Lens-Artists Challenge #281: Favorite Images of 2023

• Egidio Leitao
Supper Time

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.
Martin Luther King, Jr.


Unfortunately, none of that was enough for the squirrel in the photo above. The balance of nature prevailed.

When it was time to pick my favorite photos of 2023, I immediately thought of this opening image captured on February 21, 2023. It was a serendipitous moment. Nevertheless, it solidified one concept I learned a couple of years ago and have been passing forward.

Camera dial

If your camera has a programmable button — generally shown as 1, 2, 3 on the dial — add some common settings you use to each of the options. I have one for macros, the second for sport scenes, and the third for portraits. This has proven very useful, especially in two situations when I was photographing entirely different scenes and had to switch my settings quickly without having to think what aperture or shutter speed I would use.

The Story Behind the Shot

When I was hiking at Inks Lake SP that February 2023 afternoon, I was going for a sunset photo. However, this is what I saw when I got to this small bridge. Afraid the hawk would fly away, I used my phone to capture whatever images and/or video I could. Here’s a phone video that shows how protective of his catch this hawk was.

Hawk & Squirrel

2023 in Photos

I also went ahead and looked at other photos I published in 2023. Here are my favorite images for each month of the year. Clicking on each image will open a larger version of the photo and give you the option of a slide show.

Chinese sacred lily Exit Glacier panoramic view Altar with Crucifixion center piece Dawn - arriving in São Paulo, Brazil Golden shell snail Small tree growing near a giant tree Texas Red Yucca flower Baltimore Oriole sideways


I cannot find words to express my enthusiasm in joining the wonderful Lens-Artists team now. I am honored and thankful to have been invited to be a part of this vibrant group of photographers. I am looking forward to working with the team in the coming years. Much gratitude to all team members for giving me this opportunity and for the warm welcome.

Thanks to Tina for leading the Last Chance challenge on December 16, 2023. Next week, Patti will introduce a new challenge. To learn more about the Lens-Artists challenges, please see this page. The best way not to miss any posts from the Lens Artists team is to follow each person’s blog directly. Here is the current team formation:

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46 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #281: Favorite Images of 2023”

  2. You know I love all of this. In the truest you of you, you brought us nature. The red-tail hawk was a great experience and I can relate to the circle of life as we witnessed many of these kinds of experiences while in Yellowstone. But my favorite is of the sapling growing next to the larger tree. Symbolic, of life and perseverance amongst other things. Welcome. So glad you are here.

  5. Wonderful images this week Egidio – the hawk image is amazing and I loved the video. I had a similar experience one day on the golf course with a hawk who landed beside a tree with its prey. As we drew closer he turned his back to us and protected the prey from being seen. Very interesting! I also loved your other images, especially the airplane over the green fields and the snail on the leaf. The detail on that one is incredible. So happy to officially welcome you to the team!

  7. Tina, thank you for the warm welcome. It’s good to be part of this team. About the hawk, I did read that spreading its tail is a sign to protect its prey. The airplane photo was taken as we were approaching São Paulo last April. Those are the mountains right where São Paulo City is located. Thanks for all the comments and assistance, too.

  11. Wonderful collection, Egidio! I like them all, but if I have to pick it would be the hawk and the snail photos. Great video capture of the “possessive” hawk.
    Thanks for the tip on saving camera settings!

  16. Your photos always have a vibrancy, they’re stunning. I’m not going to pick one, they are all amazing. Welcome to the team, Egídio!

  18. Beautiful compositions – sharp colorful images – great choices. Your hawk – last supper what a great catch. One to be proud of. Marco shots spot on and I have to say I like to capture small finds -like the one of a new tree growing in front of a senior ( 🙂 ) one. Great picks Egídio

  20. You disturbed that hawk with his lunch. No wonder he’s protective… he might have thought you would take it from him. >grin<
    Beautiful captures for your 2023 gallery, I especially love the macros.

  22. As always, I find so much wonderful beauty and vibrant colors in your amazing photos. The video of the Hawk and Squirrel is very special, the touching reality.

    Congratulations on becoming part of the excellent Lens-Artists team!!! To be honest, I wasn’t surprised and am very happy for you.

  28. The poor fellow was too young to carry that squirrel. It tried to fly but couldn’t. So, it finally moved the squirrel to the side of the trail. Thanks for your feedback on the macros and other photos.

  31. Gosh, I wish I have your speed in photography, Egidio. That’s one mighty bird. Thank you for joining as one of the Lens-Artists prompters.

  37. Beautiful nature images, Egidio, as always! Your photographic eye is terrific. I especially loved the image of the snail and the big/little trees. But they are all vibrant, sharp, and so visually appealing. Once again, welcome to the team!

  38. Fabulous images Egidio and many congratulations for joining the LAPC team! 🎉

  41. Beautiful nature shots Egidio. I had a similar experience with a hawk and his prey. I was amazed how close I could get but after a glimpse of his talons, I didn’t want to push it…lol. Well done 🙂

  43. Egidio, I couldn’t get past that opening shot! In the Header I didn’t even notice the prey. I was purely focused on the power and majesty of the bird. But then I read on. Your photography is wonderful, hon, and you are such a great addition to the Lens team. I know that I’ve followed you in the past but you never appear in my Reader. I’ll try again now.

  44. Jo, I agree with you about the power and majesty of the hawk. It was certainly proud of its catch. Thank you so much for your kind words and compliments. I’m thrilled to have joined the Lens Artists team.

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