Mesmerizing

There is a sense of contentment for be both in taking photos as well as looking at other people's work. Photography serves as one of many stress relief devices, the use of color and texture from macro to landscapes can play on emotion and often triggers memories. Browsing through 500px, I have accumulated some favorites and photos that really speak to me.

Visual Flow by Ian Plant

"Visual Flow" By Ian Plant: I immediately found this photo very calming and poignant. The soft lines and subtle changes in from the cool purples to warm orange and red create visual interest and keep the eye moving. The physical movement of the eyes while the head remains still is a valid calming mechanism, so the ability for a photo to elicit that type of motion facilitates healthy mental patterns.

Pine grove by Twostar K

"Pine Grove" By Twostar K: I really love the frame of this photo and the tangle of slanted/ diagonal lines. The fog brings immense depth and intrigue to the image, with uneven lighting creating a dynamic, smooth texture. The detail of the trees is further accentuated by the play of light in the fog and elicits a sense of surrealism.

THE ZEN POOL (SWAN) by KENNY BARKER

"THE ZEN POOL (SWAN)" By Kenny Barker I am a sucker for simplicity and this photo is absolutely stunning. At first glance it looks like some sort of ink blot test or random pattern, not a bird and its reflection accompanied by the moon. The lighting on the bird is superb, bringing out small details in the feathers. The sheer sense of stillness is incredible with not even a slight ripple in the water. ..and the list goes on. There are hundreds of photos that just elicit some sort of awe to me and time spent admiring other people's work is time well spent.