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@valo

@valo in August 2022

@valo

I don’t know the name of this bush, but it’s among the sure signs that spring has certainly arrived. It looks so happy and vibrant with its intense yellow petals. It was a bit tricky to fit it, so that the blue sky is making good contrast with the flowers, but I compensated with heavy post-processing. #Click&Shots #Flowers #Nature

@valo

I am an animal lover but wasps are at the bottom end of my list of favourite animals. They are very important for farming and wildlife alike since they act as pollinators. Wasps are also attracted by fruit, honey, soft drinks and even beer. I have noticed that a significant number of insects like alcoholic drinks. Well, I haven't tried feeding them whiskey, but lighter drinks are a sure way of gathering some company. #Photography #Insects

@valo

Few plants remind me of summer more than lupines. Their beautiful violet colour (occasionally pink or even white) is mesmerising during the day, but at twilight they become magical.

@valo

Inspired by an abstract poppy that I created, here is another abstract flower, a bit unusual in colour this time - white petals and magenta in the centre. And the whole flower glows in mysterious blue. #digitalart #art #abstract

@valo

I like this abstract shape despite the strong pink. How about you? Also, it looks like an exploding star. Maybe a blue giant star is throwing hot matter in space. #Art #Digitalart

@valo

The star exploded and burned up almost as quickly as it appeared in the night sky. The explosion sent out a burst of light that will be seen even in the remote corners of the universe one day. Did you know that looking to the night sky is a way of travelling back in time? Light that reaches your eyes left from the stars millions of years ago but since stars are so far away from us, light had to travel all this time. We have no way to know whether the star actually exists at…

@valo

Albeit abstract, this artwork reminds me of the beautiful plumeria flowers. Sadly I haven't ever taken a photo of them, so I can't share one but they're well-known anyway #Art #digitalart #Fractalart&more

@valo

Is there anybody who doesn't like sunsets? I haven't come across such a person, so I will go on and share two old photos. Both of them were underexposed, but I decided to bring them to life and put them in Aurora HDR. The results surprised me! Of course, the photos are overprocessed, and they look as if taken on a phone, so you should skip this post if you're more of a fan of pure, realistic photography. Even if you bear with the HDR look, there is an even bigger issue that…

@valo

Hmm... maybe I should shift the hue of these pink rays to become crimson like the colour of the flame of lithium salts. Have you seen it yourself? #abstract #art #digitalart

@valo

Blue and yellow streaks⁠ resembling the mixing of two dyes in water. Stirring them causes turbulences inside the liquid and the dyes visualise the lines of the flow. In science, there is also the term laminar flow which describes the case when a liquid is flowing without making any sudden vortices. Imagine pouring slowly from a bottle. The water just glides down, then splashes as it hits the bottom of a glass. The splashes are another example of a turbulent flow. #Digitalart…

@valo

Spending time in nature can help you get some much-needed exercise. Even if you just go for a leisurely walk in the park, you're getting your body moving and getting some fresh air. Research has shown that spending time in nature can also lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and reduce stress and anxiety. In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to take a break. But taking some time out to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature can…

@valo

You’re autistic; you don’t understand emotions **“You’re autistic; you don’t understand emotions.”** This phrase can be hardly any more wrong. It hurts, especially when coming from the mouth of a person you care about, one you thought cared about you. It feels like a betrayal of sorts. It is demotivating, making you question yourself and why you even came to this world. **Are we subhumans? Are we not supposed to exist?** Maybe the assumption came because of the struggle of…

@valo

Flames are not exactly a well-defined object, but the shapes in this artwork are kind of similar but not quite. It's amazing just how beautiful computer-generated art can be. #Abstract #art #Digitalart

@valo

I am autistic, not an alien I got really upset recently The challenges Being autistic has its challenges. It is a fact that we live in a world led by and meant for neurotypical individuals. When you stand out from the crowd, you tend to be the odd one out. Being different is kind of forbidden; it seems to be a bad thing. Mistakes are unforgivable If I make a mistake, it is undoubtedly because of my autism. It does not matter if anybody else can make the same mistake; it is…

@valo

Flea markets are usually full of items that can be put into use. I appreciate it that their owners decided to give them away instead of throwing them to the trash. Sometimes the items are complete junk, but still, a flea market is a great place to find unique treasures. You never know what you might come across – from jewellery and vintage clothes to furniture and art. I always enjoy browsing, looking for hidden gems. I already own several film cameras, but I spotted a…

@valo

Celebrate your achievements — and be proud of yourself! Appreciate them. Analyse them. Enjoy them. It is important to celebrate your achievements and understand what their strong points are. Make a list of them. Guess if you have to. Apparently, there was at least something good in your performance or creation. This is excellent! You should also identify what you could have done better or differently so that the next time around, you will be better prepared. Do not criticise…

@valo

I usually make film negatives, but this time I was using slide film. The examples below are taken on Fomapan R 100 film and developed at home. No post-processing after scanning, though, I would digitally add some contrast for more drama. #Photography #flower #blackandwhite #closeup

@valo

This one reminds me of sea stars. Or starfish, the way you prefer calling them. Calling them fish is a bit weird since they are invertebrates, but hey, we call jellyfish animals that have nothing to do with fish, either. #digitalart #art #fractalart #abstract

@valo

What does success mean to you? How do you define yourself as successful? Do you expect to hear others’ approval? Or you challenge yourself and compare your achievements to your past self? #Success #Abstract #Arts #Digitalart

@valo

I like the industrial/steampunk looks of this artwork. Albeit abstract, the shapes remind me of cogwheels. Well, it's a fact that one can see anything in abstract art. #Digitalart #Art #Abstract

@valo

Similar to a photo I shared a while ago, here is a view towards a young branch of leaves last spring. I like how the texture appears already at this young age. #leaves #Photography #blackandwhite

@valo

A lake is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon after work. The sun shining off the water creates playful crests as boats gently rock back and forth in the waves. Sitting on the pier, you can feel the warm sun rays on your skin as you watch people pass by in their boats. It's definitely a tranquil spot to relax and take in all that nature has to offer. Even though the lake in this artwork does not exist because it is generated by AI, I can feel the atmosphere as if I were…

@valo

Why is goal setting important? There is no doubt that goal setting is essential. When you set a goal, you are practically telling yourself that you want to achieve something. This type of clarity can help motivate and focus your efforts. There are numerous reasons why achieving goals is beneficial: It gives you something to strive for Helps organise and prioritise your time Improves productivity by providing clear steps towards completion Provides a sense of accomplishment…

@valo

Why being a people pleaser is the same as being a slave Some of us are particularly sensitive to others’ opinions and go far to earn a single word of praise. Essentially, we are so desperate that we would tie ourselves into a double bow to fit in what others’ expectations might possibly be. We ignore our needs to the point of losing who we are. We are begging for approval and acceptance. This is rather common in people with ADHD. There is a medical term “reaction sensitive…

@valo

I was really tired all day and decided to take a walk in the park, hoping that it will replenish some of my energy. Although most flowers have already overflowered, some are still smiling happily. My walk inspired me to try generating an AI picture of an imaginary park. #Art

@valo

Opposites attract, or do they? When fire meets water, both are killing each other. In this photo I used a cake sparkler and started splashing water in my bathroom. I needed a fast shutter speed to freeze the water droplets, but that would have required bright lighting. I also wanted a black background to increase the contrast. A flash solved the problem - a quick burst captures the droplets, but a slow shutter speed captures the trails of the sparkles. It took several…

@valo

If it’s a phone photo, let it be over processed. One of my plants was blooming in beautiful pink-and-white blossoms. When I took the photo, I knew that it deserves more, so I put it into my photo editing apps. Taken on iPhone 12 Pro and edited in Motionleap and Mextures. #Photography #Flower

@valo

It was an amazing day yesterday. I went on a long walk around a lake and even went swimming. The weather was a but too hot, but still bearable. Having a cold drink certainly helps. And the refreshing water was most welcome to the tired feet. It was full of mushrooms and blueberries. They are nature's gift to those who go visit her. Just have to remember to respect it. Enjoy its beauty but leave it intact - just as you found it. Don't pick flowers or kill animals (except for…

@valo

It’s a beautiful place, isn’t it? Well, sadly nobody can visit it because the artwork was created by AI. I’m truly amazed at what starryai can produce. #Art #Abstract

@valo

Summer holiday 2022 To me, one of the best things about holidays is the moment when you come back home. Yes, the holiday might have been nice and long-waited-for, but it always feels good to unlock my front door and step into my own area. What speaks clearer of travel than aerial photography? Below are some photos I took from the planes flying over central Europe. I hope you are all having a lovely summer! I always try to sit by the window, as you can see. It's amazing to be…

@valo

This artwork looks like a nebula to me. Nebulae are beautiful space objects that are full of light chemical elements. They’re the birth place of stars and planets. Actually, calling a nebula abstract is a bit weird, since nebulae are fuzzy objects, so there are no non-abstract ones... #Art #abstract

@valo

I have an amazing new personal trainer. I thought that I won't reach 5k steps, but actually, he gave me the inspiration to go out and do it. My personal trainer came all the way home to convince me to take him around the neighbourhood. We even found some ripe berries. Yummy! Now, let me show you a picture of him. Maybe he's not quite what you expected. 😄 #Photography #Insect

@valo

Do you hope or do you fear? The beast of insecurity inside your mind speaking You feel the tension inside yourself. You are insecure. Did you succeed? Did it go well enough? You gave your best but was it enough? “I hope I did well.” Have you realised that actually, with this phrase, you are expressing your fear of failure? It is the same as “I worked hard but I don’t know if I did well.” This is, in fact, your insecurity speaking. “I’m not be good enough, so I didn’t do…

@valo

10 Things I Want To Tell My Young Undiagnosed Autistic Self If only I knew how to handle my differences back then Young, confused about social norms, even naïve — this holds true for many autistic people. You know that you are somehow different. There is some part of you that feels confused when interacting with others. They sense it, too. Some will laugh and mock you about it. It hurts a lot, especially when you are a child. There are some lessons that you learn the hard…

@valo

I left work early and went for a long walk all the way to a lake I hadn't visited in months. I sat on the pier and let my bare feet enjoy the cool water. The water was clear and soon some small fish started appearing. They were so cute, nibbling the surface and occasionally jumping after insects and the water surface. It was a perfect ending to a busy work week. "Peaceful lake" "Lake at twilight" #Abstract #Digitalart #Art #Actifit

@valo

It was such a busy day yesterday that I couldn't even go for a walk in the park. Running other chores all day helped reach the daily goal, so I'm quite happy. The weekend is bringing some time for relaxation that I'll mention in my next Actifit report. Here is an artwork generated using the prompt "Gifts of nature". The AI seems to associate presents with Christmas, of course. #Art #Digitalart #Abstract

@valo

Yesterday was a nice warn day, so I spend like 12 hours outdoors. I took lots and lots of photos, but they're waiting to be processed. Instead, I'm attaching another AI-generated artwork, a crystal-clear lake. I visited one where the water was clear like around a tropical island, quite unusual for my country. It was easy to see even some fish. Mushrooms are coming, too, but more on that later. #Art #Digitalart #Abstract

@valo

One more abstract artwork generated by the AI in starryai. I asked for a “galactic sunrise” even though it doesn’t make much sense as a phrase… I was aiming at seeing a landscape with a sky full of stars and maybe planets visible, too - a bit like many 3D rendered pictures of planets. I got a completely different result but I still like it. #Art #Abstract #Digitalart

@valo

A stroll in the park helped me reach the daily goal without even thinking about it. Enjoying nature, listening to the birds and the peaceful bubbling of the river. It was awesome. #Art #Abstract #Digitalart

@valo

Foggy mornings are very common in the mountains. However, if you climb the peaks, the sky is crystal clear. In the Alps, often the clouds remain down below and hide the villages scattered in the valleys. It's such an ethereal experience to wander through the misty woods on a foggy morning hike. There is something about it that feels otherworldly and mystical - especially in the picture here. You can never visit this place since it was AI that "imagined" it and created the…

@valo

I have a monster in my head It comes often and tells me what I’m allowed to do. You probably think I need a psychiatrist, but my beast’s name is migraine. I want to go out on a hot summer day. Sometimes it’s fine, but my beast is afraid of the sun. When it’s too bright outside, my beast wakes up and gets restless. I made plans to go have a chat with my friend in the café. Fine but… my beast hates caffeine — in any form. And speaking of drinks, my beast gets upset when…

@valo

I was out for a walk in the park with my camera, taking photos for a new post where I will review my Rubinar lens. Stay tuned for more if you're a photographer! I'm impressed at how nicely starryai created the artwork for the query "Photographer". #Art #Abstract #digitalart

@valo

I like the translucency and the beautiful yellow-green colour of young leaves in spring, though the latter is obviously is missing in my black and white photo. Still, the sun shining through the leaves is pleasing and reminds me of their beauty. #Flower #Photography #Branch

@valo

I have always been sceptical about expired film, especially when it comes from an unknown source. How has it been stored? Has it spend a couple of decades in some mouldy cellar? And what happened to the silver halides? How much have they degraded? #Photography #Flower

@valo

Just three more days and it's September. August was packed with so much fun stuff, including writing fiction for the first time! I got a major improvement in my professional life which I'm very proud of. Oh, and I took plenty of photos in the unusually warm late summer days. Now, can somebody give me some extra day each week to process them all? What did you achieve this month? #Abstract #Art #Digitalart

@valo

Here is a focus-stacked closeup of a white Schlumbergera. The Vivitar 90mm f/2.8 is a great macro lens, and reaches 1:1 magnification on a full frame. I used an APS-C body, so the effective magnification is about 1.6x. I can't remember how many frames I took or what stacking program I used, it was a long time ago when I made it. It was a fun challenge. Schlumbergera is a genus of cacti, including about 20 species. The most popular Schlumbergera is the Christmas cactus, which…

@valo

What are your goals for September? I'd like to adjust to my new job environment, first and foremost. Work takes 8 hours (+ commute) of our day, so it'd better not be boring and frustrating. Thankfully, things seem to be heading in the right direction. #Arts #Abstract #Digitalart