Egidio at throughbrazilianeyes.com tasks participating photographers to reflect on how they engage with the beautiful trees and forest greenery that our world provides. Shinrin Yoku is the precise concept of this art – translated into english as “Forest bathing”

While I am outside alot, I’m not in areas of dense trees. Rather, I’m in areas that are generally open and have a curated order of trees in it. This could be perceived as a negative. After all, how could you appreciate nature if almost everything is just grass? But I would say that it gives my forest bathing a different perspective.

I’m the type of photographer that enjoys landscape shots.

photo by: moderatelivingblog.wordpress.com

photo by: moderatelivingblog.wordpress.com

*I’m also a forest & big sky aficionado. Nothing complements lush green forestry better than deep blue skies. It’s a perfect marriage.*

photo by: moderatelivingblog.wordpress.com

I also enjoy the tighter shots of the forest. A scene, if you will. The forest, to me, resembles theater. Sometimes, the whole ensemble performs in one scene:

photo by: moderatelivingblog.wordpress.com

Other times, the stage hosts one special single monologue:

Here is where I really enjoy forest-bathing: the up-close beauty, the texture of what comprises our woodlands in its very first level. And with the interplay of light, this is where I feel the essence of the forest – the point of immersion.

photo by: moderatelivingblog.wordpress.com

photo by: moderatelivingblog.wordpress.com

photo by: moderatelivingblog.wordpress.com

Unfortunately, there are times when I can’t take the forest with me. But the sight of one leaf, lush with the season of summer is a reminder that our world does prize Shinrin-Yoku and that it is close by waiting for us to take advantage of it. This gives me hope for our future.

photo by: moderatelivingblog.wordpress.com

I hope you enjoyed these simple photos as much as I enjoyed this fun summer challenge! I encourage you to check out the excellent photographers that participated through the comments section on Egidio’s post.

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51 responses to “Lens-Artists Challenge #357: Into The Woods”

  1. The Creative Chic Avatar

    Gorgeous as always, Michael

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you Jennifer πŸ™‚

  2. Christopher Hall Avatar

    Absolutely stunning! The light just soaking down on those leaves is breathtaking! And it’s not even otherworldly, that’s our wonderful world we live on. Incredible!

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thanks Chris! nature really is beautiful isnt it?

      1. Christopher Hall Avatar

        You’re very welcome Mike! It truly is! It is unique and there never will be anything else like it!

  3. arlene Avatar

    Lovely captures Mike. 😘

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you Arlene!

    2. Michael Williams Avatar

      nice to get some nature shots when i can!

  4. CJ Antichow Avatar
    CJ Antichow

    Just looking at your photos was relaxing Mike, so beautiful!

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thanks CJ! nice to take photos of nature once in a while!

  5. Nancy Homlitas Avatar

    Beautiful birds-eye view of nature, Michael. I especially love your cityscape. It’s the best of both worlds! πŸ™‚

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thanks Nancy! that is Bryant Park in Manhattan, just behind the New York Public Library!

  6. EgΓ­dio Avatar

    Mike, what a fabulous response to the challenge. Your photos are gorgeous! Like you, I’m also a landscape/nature photographer. If I’m not in a forested area, I find my forest bathing in similar ways as your beautiful photos: skies, macros, intimate landscapes, etc. Great post!

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      I really enjoyed the challenge Egidio and am glad to have learned that Japanese term. It was a privilege for me to take part in this! have a great weekend!

      1. EgΓ­dio Avatar

        Thanks, Mike. I appreciate reading your comments. I hope you’ll join us in future challenges. Enjoy your weekend, too.

  7. majellalaws Avatar

    Gorgeous photos Mike. Even the urban landscape was softened by that beautiful tree.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you Majella! that urban photo is Bryant Park in New York City, right behind the New York Public Library. It is a beautiful park – one of my favorite places in the entire city πŸ™‚

  8. majellalaws Avatar

    Or should that have been city not urban . losing my words…

  9. Kate@athousandbitsofpaper Avatar

    It’s raining here so I’ve missed my morning tramp – your photos remind why it’s so rewarding to get outside into nature – she is beautiful

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      isn’t she? i firmly believe there is a rejuvenating property when one engages with greenery!

  10. Ann Coleman Avatar

    You did a wonderful job with these photos, Mike! Thanks for sharing them.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you Ann! I’m glad you enjoyed them!

  11. Danny*Fantod Avatar

    Great photography!

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thanks Danny! that extra bit of light always helps to bring out the feel of a photo!

  12. Rupali Avatar

    Lovely light, lovely images.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you Rupali! light really helps bring out beauty!

  13. Tina Schell Avatar

    You’ve beautifully captured the essence of the forest, whether with an entire scene or with a single leaf. A wonderful post Michael.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you Tina! πŸ™‚ had a lot of fun with this challenge

    2. Michael Williams Avatar

      btw Tina, i’ve got a busy week coming up. didn’t know you were up next as the host of the challenge. if i can’t find any photos for you this week, I will be doing the challenge the next time you host.

  14. justrojie Avatar

    Beautiful pictures! You’ve really captured the essence

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thanks Ro! πŸ™‚ love looking at these summer leaves

  15. Zenith Avatar

    Beautiful pictures, Mr Williams, the way you captured the sunlight is just gorgeous

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thanks Zenith! i’ve always liked the way leaves look when the sun shines on them!

  16. Moongirl Avatar

    Oh to live in the forest! Lovely photographs.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      wouldn’t it be nice?? such peace and quiet πŸ™‚ thanks MJ!

  17. ibarynt Avatar

    Mike, the first picture could’ve been a painting. I enjoyed how you described them, especially the forest- theater.

    Your photos are stunning, always.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you Iba! πŸ˜€ that first photo is from Bryant Park in New York City right behind the New York Public Library, it’s a great spot!

      1. ibarynt Avatar

        As soon as the lottery finds me or there’s a wealthy distant relative leaving me their inheritance I’ll come there 🀣. My daughter is fascinated with NY.

        1. Michael Williams Avatar

          is she really? that’s great πŸ™‚ it really is a beautiful city! i hope you guys can get enough vacation time to take a trip there!

          1. ibarynt Avatar

            Hopefully one day Mike. And I’ll let you know when that happens. You’ll have to give us a personal tour πŸ˜‹

  18. Sofia Alves Avatar

    Beautiful post, Mike. The light on the leaves close-ups is stunning.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      Hi Sofia! thank you very much – i am a huge fan of leaf textures πŸ™‚

  19. From A Small Kitchen Avatar

    Gorgeous shots! Bryant Park looking breathtaking as always!

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you! πŸ˜„ love it especially for winter village!

  20. coolpeppermint Avatar

    such lovely photos. (is the first one… bryant park?)

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      bingo! Bryant Park western end, right behind the library πŸ™‚

  21. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    WoW !!! Some amazing and beautiful Photos… Well Done …

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      Hi Willie! thank you very much! it’s a privilege for me to share these photos with people and I am even more honored when they are enjoyed. be blessed brother!

  22. da-AL Avatar

    Thanks for visiting my site. I would be thrilled if you’d write a guest blog post for my site. If you think it might be fun or helpful to have my followers (who total about 10k across my various social media) meet you, here’s the link for general guidelines:
    https://wp.me/p6OZAy-1SOc

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      sounds interesting Daal! i just read the general guidelines but if you’re looking to pick out a post or 2 (or 3) from here that you think would spur engagement on your blog, feel free to let me know!
      otherwise, if i get an idea as a guest poster, you can be sure i’ll submit something.
      as always, keep up the wonderful work you do. πŸ™‚

      1. da-AL Avatar

        great! please email me if you have any questions or when you’re ready

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