Photography | Shadows | Mary’s September Prompt
“Shadows” Six Words & a Photo: September Conclusion
SWPSC: “Shadows” & Freestyle Stories — September Conclusion
Human legs, tree trunks — nature play.
As I stood — standing strong between the trees, I realized that this challenge combined two things that I love playing with — shadows and nature art. Like nature art, the shadows we create eventually disappear — leaving little or no impact on the environment.
The response to this challenge was amazing— it seems that many of you enjoyed the challenge as much as I did. We typically receive 75+ submissions for the monthly prompt, but this month, we received over 125 submissions for “Shadows.” We received 35+ submissions for Freestyle, which is more than our usual 25.
I invite you to support the contributors to SWPSC by clapping, commenting, and highlighting their stories. We’ve created a wonderful, encouraging village of writers and readers since this little photography pub was launched two shadows ago in September 2021, and I hope this engaging connection between us blossoms well into the future.
On another note, has anyone noticed an increase in their MPP earnings if you’re part of the program? If so, I imagine the new rules are playing well with this publication, as one of the perks of publishing here is — our reciprocal community with our claps, highlights, comments, and reading time.
Big hugs and gratitude to our readers, writers, and followers — we appreciate you. Happy two-year anniversary to all!
September “Shadows” Challenge Conclusion led by me, Mary Chang
Gratitude to my fabulous co-editors for their ongoing efforts in handling submissions — what would I do without you? We have the best team ever!
Shout out to Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, for your shadows story “Birthday Stroll.” — Vidya is the BIG 60 this September — please wish Vidya a happy birthday! What a great photo and walking memory.
Kudos to Sandi Parsons for your fun Honky Nut shadow story, but my favourite was your Fundraiser freestyle story — I love your daring dangling pose — you know me (the queen of headstands), you had me at “upside down!”
Editors’ Picks for “Shadows” Challenge
Thank you to all the contributing writers this month for sharing your “Shadows” stories. We selected stories out of 125+ submissions for the “Shadows” Challenge that stood out for different reasons. Each editor selected six stories.
For the “Shadows” category, check out the latest stories under the “Monthly Challenge” tab. For all stories in this category, check out this tab.
Editor Picks by Mary for “Shadows” Challenge
A. Grace, WOW — the lighting, shadows, and colors of your photo pop off the page. A brilliant shot of an abandoned shopping cart taken at an unusual angle. Your back story gave life to a not-quite-so-ordinary sheep tunnel, and your six-worder is a complimentary match for the photograph. And when I look to the left of your photo, it leads the reader into another dimension. I agree — it’s both eerie and beautiful. Well played on the “Shadows” challenge!
Rodrigo S-C, I’m a fan of your photography. Your photos are usually taken from a different angle or perspective and I appreciate the effort you take to make your photography attractive to the viewer. Love the subtle shadow image of the dancer and how the legs are telling the story.
Elin Melaas, your shadow captured my attention right away. The six-worder plays well to balance the photograph, and your backstory wraps up this story package perfectly. Well done.
K. Barrett, I adore the subtleness of the hummingbird in the corner of the photo. I didn’t see it right away when your submission came in — but its beauty surprised me and made me feel a sense of AWE. Your six-worder describes the bird wonderfully. The shadow and bird play well together. Great capture, KB.
Jason Edmunds, your photo is as haunting as the word that haunts you. With the blue light, the shadow looks intimidating and plays well with your six-word story. Your poetry demonstrated the power of one word that could kill a person’s confidence — when used in a derogatory way. A unique take on the “Shadows” challenge. Well played, Jason.
Aaron Paulson, your story takes me on a mind journey and makes me wonder with you — yes, “where do shadows go when they’re not attached to your feet?” And is there a “parallel world?” I guess we’ll need to keep investigating and solve the mystery. Check out Aaron’s story — below is Part 1 of his “Shadows” trilogy.
More “Shadows” picks from Mary
Okay, I lied. “Shadows” was such a busy challenge this month with so many awesome submissions, so I decided to make four more picks as I couldn’t stick to only six. Shhhh….don’t tell Sandi or Vidya, though!
Evie Hill, I didn’t know a group of penguins was called a waddle — but what a perfect word for them. It must have been cool to see these waddlers in person. Love their shadows, and their waddles.
Bell Dae, oh my — these meerkats and their shadows are adorable. Your photo brought a smile to my face, and you’re right — I think there’s a life lesson in your six-word story.
Mystical Aries, your photo made me do a double-take! What a great fit for the Shadows challenge, as this is what the sculpture artist was trying to convey when it was placed on the wall at the Museum of Illusions. I’ve studied the photo a few times, and I still don’t know how they did it — but you’re right, it’s clever!
Nancy S Rust, simplicity at its best. Lastly, this story is short and sweet, and I couldn’t resist! I wasn’t sure what this creature was until I read your story and looked at the photo again. Awesome shadow photo and six-worder. Very few writers submit six words only to this pub — and Nancy, you nailed it.
Editor Picks by Sandi for “Shadows” Challenge
Before I start my picks, I must do a quick shoutout to Vidya and her atmospheric rooftop moment. She totally sucked me in, and I thought it was a dark stormy night…
And to Mary, because her coordination is spot on. If I tried to snap a photo of my shadow while balancing on a bike, there’s no question I’d end up sprawled on the ground with a cracked phone screen and would have said words that would make a sailor blush. Hats off to you, my friend! (Note from Mary: I’m surprised I didn’t fall off my bike, but I came close — as it took several takes to get this shot! And I did say many words that made a sailor blush that day.
Now, onto Sandi’s “Shadows” picks
Speaking of picture-perfect snaps, Allisonn’s dazzling photo of the moon is awesome. Look at the detail in this photo!
Erika captured a unique shot, (with the camera, not a gun, which is the only way elephants should be shot) with human shadows across the elephant's back.
Spotted hearts featured in Dennett’s snap of air potatoes vines — a triumph over an invasive species.
Is it a blurry photo? Is it a mirage? NO! It’s Soozie’s dog! This is one of those fascinating images that you look at but have to pause and look at again. It’s like an optical illusion on many fronts.
I’m not done with the dog stories yet! I know all too well Penny Grubb’s frustration when the Caped Crusader sat on her shadow instead of allowing it to be displayed in all its glory.
And my last pick goes to Erie Astin for this stunning photo, and a window (or a portal) into another world.
Editor Picks by Vidya for “Shadows” Challenge
Mary Chang Story Writer just knocked it out of the stratosphere with her fabulous shadow photos. This one, though, made me laugh so much! I LOVE it. What a sense of humor competing with creativity! This one rocks, too! Note from Mary: Yes, it seems “Got Wood?” created a bit of a frenzy — I wasn’t sure if our readers would laugh or feel shocked by my naughty sense of humour. For the record, I wasn’t in the buff — but I was pretty close:) Those that follow me should know by now that I have a sassy sense of humour!
I loved Sandi Parsons’ story about shadows not always reflecting reality. Oh that cute albino roo! Certainly one in a million!
Now onto Vidya’s “Shadows” picks
I am in awe of Anne Bonfert’s “job” (I had to put that in quotes because she has too much fun on the job!) and that photo she clicked — just wow!
Laura Lind’s photo is seemingly simple, but the heart shapes captivated me. How wonderful to notice the everyday things! Her six-word story is beautiful!
Shereen Bingham’s photo and story touched my heart! I am blessed to have walking friends who enjoy coffee, and I loved reading hers!
L Burton’s photo made me laugh! You decide — bear or bunny?
Joyce Nielsen tells such good stories. This one is no exception. Her Rusty’s dilemma is so cute!
Rover Dave’s photo caption with its double meaning, made me chuckle! Love the photo!
Editor Picks for Freestyle Stories
“Freestyle” Stories
For the “Freestyle” category, check out the latest stories under the “Freestyle” tab. For all freestyle stories, check out this tab. Sandi, Vidya, and I enjoyed reviewing all the freestyle stories. For September highlights, we each selected one story that resonated with us.
Here are three “Freestyle” stories that wowed for different reasons — out of 35+ freestyle submissions to this publication this September.
Three stories that wowed Freestyle:
Mary’s Freestyle Pick
Gauri Sirur, oh I love how the “peeping tom” held it’s pose for you at just the right moment!
Sandi’s Freestyle Pick
Paul had quite the chat with the neighborhood security. Not only did he pose for the photo, but he gave Paul the run-down on the street rules. “No riff-raff. Lights out at 9 pm. Dogs are always chained. No cats.”
Vidya’s Freestyle Pick
Great message from Dan Carlson about slowing down and enjoying the ride. His accompanying photo is just so peaceful and soothing!
Note: This article officially ends the September “Shadows” Challenge, and no further submissions will be accepted.
Stay tuned for the October Six Word Photo Story Challenge!
Get those cameras clicking, or dig into your photo archives! The October challenge will be published on October 1, 2023, led by Sandi Parsons. If you’ve read this far — here’s a hint for October— It’s all about location or vision being the same … but different. Word play at its finest.
If you’d like to be added as a writer and submit to Six Word Photo Story Challenge, please read and follow the submission guidelines. Note: Formatting guidelines are unique to this publication — please read the formatting guidelines thoroughly.
— Village hugs, the editorial team, Mary Chang Story Writer., Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, and Sandi Parsons. Please follow us to stay connected to our Monthly Challenges!