Written Language,
Date: November 21, 2023

The image should include some element of a written language – using letters, characters, words, or some portion thereof. All the world’s written languages are acceptable. Compositions can be created or found, real or abstract – although the language elements must not be abstracted beyond recognition. The language elements must be photographed and not added in post-processing – no captions or layers of added text.

Written language is both impactful and beautiful. We can’t help but read it wherever it appears in public spaces – such as on street and shop signs, as well as in our own spaces – such as on books, handwritings, keyboards, labels, etc. The more you look, the more you will see. It draws the eye and may convey more than one meaning depending upon the setting.  

Written language can also be visually appealing in terms of its shapes, patterns, curves, and lines, independent of any linguistic meaning – the language elements that you include do not need to be “read” as text.  This is your chance to make the written language engaging in new ways!

Natural Sand:
Date: January 16, 2024

The image must include natural sand. Natural sand is a granular material composed of finely divided rock or mineral particles, such as silicates and volcanic minerals, as well as coral and biogenic sands – these result in sands that are white, yellow, tan, pink, green, black, and other colors.

Sand can’t help but play with wind and water to make beautiful and interesting designs. Sand is also a basic landscape material that might escape notice.  From the sand dunes on a wind-swept beach to desert sands, sand castles, meditation gardens, local parks, children’s playgrounds, and sports fields, the possibilities are all around us.

Compositions can be created or found, real or abstract. You may come across natural sand and human-made creations in both obvious places and places you may not consider until you start to look and pay attention. And feel free to create your own composition with sand as a major element! 

Making the World Go ‘Round – Gears, Sprockets, and Wheels:
March 19, 2024

The image should include gears, sprockets, or wheels. Gears, sprockets, and wheels have two things in common – they are round and move in a circular motion. Some we see daily – such as bikes and auto wheels, while others are usually hidden from view, such as gears in many watches and clocks. They come in all sizes, from minuscule to gigantic.  Some are practical and utilitarian, and some are colorful and fun. They could be in motion or at rest. They could be functional or no longer in service.

Compositions can be created or found, real or abstract.  Definitions: A gear is a rotating circular machine part having cut teeth that mesh with another toothed part to transmit torque and speed. A sprocket, sprocket-wheel or chainwheel is a profiled wheel with teeth that mesh with a chain, track, or other perforated or indented material.  A wheel is a circular frame or disk arranged to revolve on an axis, as part of a vehicle or machinery.

Examples: