Posted on by Anne Sandler · 34 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #316: Destination Fun

We recently went up to Reno for my grandson’s 15th birthday and to see the Ostrich and Camel Races. Half way through the 2 1/2 hour trip, all of you had better sit down for this, I realized I left my camera at home! Can you imagine that?? Since I started photography, I’ve always had my camera with me for events.

In fact, my camera has taken me to many fun places I wouldn’t have gone if I wasn’t looking for an outing. I now realize, thanks to Egidio and his wonderful challenge, that photography has given me the opportunity for fun.

For instance:

The Sacramento Zoo has been a favorite of mine. It’s fun to get to know the animals and watch them through the years. I always check the red panda enclosure to see if they are awake. Being nocturnal, they are usually napping. This one was awake! The cheetahs are a relatively new zoo addition. One day they were grooming each other. What an opportunity.

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is a natural habitat where deer, coyote, birds and other animals roam free. It’s located on the banks of the American River. The deer are used to humans and remain calm when we photograph them. However, they do have natural predators. Once we saw the remains of a deer carcass.

Not being a true “birder” with a super long lens, I enjoy my yearly visit to what I call the Nesting Trees in Lincoln. The trees sit in a gully in the middle of two shopping centers. The birds, blue herons and egrets, feel safe and build their nests there. Even though I only have a 300mm stretch on my Fujifilm camera and Tamron lens. I do manage to get a few good ones. I’ve also learned to bring a chair!

I do have fun at carnivals. Not riding the rides; but photographing them. I have fun zooming in and out, moving my camera up and down, combining both on a longer shutter speed. The Ferris wheel provided me with a lot of fun times.

Last, you know I like reflections. At the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento, they put a locomotive on mirrors. Did they do that just for me? Here’s one result.

All of these destinations bring me fun each time I visit. But the joy comes from being with my friends for these outings. Photography has brought me wonderful photo buddies and also a great community like LAPC. About leaving my camera home, it must have been an omen. Two days before the races, a fire broke out in Washoe Valley. It looked like they had it contained, but the wind picked up and it changed direction. While we were watching the first ostrich race, my son got an alert to evacuate. Richard and I came home, and my son and family went to stay with his in-laws. It was an intense two days, but the fire didn’t get to their community, and they were able to return home.

Your posts to Ritva’s Common Objects challenge were just the diversion I needed last week. I was amazed at all the different interpretations you had for that challenge. When you respond to Egidio’s Fun challenge, please link back to his post and use the Lens-Artists tag in the reader. Next week Tina will be challenging us, so look for her post.

In the meantime, find the joy in life and have FUN!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 30 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #310: Zig Zag

Have you ever zigged when you should have zagged? Or better said, gave Lightroom a challenge! I will warn you–don’t change a file name—ever! I know after you’ve imported into Lightroom to change a file name first in Lightroom and then on your computer. But my Zig occurred when I changed file names before importing into Lightroom. The Zag was a disaster.

I’ve managed to salvage some images of zigging and zagging, so here they are. Warning, they are out of the order I was trying to put them in, but I don’t want to tempt fate again! So here are my offerings for Patti’s fun challenge. I actually had fun finding these.

My zig zag problems aside, this was a fun challenge. As you post your ZZ’s please remember to link to Patti’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag. A big thank you to our July guest hosts: Leanne, Elizabeth and PR. They presented creative and wonderful challenges.

Next week, Ann-Christine will lead our challenge, so be sure to look for her post.

Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenges? Click here for more information…..

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 41 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #303: Connections

Every day we connect with people and places; some stronger than others. I’m the type of person who needs those connections. Right now, my old dog is resting near me as I type. Just having that connection comforts him. And, yes, his presence comforts me.

This week, Donna wants us to explore what connections mean to/for us. Since I retired 10 years ago, photography has connected me to wonderful people, some who have become great friends. I’ve also become a member of PSA and one of its chapters and clubs.

I’ve learned so much through workshops from the Gold Rush Chapter and the Sierra Camera Club. This image was featured in the PSA June Showcase.

Some other connections.

Fences are individual boards made of wood, steel, plastic etc. that are all connected together. Once connected, they separate one side from another, keeping people or animals either in or out.

Bridges connect one side to another. They come in all sizes, go over rivers, streams or even land.

Doors connect us to what’s inside or back out.

A park bench is a great connector. It helps connect people to their thoughts or nature, friends to each other or sweethearts to further discovery.

Holidays, fairs and celebrations connect us to fun, enjoyment and each other.

We don’t have to look far for connections. Just say hello and smile to a stranger–you’ve connected. Thank someone for helping you or ask for help–you’ve connected. And my dog, Gem, would suggest that you pet your animal so you can connect with unconditional love and loyalty.

Thank you Donna for reminding us that connections are important to all of us. Look at how we have all become virtual friends through LAPC. Remember to link to her challenge when you post your response and please use the Lens-Artist tag.

John certainly presented us with a great learning experience last week. I enjoyed seeing all the various responses from our community. Ritva is presenting our next challenge, so be sure to look for her post. Until then stay away from monster colds, make new connections and stay safe.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 44 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #296: Abstract

I had a lot of fun with this challenge. Thank you Ritva! The fun came when I experimented with Photoshop filters and saw how I could change images. I also realized how I just compose photos for abstracts. Most of the images below are ones I put my lens close in or used a macro lens. So, let’s get started with my show and tell!

First, I have so much fun with intentional camera (lens) movement. Here are two taken at two different carnivals.

Now for some Photoshop filter fun. Can you see the two flowers in the first (left) photo? How about the bridge going over the stream in the center photo? The one on the right is easier–reflection of trees in the water.

Now for the images I took naturally with close ups.

As I said, I enjoyed experimenting and discovering more about how I take photos. Once again, thanks Ritva. When you reply to her post with your abstracts, please remember to link to Ritva’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

We did some rock climbing, walking and just admiring last week in response to Donna’s challenge. I enjoyed your responses. Next week Egidio is challenging us, so be sure to look for his post.

Until then stay safe!