Posted on by Anne Sandler · 35 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge# 381: minimalism in black-and-white photography

My world is definitely black and white today, or should I say gray. We have a dense fog that just won’t lift. So I guess the time is right for Ritva’s black and white (B&W) challenge.

I enjoy black and white photography. However, the environment has to be right. Sometimes when I’m out with my camera, I know the timing is right for B&W images. Other times, I see the opportunity during the editing process.

However, this week Ritva is combining minimalism with B&W. Now that’s a challenge! I was surprised going through my archives that I had quite a few images that met those requirements. Because my back is just not liking today’s damp weather, I’ll make this a short post. Here’s some of what I found.

Thanks Ritva for this challenge. When you post your response, please link to Ritva’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week I had so much fun seeing what you found Around the Corner. Next week Egidio will be leading the challenge. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 68 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #380: What’s Around the Corner

Have you ever gone out on a photo outing and not seen anything that would have your camera saying, “Pick me up and help me take this picture.” I have a theory that there is always something to photograph. It may not be an award-winning photo or attractive to your photographic eye; but, take the risk and find something about it that may prove worthy of your attention. In August, I was on such an outing with a photo buddy. Actually, it was more of a lunch date, but we did have our cameras with us.

We were in Old Roseville—not to be confused with Downtown Roseville or Roseville proper! I’m still confused about the separate names for this Placer County city. After lunch, we decided to walk off the calories consumed. That’s when I saw this building. Its texture and peeling stucco was eye-catching, and a closer look was even better.

I was still looking for something substantial to photograph when I saw this fence lined flower hedge. “Oh, I’ll just take the shot and see what it looks like on the computer,” I thought.

It looked better up close with the lines creating interest.

Then we turned the corner, and I saw something worth photographing.

What caught my eye? The green door and textured wood covering something and a lonely chair. It’s more of a story than a prize-winning image.

And right next to this scene was this door. What stories were hidden behind it? It looked like something out of a horror movie.

I encourage you to take the block less traveled—with your camera. Look around, and using your imagination, what do you see? Please keep this to the same walk and the same block—that’s the challenge. I’m looking forward to seeing what you find. And have fun!

When you respond, please link to this post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I enjoyed seeing all your favorites before our holiday break. I’m sure that was a difficult challenge for all of us. Ritva will be leading next week’s exciting challenge, so watch for her post. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 51 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #379: Favorites of 2025

Three days ago we said good bye to 2025. I said it happily. Yes, sometimes a year isn’t a spectacular one. But, I did find some favorites and I’ll tell you why I chose them. To celebrate, the entire Lens-Artist team is hosting. Have fun!

My longest lens is 300mm. Even with the extra length a crop sensor camera gives, it is still limiting. So when I can catch birds, I’m happy. My first picture is of a sandhill crane. Fortunately, it was in a pool of water closer to the road. Usually they are too far away for me to get a good picture.

Next is a swan trying to sleep if only the photographer would let it.

Finally we have an egret coming down into the nest carrying a twig.

My next picture shows us how creative we can get. I love to people watch when I’m in Old Sacramento.

My first, and maybe only, rodeo shows the punishment on both the humans and animals. Why?

While visiting my Reno family, my son took me to see the wild horses. I saw this mare and colt just after he was born.

You know how much I love to photograph flowers.

I love the zoo animals, especially the giraffes. This is mom looking after her young one.

These are some of my favorites. It was a difficult task to pick out just a few from a whole year. My back injury has prevented me from processing pictures from my cruise through the Panama Canal, and right now it is telling me it’s time to visit the couch!

What wonderful last chance photos you all posted two weeks ago. It’s great to be given a last chance! I look forward to seeing your 2025 favorites. I’ll be leading the challenge next week. How exciting, a new year and a new challenge! Stay tuned. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.