Tag: Människor

Lens-Artists Challenge – Negative Space

Published on by Anita35 Comments

This week’s theme, Negative Space chosen by Amy feels both challenging and fun. Although at least one of the images I’ve chosen may not fit the theme completely, they all have something in common. The blue color.“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”
— Ansel Adams“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
– Sally Mann.“When people ask me what equipment I use – I tell them my eyes.”
— Anonymous“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place…
I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
— Elliott Erwitt

Lens-Artists Challenge #114 – Negative Space

Sunset

Published on by Anita25 Comments

“Every sunset is also a sunrise. It all depends on where you stand.”
– Karl Schmidt

“Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.”
– John Ruskin“Life does not come with instructions on how to live,
but it does come with trees, sunsets, smiles and laughter,
so enjoy your day.”
– Debbie Shapiro

Xwejni Salt Pans – Part 2

Published on by Anita23 Comments

Here I’m again, among the Salt Pans in Gozo. Now much later in the afternoon and it’s a bit cooler.
As you can see in the first picture, the dried salt has now been collected in white bags.I wonder how big these caves really are and what might be inside, I guess tools and more sacks.Needless to say, someone taking a bike ride just before dusk.Others choose to fish.I’m curious about the salt, it looks like it hasn’t dried properly yet.
It looks like snow, wet snow.But it’s not snow, it’s too hot for that on this small island in the Mediterranean.
Now the sunset awaits…
🐕
In case you missed part one, you’ll find it here

Joy in Today’s Reality

Published on by Anita18 Comments

These pictures are from the Carnival that went on in Valletta at the end of February.
My images of this cheerful young lady may not be photographically perfect
but as long as they can spread some joy into your heart I do not care about the quality. That was then, when our daily lives went on as normal while we, as we always are, were unaware of our future. Today, the world looks different. Malta is a small island with less than half a million inhabitants.
So far there are 350 confirmed cases and two deaths…I believe in the future and I know that hope is stronger than fear.
❤ Take care!! ❤

Malta Carnival 2020 – Part 2

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Here are some more images from last weekend’s Colorful Carnival in Valletta.

Same same but… A smile makes it all!

Feel free to click on an image to enlarge. Hope you enjoyed these amazing creations made by enthusiasts as much as I did since……more to come!

Colorful Joy

Published on by Anita21 Comments

Here are a few images from this weekend’s Colorful Carnival in Valletta.

The participants wore amazing creations and colorful costumes.It was a lovely atmosphere filled with fun and joy in the city of Valletta.
More to come…

Black & White Photography – 8

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I just realized that my Swedish driving license needs to be renewed. Since I live in Malta I have applied for a Maltese driver’s license. While I wait for it to be ready, I wonder what it’s like to ride a motorcycle. Lol.. Haha…

This is just for fun, don’t think I’m riding a Harley-Davidson here in Malta in a couple of weeks.
And for the sake of unusualness, there are only two pictures this time. Happily!

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

Lens-Artists Challenge – Favorite Photos of 2019

Published on by Anita27 Comments

Artistic.
For the last Lens-Artists Photo Challenge of 2019, we will show some of our favorite photos that we have taken during the year that are close to end.Creative.
It’s always difficult to pick favorites but I like the way Patti divided her favorites into different categories, so I did the same, or almost the same.
Fun.

Here’s the proof, a smile says it all and means a lot. A smile is the shortest distance between two people.

Artwork created by nature.
A favorite image does not always mean that it must be perfect from a photographic point of view.
Pictures can convey feelings, evoke memories or special moments.
The true reality.
This orangutan lives in Borneo’s rainforests and belongs to a species threatened with extinction.Our valuable nature.
We must take care of our nature and its inhabitants which all have an impact on the survival of the earth.
“Cherish the natural world because you’re part of it and depend on it”
-David Attenborough –Lens-Artists Challenge #76 – Favorite Photos of 2019

Masjid India Kuching

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The newly built one and only floating Mosque in Kuching is located on the banks of the Sarawak River, close to the newly built Harmony bridge whose shape symbolizes the balance of cultures living together in harmony.“Harmony among our different religious traditions is essential for world peace”
–Dalai Lama –This is the Old State Mosque, built in 1968 to replace an original wooden one built in 1852.
Its gilded cupolas make it one of the city’s most striking landmarks, particularly at sunset.

Memories from Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo Malaysia.
December 2019

Black & White Photography – 6

Published on by Anita14 Comments

The above pictures are from the square along Sarawak River in Kuching. Every afternoon, both young and old can be seen playing with each other, many of them blowing soap bubbles, just for fun.This skilled lady I saw in Valletta here in Malta the other day. Guess why she’s looking down.Concentration! She really knew how to handle her little puppet on a string.Back to the square in Kuching. This little girl seems to be looking for someone.

Finally, Fanny and I at home yesterday evening. Fanny did not like to wear a Santa hat, I can understand that. It’s much more fun to try to bite it into small pieces and so she did. It was cheap and it was Christmas Eve.

As usual, I also show my pictures in color. This time, I prefer to see all these images in color, except one. Guess which one..

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

Black & White Photography – 5

Published on by Anita19 Comments

Wednesday, and my fifth colorless post, inspired by Susan’s black and white photo challenge.As in my previous black and white post, I choose to show people. People in everyday life that I photographed recently when I visited the city of Kuching in Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia.Of these five images, there is actually only one that I’m happy with. As always, it’s up to the viewer to decide whether you like what you see or not. Which of these five pictures do you think I am most satisfied with. What’s your opinion of my b/w images?

As usual, I also show them edited in color, for those who want to compare.

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

Lens-Artists Challenge – On Display

Published on by Anita33 Comments

Today’s pictures are from Kuching Sunday Market that I visited recently. I’m not so happy to show headless and half people though it’s not easy to avoid when there are so many people moving around.

Here you’ll find a huge variety of different kinds of fresh fruits & vegetables.
Guess it was high season for bananas.

Walking around here is an exciting experience, a colorful symphony with many more or less appealing scents.

Where they sell fish I pass pretty quickly, although the fish are naturally fresh.I’ve promised myself not to show too many pictures in just one post, but sometimes it’s hard to avoid.
Whats your opinion, isn’t it better to show fewer pictures and divide them into different posts? I think so.
This post has seventeen images, it’s too much but the post is done and most important, it was fun.

Lens-Artists Challenge #76 – On Display

 

Sarawak People – Daily Life

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“The best is yet to be”
– Robert Browning –“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous”
– Aristotle –“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson –

Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia.
December 2019

Black & White Photography – 4

Published on by Anita17 Comments

This is the fourth time I’ve joined Susan’s black/white photo challenge and to me it’s really a challenge, but a fun one. In last week’s b/w post I showed old vehicles but it feels more challenging to edit images of people.

Choosing between these two types of editing felt a bit difficult, they are so different. Which one do you prefer?These people dressed in traditional costumes are from the Iban tribe in Sarawak, Borneo. The Ibans are famous for their head-hunting past, their massive ironwood longhouses, their ornate body tattooing, their wonderful weaving skills, and of course their potent rice wine, tuak.Next Monday I will be traveling to Sarawak again, probably for the last time…

As before, I also show my pictures in color, for those who want to compare.
The one I am least satisfied with is the warrior, he is doing much better in black / white.

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

The Tower

Published on by Anita15 Comments

Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, designed by architect Vincenzo Maculaniwas, is a small watchtower built in 1637.The tower was built on the site of a medieval watch post and was originally armed with a ½-pounder gun. Its garrison consisted of a captain and three men, who were paid by the Università of Mdina…read moreThe view from here is amazing.

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Malta – November 2019

Black & White Photography

Published on by Anita33 Comments

“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes.
But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls”
– Ted Grant –

I’m not sure if I agree with Ted Grant.
These images were taken when I sat in my car waiting while a religious procession passes by along the road. Nowadays it is not so common for me to photograph people.
What’s more unusual is that I edit them to black and white, so these are an exception.But I enjoy trying something new and would love to learn more.
What do you think about my black and white photos, how could they have been improved?

Here the images are also shown in color, for those who want to compare.
Your comment is much appreciated. Thanks!

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

Skyltsöndag

Published on by Anita11 Comments

Då var det söndag och dags att skylta igen. Här är en blandning från förra helgens utflykt till fiskebyn Marsaxlokk här på Malta samt lite annat smått och gott. Den övre har anknytning till den sista. Enjoy! Den här var väl fin!

Har man hund så har man. Voff, voff…🐕 I en fiskeby erbjuds naturligtvis färsk fisk. Fast vi tyckte det var lite för dyrt och tillagade fisk hemma istället.San Gwakkin?? Men en Skylt är det och de så typiska Malta-färgerna. En tygpåse som förhoppningsvis leder till ett gott skratt… Kunde inte undgå att lägga märke till alla män som plötsligt gick omkring och bar på svenska flaggans färger. Helt fantastiskt att så många tagit flyget hit för att se fotbollsmatchen mellan Malta-Sverige. Vilken entusiasm! Vädret har dessutom varit strålande med upp till 27+ vilket inte framgår på bilden, men en skylt ser ni iallafall.

Alla kan vara med och skylta på söndagar, BP håller i trådarna.
Länk till övriga deltagare.

A trip to Marsaxlokk – Malta

Published on by Anita36 Comments

Last Sunday we went to Malta’s largest fishing village Marsaxlokk. I enjoy walking around here, mainly because of all the colorful fishing boats that are seen in the harbor but also because of its special atmosphere.Even the fishing nets are colorful.…and so are the benches.

Some snapshots!On Sundays, many Maltese visit the fish market to buy from the morning’s catch and it’s a popular location among locals for Sunday lunch. We neither bought any fish nor ate lunch but it was well worth a visit!

A Day trip to Valletta

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It’s not often that I visit Valletta but a few days ago I took the ferry to Malta’s capital. Here, most of the side streets are narrow and some also very steep. The best way to get around is on foot, which I did.The entire city of Valletta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 and selected as the European Capital of Culture year 2018. The city became the capital on 18 March 1571.Valletta has many titles, all recalling its rich historical past. It’s the “modern” city built by the Knights of St John, a masterpiece of the Baroque. It’s also one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

More to come….

At the End of the Road

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“At the end of the road is the beginning of a new adventure““Life is a journey, not a destination”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson –

Frank Jansen’s Tuesday Photo Challenge – Road

Which Way…

Published on by Anita17 Comments
Harmony Bridge in Kuching, Sarawak.
Nerja, Andalusia, Spain.
Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park in Il-Mellieħa late afternoon.
The foot bridge in Tigne, Sliema from where you can watch the view of Malta’s capital Valletta on the other side.

This is my entry for this week’s Which Way Photo Challenge

Harmony Bridge – Kuching

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Back in Kuching and to the new foot bridge “Harmony Bridge” which connect the North with the South City. Well, I’m not back in reality but in my thoughts when I look at my pictures.

I came back home with lots of images of this amazing bridge which is designed from the idea of Yin and Yang. It’s S-shaped and curved with two masts inclined in opposite directions.The shape of the bridge symbolizes the balance of cultures living together in harmony.
This is Sarawak in Borneo, this is Kuching and I’ll hopefully be back soon.

A day in Marsaxlokk

Published on by Anita32 Comments

Last Sunday we went to Malta’s largest fishing village Marsaxlokk.

Sundays are most crowded when many people flock to the Sunday market where street hawkers set up their stalls selling souvenirs, clothes and all kinds of things. And of course they sell lots of fresh fish.

But we were not here mainly for the market but for the colorful boats……and the genuine and lovely atmosphere among the locals.

We also found a dog friendly beach but it was quite small and rocky. Fanny just relaxed and enjoyed being in a new place while she was curiously looking at what happened in the harbor among the colorful boats.Before heading back home we stopped at Ta Qali Park to let Fanny have fun and run freely. Lucky me found spring’s first Poppy, my favorite and no, I didn’t pick it but needed a helping hand because of the wind.

Which Way…

Published on by Anita16 Comments

Stairway to heaven…

Sometimes we may need to just relax and contemplate before making any decisions, which way…

Posted for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

Let the New Year Begin…

Published on by Anita33 Comments

Yes, I know, we are all almost back to our everyday life again and it’s the third day of the New Year 2019. Some may have noticed that I let my blog rest during the festive season, that was without any special reason.Above, two typical images of Malta. Greenery all over the island and yellow flowers, even though it’s winter. And when you see the different colored balconies in the cluttered but yet charming surroundings, it’s easy to guess where you are.

From yesterdays visit to Il-Gżira Manoel / Manoel Island in Gzira. I also noticed that the mimosa trees got buds and they will soon bloom, in February.But, it feels colder than cold, especially when I walk with Fanny on the cliffs along the Mediterranean sea. Strong winds, 12 degrees but luckily the sun shines. The forecast says it will drop to 4 degrees at night!The new year has just begun and we know nothing about the future but it looks bright with lots of love and joy. Take care out there!!!
Anita & Fanny

Challenge – Catching People Unaware

Published on by Anita35 Comments

Sometimes, it may be a challenge, to capture unknown people with the camera……while they are unaware that they are actually being photographed by another unknown person.

Dutch Goes the Photo – Challenge

Cee´s Fun Foto Challenge -Catching people unaware.

A Photo a Week Challenge – Blue

Published on by Anita20 Comments

This is my first entry for Nancy Merrill’s photo challenge, where the theme for the week is Blue.
Where the first picture of the boy in blue jeans was taken, I will show in a later post.Blue color in two different pools, or maybe the same pool but from different angles in different light.

Old and new surrounded by blue…Back to the pool for a dip in the blue……before embarking on this sailboat for a trip on the Mediterranean blue sea.

A Photo A Week Challenge / Blue

Which way…

Published on by Anita33 Comments

A  breakwater outside Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour which is one of the most spectacular ports in the world.It is possible to take a walk along the Mediterranean Sea when you are in Malta’s capital Valletta.
But some parts could be a bit difficult to access… …and so it was when we hiked in Majjistral park. My brave Basenji Fanny and my dear stubborn husband try to find the way to the stairs leading up to the plateau. Which we never found because there was no staircase.Another breakwater outside Malta’s Grand Harbour in Valletta. St Elmo Breakwater Footbridge.

Which way would you choose.

Posted for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

Comfort

Published on by Anita28 Comments

It may not look so comfortable but when I saw this man I felt that he had fun. Seeing the fun in an uncomfortable situation shows that the man has an open mind who enjoys his comfort.

Some may feel the comfort of a cold beer after a hard day’s work while others choose a light lunch.

Friendship between young people.
Friendship and games between adults.
Lonesome on the rocks by the sea with a book.

There are so many types of comfort, that can be friendship or being alone.
And most important, to be grateful for having the feeling of comfort, which we can’t take for granted.

Post inspiration:  Dutch Goes the Photo – Comfort

Men at work…

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New buildings are in full progress almost everywhere right now here in Malta. Old houses are replaced with new ones. I know, it does not show but these men work on the narrow boards high above the ground.I myself are far away so this time I had to use my zoom lens in full.
This is my third entry for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.
Approved or not for this challenge, they are at least standing on boards. But, of course I have a backup:Which way?

Taken by Surprise

Published on by Anita35 Comments

Surely it’s surprising to discover what amazing bird species there are around the world. This one looks unique.When I saw this “sculpture” at a distance in Siracusa, Sicily, I was absolutely sure it was real. Until I came close and my dog began to nose around his feet. Then he couldn’t sit still any longer without laughing and he began to talk. I’ve seen many kinds of these players before but nobody as real like this one.
A really fun and unexpected surprise.Shooting with the macro lens often gives unexpected surprises.

It may be surprising to look at a fly with its amazing faceted eyes……or to see a hairy butterfly.

Post inspiration:  Dutch Goes the Photo – Surprise

Everyday Life…

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Everyday life in different parts of our world. Above you see a family at the market in Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, Malaysia and then a woman selling Pancake Crepes along Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand.

All of these pictures are from my archive and memories from different trips. The images speak for themselves but you may be able to guess where they were taken. A few clues, three are from Malta one from Singapore, one from Sicily and the rest from Borneo, Stockholm and California. Click on an image to enlarge.

On the Way…

Published on by Anita34 Comments

Here we are on the way along the Mediterranean Sea where the sculpture “White Shadow”stands. A marble cut-out of human figures walking together. Designed by Maltese Architect Richard England in Sliema 2002.On the way by car to the countryside.

…where we meet these happy riders.Suddenly the road ends. Which way I chose then I’ll let you know in a later post, without high heels.

This is my second post for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge

Clouds in the sky…

Published on by Anita43 Comments
A barefoot man looks at the wakes on the sea after the stormy weather.
Sailing in the Mediterranean Sea when the weather is clear in October.
The vision of the little man shows the simplicity of humanity on earth.

We have variable weather now here in Malta with sun and blue sky and gray days with rain, while the first stormy weather has passed. (Please click on a circle to enlarge, each image has a short text.)…and when it’s gray and rainy, there are always colors to find that can brighten our days.Autumn is here to stay but we have varannandagsväder as we call it in Swedish. Yesterday I had to bring my umbrella while walking with Fanny, today it’s clear sky and 27 degrees. Wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Genuine Joy!

Published on by Anita44 Comments

Can you see her? For me this is pure joy. To see when Fanny with great delight runs freely on the rocks. She loves to run and she loves to run fast. This is a huge area along the Mediterranean, near Marsalforn in Gozo.

Here you also find the Salt pans. The production of sea salt has a long tradition in Gozo and the Salt pans found near Marsalforn are still used today. Click on the link and read more if you are interested.The salt is stored in caves carved into the coastal rock and I see a happy face!It’s amazing how nature has been shaped through the years! Some rocks looks more like soft sand dunes.

Here someone has created a cute snail in the soft stone.
Like sand dunes.
Fanny resting in the shade
The only plant I found.

Obviously, this is not the place to visit in search of plant or insects…

…but you can run, you can bike and if you’re brave, take a dip in the sea from the high cliffs.
Notice the ladder and don’t forget to click on an image to enlarge.With love from Anita & Fanny, my beloved Basenji! 💕