village, took us on a stroll to meet some locals and see something of daily life here.
8 Comments
Rose
You are a good photographer; your photos communicate facts, touch hearts, and leave us changed for having seen them. I’ve learned much about the world through your travel photography. Your posts often have me feeling like I’m sitting with a good friend as they talk about their latest journeys. ❤️
Sarah Wilkie
Aw, thank you so much Rose 😊 It would be wonderful to be able to sit and chat together, but it’s great that we can communicate through our blogs too 🙂
margaret21
A great gallery. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen a truck more abandoned than that!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Margaret – me either!
thehungrytravellers.blog
Love the buried truck shot…..could be a magazine cover!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes maybe – I have another shot from a different angle which omits the sign and might work better for that?
Anne Sandler
Great words; great pictures; great explanations. Loved them all!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Anne 😊