Uncovering the Uncommon

Ritva is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week, focusing on Common Objects.

We often pass by ordinary objects and places without paying attention. But if we look closer, these things can surprise us with their beauty. By slowing down and looking at the world differently, we can find something special in the things we usually ignore.

Take, for example, a fire hydrant. Most people see it as just a tool for emergencies, but each one has a story to tell. The design, color, and style vary from country to country, reflecting the culture and history of each place.

Here are some that I found in Porto.

Another example is the mailbox. We pass by it daily, often without a second thought. But if we look closer, it becomes a symbol of connection and history, standing through the passage of time.

These are from Melbourne.

19 Comments Add yours

  1. restlessjo says:

    What wonderfully creative people you have around you in Melbourne, Teresa. I love the hydrants too. So much red!

    1. Teresa says:

      You must have seem more of those hydrants in Portugal. Love them. 👍

      1. restlessjo says:

        Quite a few but not often decorated.

        1. Teresa says:

          I feel sad when I know that I missed it and I am sure that I won’t be able to come back anymore.

          1. restlessjo says:

            Don’t be sad! You’ve done some wonderful travels. You have all those photos and your brilliant sketches to look back at. I bet you could do some fabulous sketches of Lisbon.

          2. Teresa says:

            I was able to do some sketches but not as much as I have wanted.

          3. restlessjo says:

            You can still work from photographs? I wish I had that ability. I can only look….

          4. Teresa says:

            Yes I still can and I do that too. But what I usually do is sketch on location and that’s what they call Urban sketching. It is fun.

  2. margaret21 says:

    What an inspired take on the challenge!

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks Margaret. Glad you liked my take on the topic.

  3. We pss so many things that we never notice until they are no llonger there. An excellent interpretation of the challenge.

    1. Teresa says:

      That’s why I try to have my phone camera ready… just in case.

  4. JohnRH says:

    Great selections. Love it!

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks John, much appreciate your comment.

  5. These are wonderful, what a great collection of different reds. Love these,

  6. Teresa says:

    Thanks Ritva. I didn’t imagine that it would be all reds…but it was. Glad you liked it.

  7. dennyho says:

    The mailboxes are fun pieces of city art. A great way to beautify our streets.

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks Denny, I am seeing them more and more nowadays.

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