This post is all about beautiful pictures. I’ve recently realized how many of them are on my disc and I never show them to the world. So the competition by Thomas Cook with excellent judges encouraged me to look for 4 really nice pictures showing 4 elements: earth, air, water and fire. I hope you’ll like the ones I chosen.
Earth
Earth is stable. We often take its stability for granted. I did too, until the earthquake happened. I experienced a moderate earthquake while I was living in Italy and it was a very scary event. Many of the factories, churches and houses in the area collapsed in just 45 seconds. The scale of damage showed my how powerful earth is. And I will never forget how frighten I was. And at the same time how wonderful the support of the local community was.
Earthquake in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
Air
Breathing deeply in early morning is one of the most refreshing things I know. Depending where you are it is either sweet, chilly, humid or warm. I personally appreciate the chilly north wind in Lapland and this picture shows one of the valleys far north at 5:00 a.m. The silence was thrilling and watching the sunrise over the Alesjaure lake was one of the most tranquil moments I have ever experienced.
Sunrise in Lapland. Breath deeply.
Water
This was the easiest one as I have hundreds of pictures made either in water or looking at water. It looks like I really enjoy swimming and sailing. Ah, and white water rafting too. This picture I selected shows many things. First, how vast any sea is. Second, the reflection created by low tide shows that nature, when treated with respect is an amazing way to look deep down into yourself. Just like a mirror. And lastly, changing tides show its character: changeability and consistency. It also reminded me a book ‘Through the looking-glass’ by Lewis Carroll. It was so unreal I could just walk through, to the other side of the mirror, like Alice.
Westport, New Zealand. Looking in the mirror.
Fire
I have never experienced the power of fire element. But fire brings to my mind warm and sun so here is the picture I selected: a sand dune in New Zealand Farewell Spit. It is high, sandy and when I visited this part of the world it was really warm. I think this picture somehow combines air and fire as the strong west winds shape the dunes just as they wish. Beautiful view!
Sand Dune, Farewell Spit, New Zealand.
I also nominate my friends to share their pictures:
