People often say I am a storyteller.

I think we all are. We just have different ways of showing it.

To some, photography is formal, with clear and concise messages. Others want you to feel the photos, and take away impressions from what you see. At the end of the day, it is always our story, driven by our character and passions, that we showcase. Photo challenges guide those thoughts, embrace our uniqueness, and act as a catalyst to bring those stories to life.

The message conveyed is simple….Join us.

This week, I am humbled to walk along side the Lens-Artists team, and honored to host my first official challenge. I hope you will feel inspired to join me in a search for Messages in your photography.

Yes...you have just met the hippie of the group, and I am good with that.

Honesty, I wish I could find a message in a bottle. I have tried. I never tire thinking there might be someone who needs rescuing from a deserted island, or is searching for a long, lost lover. Deep thought, and beach walks, will do that to you.

In the meantime, my curiosity about the origin of every piece of sea glass I have found, leaves me content.

Free spirit or not, there will always be messages to guide us. As beacons, lighthouses steer sea-going vessels from harms way, and symbolize hope and security. In the coastal towns of New England, lighthouses are commonplace. For me, they also symbolize family, as I spent many summers roaming Scituate Harbor below.

Nearby Minot’s Light, has a more interesting message. It is the first recorded association of “1-4-3”. The sequence of flashes, symbolizing I love you, was introduced in 1894. It is still known as Lover’s Light today.

Messages. Some we create, and feel inclined to share,

Others are a gift.

Some are larger than life, and some have more meaning.

In Yellowstone, we knew spring had sprung with the presence of the bison calves. We also knew when to back off.

Some messages don’t make much sense. Let’s just call those conversation starters.

Meanwhile, the timeless, Conversation Hearts are on point, making playful affections quite fun.

Coffee? It certainly has it’s own identity, and yet, I am grateful for baristas who know how to say: “Let me make your day.”

I could go on. Instead, I will leave you will one final message and set you on your quest.

Peace, and love, and hang loose.

Wind Kisses, Donna

Your turn.

Enjoy your search for messages in photography this week. The options are endless. Does the message from your last fortune cookie resonate with you? Clouds? Is there street art, neon signs, or store fronts that grab your attention? What about the underlying messages from marketing logos, or the message you want to portray in your photography. Just have fun, I look forward to your responses. Please link your post back to me and use the Lens-Artists tag so we can find you.

A special thank you to Anne as she inspired us to take a One Lens Walk last week. Once again, the interpretations to the challenge were creative and inspiring. This week, in particular, I enjoyed hearing more about what lenses people prefer, in addition to the walk.

Next week, Patti will lead with Shadows & Reflections in Monochrome. Make sure to visit her stunning site at Pilotfish. Most of the time she is roaming around Florence, Italy. Last week, her walk was inclusive with history of the Medici family.

Interested in joining the Lens-Artists Community Challenges? Click here for more information.