Posted on by Anne Sandler · 53 Comments

Lens-Artists Challenge #342: It’s a Wild Life

Oh, no doubt about it, it is a wild life in more ways than one! But this week Egidio has us concentrating on nature which constantly surprises me. Egidio encourages us to show our wild side, asking us to post no more than eight images. Paring down was the real challenge, so here goes.

Effie Yeaw. This unspoiled nature center is about 15 minutes from my home and along the American River. The deer, birds, coyotes, rabbits, etc. are left to fend for themselves. We typically see deer and small animals here.

Each year, Laura and I go to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge which is a couple of hours away. It’s a great place to photograph birds. Armed with my 300 mm max lens and a great deal of hope, I usually come home with a few good pictures. Thank goodness for cropping images!

An occasional trip to Point Reyes National Seashore, again with my friend Laura (who is a great nature/wildlife photographer) usually provides a day of fun and photography. There is an elk preserve there.

And elephant seals sleep on the shore.

My go to place for swans is Mather Lake, maybe 30 minutes from my home.

And, this is my eighth and last image. Each year birds nest in trees in Lincoln. It’s not exactly in the wild, but these wild egrets and herons have found a safe nesting place.

This may be my photographic wild side, but right now the wind is gusting, reminding me of nature’s other wild side. This one, I don’t like so much!

Thanks Egidio for encouraging us to walk on the wild side. Please be sure to link your response to his post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week was another difficult challenge when Tina asked us to pick our favorites. What an array of photos we shared. It was so much fun. Next week Ann-Christine challenges us, so look for her post. Until then, stay safe and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 49 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #341: Personal Favorites

Every time I think a challenge is probably the most difficult, there’s another one coming along. This time, Tina is asking us to pick no more than five of our favorite photos. I don’t know about you, but it’s much easier for me to pick favorites from someone else’s images.

I know you expect me to post flowers, but in this photo, the praying mantis was what I was after.

You also know I’m a member of our local zoo. I happened to be talking to a docent when I think we woke up this flamingo. Quick shot!

I happened to be invited to photograph a super moon that was to appear near our State Capitol building. So glad I was there.

I miss our annual Sacramento Music Festival, especially seeing Tom Rigney and Flambeau.

My fifth and final picture is…yes, a flower. A lotus.

Thank you Tina for this wonderful exercise and trip down memory lane. When you post your five favorites, please link to Tina’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week we saw portraits of all kinds. It was beautiful and fun. Next week Egidio will be challenging us, so stay tuned! In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 48 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #340: Portraits

When I’m asked what type of photography do I do, I always answer “Pretty much anything except for portraits.” Then I qualify that statement by saying, “I do environmental portraits, meaning while I’m out and about I’ll take photos of people.” I don’t have the mind for or inclination to set up lights, etc.

So when Ritva set this portrait challenge–yikes! I decided to show you my photojournalism images.

I write a monthly personality profile article for my community’s newsletter. It’s fun and I get to meet people. They don’t mind being interviewed but they do mind having their picture taken. Of course it’s just a mug shot taken outdoors. That’s my expertise level!

Let me know if I’m capturing a little bit of their personality.

Next, I enjoy capturing candid environmental portraits. It’s not easy, and when I get caught, I ask if I can take their picture. Most of the time, they agree; sometimes not. These two gentlemen had no idea I was taking their pictures. But I think they tell their stories.

Now for some fun. My photo buddy Greg, who passed away, had a great sense of humor and posed for me in a Mona Lisa cut out. If anyone can tell me how I photographed three eyes in this alpaca, please let me know! When I brought it into Lightroom, this is what I found.

My last portrait is one that is special to me. It is one I took at my granddaughter’s wedding. It was the only wedding I photographed and the last. I admire all you wedding photographers out there. They were married on the Delta King paddle wheel boat. I was stymied because the management didn’t open the part of the boat facing the river. Anyway, this is my favorite because you can see the love they have for each other.

That’s the extent of my portrait taking. Thanks Ritva for this challenge that helped stretch my thoughts on taking people pictures. When you post your response, please link to Ritva’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

I enjoyed seeing how all of your personal life changes affected your journeys. I thank you for sharing your challenges, dreams and accomplishments with us. Tina will present the next challenge, so be sure to look for her post.

Until then, stay safe and live in gratitude!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 29 Comments

Almost caught up!

It’s raining–again! Fortunately not still. True, we need the rain, but it can rain at night and let the sunshine during the day. It’s just a simple request!

These pictures will almost catch me up.

First is my latest visit to the Sacramento Zoo. I’m enjoying our small zoo while I can. In 5 years, it will take at least 2 days to see all of the new Sacramento Elk Grove Zoo.

That was good!
Our new young lioness.
Loving a lettuce snack.

Second is the trout run at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. There were many fishing boats on the American River that day. At the hatchery, the trout are caught, eggs are expressed, trout are released back into the river, their eggs are hatched and when ready released into the river.

Last is our hunt for apple blossoms. We found one accessible orchard, but didn’t go on the property, but stayed on the side.

We also stopped for a barn and an old building we saw along a country road.

I have just one more outing to catch me up. See you next week! Hopefully, the sun will be shining!!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 69 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #339: Life’s Changes

Retirement is a big change. At least for me it was since my life revolved around the grandkids, husband and mom. My small parttime business, which I was closing, was my outlet. What would I do? Enter– photography.

Photography changed my life! It rescued me, gave me purpose and became a passion.

My business was something I did for me. It kept my brain active, and I enjoyed being a part of my client’s successes. I was truly afraid of giving that part of me up. But once I stepped on that photography path, I knew I had found the right outlet.

This new venture was a steep learning curve, especially since I didn’t want to take classes. (I didn’t want homework!). Photography became my brain gym. I joined photo meetup groups, and met other photographers, some of whom became friends. I found photographers are willing to share knowledge.

I soon became a photo addict, reading tutorials, and went out on as many outings as I could. I didn’t realize what the greater Sacramento Area had to offer as far as beauty. I did my best to go out to various places like the Foothills, the Sierras, the coast, the city and the countryside.

I was definitely on the photography path. Now 13 years later, I’m still traveling the photography road and loving it. I have Chronic Fatigue, but when my camera is in my hand, I’m never tired. I see opportunities like my camera would. Compositions just pop out to me saying, “Here I am! Take the shot!”

Now what to do with all the photos I’ve taken? I started a blog which led to the Lens-Artists Challenge. I’ve so enjoyed sharing photos with all of you and learning about where you live and travel. Photography has brought me all this. It has enriched and changed my life.

What has enriched and/or changed yours? That is your challenge this week. Share with us your joys and passion of a hobby or life experience that helped direct your life’s passion. It might even be a person who made a difference along the way. Express your thoughts in words and pictures.

Oh, use as many words as you need! I really enjoyed your posts in response to John’s Pick A Word challenge last week. What a variety! Next week Ritva will present the challenge, so look for her post.

In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 33 Comments

Behind Again #1

What happens when you go on weekly photo outings and then get busy with other things? You forget to post your pictures! Yes, I have a few from the later part of 2024 to show you. These were taken at Chalk It Up, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Rollins Lake, The American River and the Yolo Countryside.

There’s more to come. I’ll post those next week–I hope!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 61 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #338: Pick A Word

If you know my photographic style, then you know my word would be MACRO. Close up or macro photography was my goal when I first started photography, and it has continued to be. So John, macro is my choice. You’ve made this challenge easy for me because I have so many images to choose from. Or was it easy?

In finding my macro images, I found mostly flowers. Some even had visitors:

But there were also some water drops:

This challenge may have seemed short and sweet, but it was difficult choosing the images! So thank you John for this journey of “One Word!” I’m now reminded that I haven’t taken my macro lens out in a long time! Oh, when you post your reply, please remember to link to John’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week Sophia had us all go on Bold journeys, and I enjoyed seeing and experiencing all of yours. I’m presenting next week’s challenge, so I’d better get busy. In the meantime, stay safe, be resilient and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #337: Bold

This week, Sofia is asking us to think BOLD. COLOR! That’s what I think of when I hear bold. I am attracted to bright, deep and bold colors. I’m also attracted to angles when I see them, especially when they are straight, angular and bold. This rooftop fits that bill.

Now let’s get to my favorite subject of color. Here are two samples of what I like.

Next are bold designs.

When it comes to flowers, sometimes less color can bring out the bold, especially in a single floral photograph. This flower just fills the frame with its bold burst.

I love signs, especially when they are meaningful, funny or just eye catching.

I’ll end with colorful wall and window designs at our local Crocker Art Museum.

Thank you Sofia, for brightening my morning. I love this challenge. When you respond to Sofia’s challenge, please link your to her original post and use the Lens-Artist tag. Last week Ann-Christine challenged us to post just one meaningful image. I enjoyed seeing and reading your responses. Next up is John to challenge us, so be sure to look for his post.

In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

If you want to know more about participating in the Lens-Artists, please click here.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 23 Comments

Under Water: Discovery Park

It’s that time of year here in Northern California–RAIN! But this year, it started in December, giving our rivers more than an adequate water level. It started again in late January and so far in February. Discovery Park is at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, and in years of heavy rain fall, it tends to flood.

Of course I can’t miss a good opportunity to photograph a flooded area. But, we were almost too late. I remember one year the picnic tables were under water. Here are some pictures from that area.

River View from the I St. Bridge
Flooded Parking Lot
Flooded Parking Lot
Not under water, but look at that burl.

After Discovery Park, we went to Old Sacramento to see what we could find.

It’s still raining, but not as hard. I’m not complaining too much because most of the rest of the year we are dry. Summer rain is not normal for us.

Take care everyone! Enjoy your weather!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #336: Only One Picture

What seemed easy ended up being a difficult challenge. Ann-Christine asked us to post just ONE picture that is meaningful, not a favorite, to us. My first choice was an image I was proud of. But, that’s not what was asked of us.

Recently my lens has found several homeless in Sacramento. I’ve shared at least one with you recently. The homeless crises is meaningful and has been for years. Just yesterday I went to Discovery Park, with friends Ray and Richard, to photograph the flooding there. With all the rain we’ve been getting, I wasn’t disappointed. I found a flooded parking lot and a building sitting partially submerged in water.

However, on our way back to the car. I found a homeless man asleep on the sidewalk of a busy intersection. His pillow was a rock. Whatever joy I felt at finding the flooding I was looking for was instantly diminished.

We can call this photojournalism, but it is sad that he can’t rest his head on a true pillow and sleep in privacy. This isn’t just a problem in Sacramento, but I’m sure worldwide. There is no easy remedy. I just hope not to find more pictures of this kind to take.

Thanks Ann-Christine for this thought provoking challenge. I was amazed at how quickly my focus shifted. This is definitely not my favorite photo, but it is meaningful. When you post your reply, please link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag.

I truly enjoyed seeing all your images in black and white and/or color last week. It was an interesting exercise and did show how subjective photography is. Next week Sofia will be challenging us, so be sure to look for her post.

Until then, stay safe and live in gratitude!