Photos of the Week - Week 28

 

Critique Group Challenge: 

Week 28, Close Up

Photo by Beckie Belsaas

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Beckie says:

I decided to try some staged images this week. I had fun with multiple kitchen items and then decided to try my luck with a new candle that wasn't in a container. I set the narrow FOV on the wick and took a burst of photos as I lit it and after I blew it out. This was my favorite as the tip of the wick is still hot and the base of the wick was not burned. Minimal cropping and a few edits in LRC. I don't think my lens info will show up. I used a :Laowa 90mm Macro 2X with an aperature of 2.8

 

52-Week Photo Challenge Class
Week 28 - Distort and Liquefy

  

Week 52 Photo Challenge:

Week 28, Distort and Liquefy

Photo by Colleen Broaddus

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Colleen  says:  

 

Smart Phone Photo Challenges
Week 28 - After Dark

 

Smart Phone Challenge:

Week 28, After Dark

Photo by Linda James

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Linda says:

Train Station-No more travelers this evening. Edited in Prisma app with Thota Vaikuntam

2024 AI Image Club

 

 2024 AI Image Club:

Week 28, In The Desert

Photo by Jose Herrero

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Jose says:

DALL-E-3. Prompt: Vast painted desert, oasis, cliff dwellings, rabbits, golden hour lighting.

 

Ricky's Challenge Photos

 

Photos of the Week - Week 28

 

2024 AI Image Club 

Week 28, In The Desert

Photo by Ricky Tims

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Ricky says: 

Somewhere along the way this week I wondered if I could get the AI to do a hidden objects photo. Midjourney gave me a few things like the books and the meat cleaver. In Photoshop, with generative fill to add... shoe, wind turbine, sombrero, starfish, teapot, snake, and broom. It's not hard to find them, but it was kind of fun to create them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos of the Week - Week 27

 

Critique Group Challenge: 

Week 27, Celebration

Photo by Henry Johnson

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Henry says:

This is a combination of two photos in PS - had a lot of fun taking pictures of sparklers, but they're nothing like they used to be when I was a kid!

 

52-Week Photo Challenge Class
Week 27 - Celebration

  

Week 52 Photo Challenge:

Week 27, Celebration

Photo by Susan Garrett

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Susan  says:  

 

Smart Phone Photo Challenges
Week 27 - Celebration

 

Smart Phone Challenge:

Week 27, Celebration

Photo by Rosie Riewer

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Rosie says:

Celebrating the red, white, and blue with basic phone edits

2024 AI Image Club

 

 2024 AI Image Club:

Week 27, Fireworks

Photo by  Dennis Crawford

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Dennis says:

How about some patriotic meerkats from MidJourney? Prompt: a family of hyper-realistic stands in front of an American flag holding sparklers

 

Ricky's Challenge Photos

 

Photos of the Week - Week 27

 

Critique Group Challenge: 

Week 27, Celebration

Photo by Ricky Tims

 Click to view a larger image 

Ricky says: 

We are not the shoot-em-up bang bang sort on the 4th, but we do like sparklers and smoke bombs. My family was visiting and we played for over an hour creating long exposures with sparklers and our smart phone flashlights. I used the timer to give us 10 seconds to get situated and then a 30 second exposure.

 

2024 AI Image Club -  Fireworks

  

Week 27, Fireworks

Photo by Ricky Tims

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Ricky says:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join Ricky Tims and Hugo Dos Santos in

Portugal/Spain!

 

May 11-26, 2025

Click on map for larger view

GET COMPLETE INFO HERE

 

RESERVE YOUR SPOT with only 30% DOWN

 

 

 


 

Register using the link above by booking your tour
through the tour company
Pinto Lopes Viagens

 

 

DAY 1 - PORTO

Arrival in Porto. Private transfer to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown 4* or similar.

 

DAY 2  - PORTO

Start of the visits, with a visit to Palácio da Bolsa with the wonderful Arab Room (visit subject to events) and S. Bento Station, a building built at the beginning of the 19th century, in the place where the Convent of São Bento de Avé-Maria existed, built in the Manueline period. Visit to Livraria Lello, built in 1906 in the neo-Gothic style and voted the third most beautiful bookstore in the world. 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River with lunch included. There is still time to visit one of the most renowned and traditional Port Wine Cellars. Accommodation.

 

DAY 3 - PORTO – RÉGUA – PORTO

Departure towards Régua, with a visit to the Douro Museum, created in 1997, the museum is a place to welcome and represent the memory, culture and identity of the wine region – consecrated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, as a cultural, evolutionary and living landscape. Continuation to Quinta da Pacheca, one of the oldest, most emblematic and well-known farms in the Douro region, notable for being the first to bottle wines under its own brand. Lunch, followed by wine tasting and visit to the Quinta and its wine cellar. Return to Porto. Accommodation.

 

 DAY 4 - PORTO – COIMBRA – NAZARÉ

Departure towards Coimbra, a riverside city in central Portugal and the country’s former capital. Morning dedicated to visits to the historic center of the city of Coimbra and its main monuments. Highlights include the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, one of the oldest in Europe and classified as a World Heritage Site, the City Council building and the Church of Santa Cruz, today the National Pantheon, which houses the tombs of the first two Kings of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques and D. Sancho I. Free time on Ferreira Borges street, one of the city’s main arteries. Lunch. Departure towards Nazaré, a location famous for its giant waves and Garret McNamara. Accommodation at the Hotel Miramar Sul 4* or similar.

DAY 5 - NAZARÉ – BATALHA – ALCOBAÇA – ÓBIDOS – LISBON

Visit to the Batalha Monastery, or Convent of Santa Maria da Vitória, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2007, one of the greatest Portuguese architectural jewels, and also the most striking symbol of the Avis Dynasty, considered the great monument of the late Gothic Portuguese and the first where “Arte Manuelina” debuted. Continuation to Alcobaça, dominated by the grandeur of the Monastery. This impressive work was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal in 2007. The Alcobaça Monastery was the first fully Gothic-influenced building built on Portuguese soil and rests there, in delicate tombs, D. Pedro and Inês de Castro, known for their tragic love story. Lunch between visits. Continue to Óbidos, a town that holds centuries of history within its walls. Visit with emphasis on the village door, dating from the 17th century. XVII and completely covered in white and blue tiles, whose designs have as their theme the passion of Christ; the Church of Santa Maria, and the Óbidos Castle built in the 17th century. XIII, one of the seven wonders of Portugal and currently operates as a guesthouse. Departure towards Lisbon. Accommodation at Hotel Turim Europa 4* or similar.

 

 DAY 6 - LISBON

Panoramic view of the capital’s main points of interest, with emphasis on the historic area and downtown Pombalina, Parque Eduardo VII, Bairro de Belém, Torre de Belém (World Heritage Site by UNESCO), a 17th century fortress. XVI and departure point for caravels and navigators who gave new worlds to the world; Monument to the Discoveries, inaugurated on the 500th anniversary of the death of Infante D. Henrique – the Navigator and the Jerónimos Monastery (World Heritage Site by UNESCO), a masterpiece of the “Manuelino style”. Small stop to taste the famous pastel de nata. Also noteworthy are Praça do Rossio and Chiado. Continuation to the Augusta Arch Street and climb to the top of the Arch, which offers a unique panoramic view over the city of Lisbon. Return to the hotel. In the evening, typical dinner in a local restaurant accompanied by a Fado show. Accommodation.

DAY 7 - LISBON – SINTRA – CASCAIS – ESTORIL – CABO DA ROCA – LISBON

Day dedicated to the town of Sintra and its famous Pena Palace, a fantastic monument and notable example of Portuguese Romantic architecture. Extremely fanciful, the architecture of the Pena Palace captures influences from Moorish, Gothic and Manueline styles, but also the Wagnerian spirit of the Schinkel castles in central Europe. On July 7, 2007, it was elected as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, being the first romantic palace in Europe. Lunch. In the afternoon, return to Lisbon, following the panoramic coastal road, passing through Cabo da Roca, the western point in Europe, Estoril with its emblematic Casino and Cascais, famous for its beaches and bay. Accommodation.

 

DAY 8 - LISBON – ÉVORA – ELVAS

Departure towards Évora, a city classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit to the historic center of this city, with emphasis on the Walls, Giraldo Square, the central square of the historic city, political and religious center, currently the largest space for social activity in the city. Visit to the Temple of Diana, a Corinthian-style Roman temple, built at the beginning of the century. I AD; the Évora Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in the country, dating from 1186, with a Romanesque style plan with Gothic structure and decoration, highlighting its portal – one of the most beautiful examples in Portugal; the Capela dos Ossos, built in the 17th century. XVII, one of the best-known monuments in this city which is located in the Church of São Francisco and was built in the 17th century. XVII with the aim of transmitting the message of the transience of life. Lunch at Ervideira wine cellar, with a special experience that combines wine and traditional flavors and aromas. Afterwards, continue to Elvas, one of the hidden gems in the Alentejo region. At night, walk to see the Amoreira Aqueduct, one of the most important examples of hydraulic architecture in Portugal. Accommodation at the Hotel Vila Galé Collection Elvas 4* or similar.

DAY 9 - ELVAS – SEVILLE

Departure towards Seville. Arrival and visit, by foot, the Sta. Cruz neighborhood, including the interior of the largest Cathedral in Spain and the Royal Alcazares of Seville, a palace complex, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit to one of the most beautiful churches in Seville: the Church of the Divino Salvador, a jewel of the Andalusian Baroque. We will end the day with a panoramic view of the city, highlighting Mª Luisa Park, Plaza de España, Barrio de la Macarena, Macarena Church, Expo 92 Zone (Cartuja Island) and Murillo Gardens. Typical dinner with Flamengo show. Accommodation at the Illunion Alcora Seville 4* or similar.

 

 DAY 10 - SEVILLE – CÓRDOBA – GRANADA

 Departure towards Córdoba. Visit to the interior of the Mosque-Cathedral, a unique landmark of the cultural fusion of Arab and Christian civilizations. The original mosque was a work commissioned by Abd al Rahman I and carried out between 785 and 787. It was progressively expanded during the following centuries, under the orders of Abd al Rahman II, al Hakam II and al Mansur, who engraved their own styles and personalities in the monument’s architecture. Visit to the Alcácer dos Reis Cristianos, with more than six hundred years of history, this building served as a military barracks, royal residence, prison and much more. Then, walk through the Jewish and Arab Quarters in the historic center of Córdoba. Continuation to Granada. Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Occidental Granada 4* or similar.

DAY 11 - GRANADA

Guided visit to Granada, by a local guide. A wonderful Andalusian city, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, acquired importance in the Arab era and preserves one of the most visited palace-monuments in Spain, which in itself is worth a visit to this city: the Alhambra and El Generalife. Its construction started in 1248, by Ibn-al-Ahamar, and was completed more than a century later, in 1353. The monument would serve, after that date, as a residence for the Moorish kings of Granada. Lunch. Free afternoon for personal activities. Accommodation.

 

DAY 12 - GRANADA –VALÊNCIA

At a time to be agreed, departure towards Valencia, city of architect Santiago Calatrava. Dinner. Accommodation at the Hotel Catalonia Excelsior 4* or similar.

DAY 13 - VALÊNCIA

During the morning, visit, by foot, the historic center of the city, highlighting the Torre de Serranos, one of the twelve doors that formed the old city wall; the Valencian Cortes; the Palacio de la Generalitat, a Gothic-style building and seat of the Valencian government (exterior visits). Visit to the Cathedral, where we highlight the altarpiece of the main altar painted by Fernando Yánez de la Almedina, disciple of Leonardo da Vinci. Visit the interior of the Lonja de la Seda, the most representative Gothic-style monument in the city, and we will end at the Central Market, one of the oldest in Europe and a jewel of the city’s modernist architecture, declared a World Heritage Site. Lunch. In the afternoon, visit the City of Arts and Sciences, one of the largest scientific and cultural dissemination complexes in Europe, designed by Santiago Calatrava, where various conferences, exhibitions, visits and workshops related to science, technology, nature and art. Highlight to L’Oceanogràfic, the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe, which houses the most important ecosystems in the world. Continuation of external visits with special emphasis on the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum; the Hemisfèric, a unique building that, on its exterior, resembles the human eye and functions as a cinema room; L’Umbracle, a space surrounded by sculptures and surrounded by nature; the Reina Sofia Palace of Arts, an important venue for musical shows, opera and theater. Brief passage through the Exhibition Bridge, a work also designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. Accommodation.

 

 DAY 14 - VALÊNCIA – BARCELONA

Departure towards Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. City open to the sea, world-renowned for its avant-garde architecture, with multiple attractions and an intense cultural and nightlife. On this day, we will pass by Montjuic, the Olympic city and castle with an excellent panoramic view of the city, Plaza de España, Avenida Diagonal, Plaza de Catalunya, Promenade de Grácia with the famous jewels of modernism (Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, Casa Lleó-Morera and Casa Milà or La Pedrera). Dinner. Accommodation at the Hotel NH Collection Constanza 4* or similar.

DAY 15 - BARCELONA

Day dedicated to visiting the city with a local guide. Highlights including Casa Milà or La Pedrera, Sagrada Família (interior visit), one of the ex-libris of Antoni Gaudí’s work, and continuation of the visit with special emphasis on the Gothic Quarter, named for its countless monuments from the 17th century. XIII, XIV and XV, Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Eulalia and Santa Cruz, installed in the Gothic Palaces of Berenguer de Aguillar y del Barón de Castellet, a museum that brings together numerous works by the artist and all the other medieval palaces and squares in this neighborhood. Then visit Park Güell. Farewell lunch between visits. Accommodation.

 

DAY 16 BARCELONA FLIGHT

 At a time to be agreed, transfer to Barcelona airport. End of trip.

Max tour capacity, 36

PRICE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ROOM:

• Minimum 35 participants: 4.455€
• Minimum 30 participants: 4.625€

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: 925€


INCLUDES :
• Tourism bus tour;
• Accommodation and breakfast in the mentioned or similar hotels;
• Meals mentioned in the program (9 lunches and 6 dinners);
• Water and wine (1 bottle for 4 people);
• Accompaniment by a Pinto Lopes Viagens guide throughout the circuit;
• Entrance to Palácio da Bolsa, Livraria Lello, Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Monastery of Batalha, Monastery of Alcobaça, National Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Temple of Diana, Évora Cathedral, Capela dos Ossos, Mosque-cathedral of Córdoba, Alcácer dos Reis, Alhambra and El Generalife, City of Arts and Sciences, Sagrada Familia and Park Güell in Barcelona;
• Boat trip on the Douro River;
• Entry and port wine tasting in a cellar;
• Entrance and wine tasting at Quinta da Pacheca;
• Hotel taxes, services and VAT.

EXCLUDES :
• Options, special extras and anything not mentioned as included.

Photos of the Week - Week 26

 

Critique Group Challenge: 

Week 26, Wild Kingdom

Photo by Linda Bennett

 Click to view a larger image 

 Linda says:

I figured someone in Florida needed to capture an alligator so while I was running around today I stopped at a park where you can always find some. 

This big guy was floating in the reflections of the cloulds. No worries, I was on a board walk above him. LR edits.

 

52-Week Photo Challenge Class
Week 26 - Portrait Editing

  

Week 52 Photo Challenge:

Week 26, Portrait Editing

Photo by Jane Perri

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Jane  says:  

 

Smart Phone Photo Challenges
Week 26 - Dots & Spots

 

Smart Phone Challenge:

Week 26, Dots & Spots

Photo by Francisco Valladares

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Francisco says:

This is a photo montage from two photos, a pride necklace, and a photo of a fabric which I used as background.

I took the photo of the fabric at one of our local handcrafts stores to which I applied a “Color Dot Pattern in Photoshop and adjusted it to give a slanted perspective. The necklace is something I had since the 90s and being Pride Month I want to honor the people that were not able to enjoy the freedoms we have now. I used the phone to take the photos but I only used Lightroom and Photoshop for editing, I thought it would be more organic.

2024 AI Image Club

 

 2024 AI Image Club:

Week 26, Book Cover

Photo by  Hugo Dos santos

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Hugo says:

After Tony got home, he saw a horrible scene, who did this? Check out my book to find out what happened!

 

Ricky's Challenge Photos

 

Photos of the Week - Week 26

 

Critique Group Challenge: 

Week 26, Wild Kingdom

Photo by Ricky Tims

 Click to view a larger image 

Ricky says: 

We rarely have deer close to the house, but looking out our sunroom this week this young buck was hanging out by our pond. Perhaps he was thirsty. Not wanting to risk him choosing my flowerbeds as his breakfast table, I needed to shoo him away to let him know his breakfast was elsewhere. He trotted a few yards up to our little overlook and I was able to grab a few photos. It was a day later before it dawned on me I got my Wild Kingdom image. I used an Analog Effect in Nik Collection to achieve the motion blur.

 

2024 AI Image Club -  Book Cover

  

Week 26, Book Cover

Photo by Ricky Tims

Click to view a larger image.

Ricky says:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos of the Week - Week 25

 

Critique Group Challenge: 

Week 25, Forced Perspective

Photo by Penny Crossland

 Click to view a larger image 

Penny says:

It looks like my grandson, Seth, found his dad out in the yard again. Minor adjustments in Lightroom to adjust color and lighting.

 

52-Week Photo Challenge Class
Week 25 - Embrace

  

Week 52 Photo Challenge:

Week 25, Embrace

Photo by Doug Anderson

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Doug  says:  

 

Smart Phone Photo Challenges
Week 25 - Scissors

 

Smart Phone Challenge:

Week 25, Scissors

Photo by Olivia Edwards

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Olivia says:

Scissors. Angles. Edited in Prisma app with Dragon

2024 AI Image Club

 

 2024 AI Image Club:

Week 25, Outlandish Cake

Photo by Lois Bennett

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Lois says:

Giraffes are one of my favorite animals, so I decided to create a cake with a giraffe theme. This was created using the Wonder App. Prompt: "A 6 foot tall tiered layer cake with giraffes and trees pictured on every layer".

 

Ricky's Challenge Photos

 

Photos of the Week - Week 25

 

2024 AI Image Club -  Party Time

Week 25, Outlandish Cake

Photo by Ricky Tims

 Click to view a larger image 

Ricky says: 

This was midjourney - prompt was: a photorealistic image, highly detailed, of a towering chocolate and strawberry layer cake sitting on red gingham tablecloth with dripping chocolate frosting and decorative chocoloate rosettes. --ar 16:9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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