animal photography – Page 2 – Slow Shutter Speed

Posted on November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 40 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #326: This Made Me Smile

There’s nothing more contagious than a smile. Try it. Just smile at a stranger, and they will smile back. You can also wave. For me a smile is hope. And thank you Ann-Christine for showing us that we can still find hope and smile.

So what makes me smile? I’ve chosen five things that help me smile. Let’s start with animals. First, here is my friend Marlene talking with an alpaca; and, second, a zebra at the Sacramento Zoo with an itch.

Now let’s move on to landscapes. I do smile when I see a field of flowers or a mountain covered with wildflowers. Each year the poppies and sunflowers come out, and I try to get capture them with my camera. Because the sunflowers are farmed, they are easier to find. However, to capture a field of wild poppies is more difficult.

How many of you have chuckled when you saw a clever sign? I love that people will pass along their sense of humor to the public. I have two signs to show you. One is outside the bathroom at the Charles Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa and the other at Ruhstaller Farm in Dixon.

If you’ve followed this blog, you know I love trees. They are so expressive and bring me joy.

And last, are people. They don’t have to smile at you to have you smile; they just need to be themselves in the moment. Here is my now teenage grandson at the California State Railroad Museum for the first time and a mother and son enjoying the music at a county fair.

Have these images brought a smile to your face? I hope so. Thank you Ann-Christine for helping us smile this week. When you post your response, remember to link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week week Tina prepared us for smiling with her gratitude theme. I enjoyed seeing what you are all grateful for. Sometimes we just need a little poke to help us remember the goodness in life. Next week Sofia will present the challenge, so look for her post.

In the meantime smile and live in gratitude.

Posted on October 31, 2024October 31, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 29 Comments

A great day at the zoo!

It wasn’t just a great day at the zoo, it was an exciting day! Why? I was able to see and photograph our new lion Slamson II. The lion enclosure had been empty since both lions died; Kamau in June 2023 and Cleo in October 2024. Cleo passed at age 19 and was one of the oldest lions in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African Lion Species Survival Plan population. Slamson II came to the zoo via a partnership with the Sacramento Kings basketball team, whose mascot is a lion called Slamson.

He’s been kept from public view all these months. But, now he’s ready to meet his adoring fans.

Next, I was excited because the Red Pandas were active. Usually, they are sleeping and, if I’m lucky, I get a picture of their face when they lift it. This time I could see their entire body as they walked from tree to tree and feeding area to feeding area. And I’d watch out for their claws!

Oh, then there was the Zebra who, I think, was on a time out. Usually they are just eating. But this one wasn’t.

And the White Rhino was out and eating, which he does most of the day. Also the African Pancake tortoise was eating.

The Orangutans were also eating. They would grab a head of lettuce from a plastic box and start chomping. I’m thinking we arrived during breakfast.

The Cheetahs, having finished their bones, were prowling their enclosure.

One cutie that I was able to photograph through plastic is the small Meercat. Of course we want children to come and enjoy the zoo. But they do leave little hand prints on the plexiglass. This time, I got lucky.

Let’s end this visit with the beautiful Okapi and the Black Crowned Crane. The cranes had been out from public view because of the bird flu. It was good to see this beautiful bird again.

I had a great morning. As you can tell from my images, the sun was harsh and presented some problems. But nothing could dampen my spirits after seeing the new lion and the Red Pandas out and about.

Until next time!

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 56 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #319: Setting a Mood

No matter how dismal a day or my mood may be, the world is a brighter place when I have a camera in my hand. Photography is my mood enhancer. This week’s challenge, from Ann-Christine, is all about mood: how photography reflects it.

Sunflowers make me feel joyful as does a field of yellow mustard flowers. Watching the bees in a sunflower field shows me how nature naturally is at work. A vast blanket of yellow is inviting and beautiful. One flower is large and the other is small. Each has its importance.

We move from nature at work to human and animal companionship. Those of us who have pets know they can bring joy into a household. My husband loves animals and struck up a friendship with this horse. What are they saying to each other? Human and animal bonding is not restricted to pets, even for a fleeting moment.

While we’re talking about animals, one of my favorite places to stroll through is our local Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Deer find grazing here safe with few predators. They accept us humans as a distraction because we shoot with cameras and not guns. Their acceptance is joyful to me, especially since we are in their habitat.

I love fog. It sets a mood of mystery, It’s enveloping and cool. I remember this outing well. My husband was upset because it was foggy and would ruin my opportunity for good pictures. I thought it was great and exciting.

How sweet and relaxing is a meandering path. My friend was walking as I watched her. When the time was right, I asked her to stop and pressed my shutter. The yellow grass of summer against the green trees and brown fencing–well, what can I say. It was enjoyable. She was certainly enjoying her walk.

Ann-Christine asked us how a black and white image reflects our mood. I love black and white and wanted to see this sunset in monochrome. For me, the color version is more soothing; yet, the monochrome version is more dramatic. What do you think?

I’ll finish with a scene that left me awestruck and excited. In my 81 years, I’ve never woken up to a blanket of snow. I just stood there taking in its beauty.

Now you see why photography brings me joy. Even when an outing doesn’t produce the desired results, I find something to photograph. Just having the camera in my hand motivates me. How about you?

I was away for a couple of weeks and couldn’t participate in Patti’s challenge, but I did see many of your responses, and they were beautiful. When you respond to this challenge, please link to Ann-Christine’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Sofia will present next week’s challenge. I wonder what mood she’s going to set.

Until then stay safe and happy.

Posted on September 15, 2024 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 May 18, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 40 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #300: Delicate

You know when you stop and put your mind to it, nothing is impossible. When I first saw Ann-Christine’s challenge this morning, I thought, “I don’t have any delicate images!” So I did my usual of choosing a year, 2019, and began to go through the pictures. Here’s what I found.

A beautiful glass ball in a garden.

Museums are great for finding delicate items and the Haggin Museum in Stockton is no exception. Look at the intricate, delicate work on this clock and the tedious, delicate weaving of this woman in this picture.

We photographers like our insects for their delicate wings and beauty. Yes, even bees!

I can’t forget trees. Their trunks may be sturdy and large, but their branches are delicate, beautiful and graceful.

Looking very much like tree branches, spider webs are delicate strands of silk created to catch a spider’s prey.

So that’s it for delicate, but here comes the twist. You know there’s typically a twist when I do a challenge. When I was looking through 2019, I found three images that truly impressed me as sweet and then maybe delicate in interpretation.

Love, no matter what species is undeniable. Cuteness popping out of blades of grass is sweet. And a small child walking among giant redwoods–well she has to be delicate!

I hope you didn’t mind my detour. When you post your response, please remember to link to Ann-Christine’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I was amazed at all the hope that came last week responding to Patti’s challenge on Hopeful. I think we made our LAPC world a little smaller and kind. Next week Sofia will be challenging us with Floral. You’ll notice I didn’t use any flowers in this post. I’m saving them! Look for her post.

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 47 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #299: Hopeful

I chose to live in gratitude this year, and given the world condition, it’s difficult. So, thank you Patti for reminding me there is always hope and encouraging us to look into our own lives to show what gives us hope.

My rose garden, which I’ve neglected this year and still blooms, gives me hope. I’m not a gardener, but these roses have the resilience to show their beauty without much help from me. Maybe if individually we each show our beauty of spirit we can help bring beauty into this world.

Animals in their own habitat also give me hope. They live life simply and naturally. Some only hunt when hungry and some live off the land.

Holidays and festivities give me hope. For a short while we gather and enjoy, laugh and become childlike. Each year our community has a July 4th parade where golf carts, cars and bikes are decorated. If you’re not in the parade, you’re watching it. This is followed by a good old fashioned hot dog lunch.

Dedication to a passion brings me hope. When I’m out with my camera, I don’t think of other things. I just enjoy. My camera brings me to nature and sometimes artistic festivals where artists display their talents. One such festival is Chalk it Up. These artists paint with chalk, putting their all into it only to have it last a few days. Their dedication to their art and wanting to bring joy to others gives me hope.

I love trees–big ones like our Giant Sequoias and small ones; trees with leaves and those without. Trees are expressive in the way their branches bend, or stand out straight. Trees are strong and have a certain energy. Have you hugged a tree lately?

I’ll end with sunflowers. Just looking at them as they follow the sun, gives me hope. Their determination to blossom every year in the same fields shows that given the right care they will continue to smile at us. Can we give the world the right care and have it smile back?

We may not be able to change the world, but we can affect our small micro world and create hope. We can offer hope to our family and friends by helping and caring for them.

Thank you Patti, for reminding us that there is still hope. When you respond to her challenge, please remember to link to her original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I truly enjoyed your responses to Tina’s challenge last week of Children (human and animal). What a joy they are, giving us hope. Next week Ann-Christine will be presenting the challenge, so look for her post. Until then, stay safe and have hope!

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 46 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #298: To Be Young Again

What would life be like for us if we were young again? I’m not sure I’d want to be young in this crazy, unstable world of ours. But when I see the world through a child’s face and it’s joy and innocence, I’m hopeful. Tina’s challenge is for us to be young again through children, human and animal, we have photographed.

I’m hesitant to photograph children I don’t know, and usually ask a parent for permission. However, sometimes there’s no way to ask. As in this photo. A child strapped in on a high swing having a great time. What joy.

I did ask for permission when I saw this gorgeous red hair. The girl turned around as her mother said yes and gave me a big smile. I bet I wasn’t the first person with a camera to ask permission.

Parades are very public and a great place to photograph participants.

Even the kids were enjoying this pirate festival.

And now for a diva in the making.

Being a zoo member, I’ve seen many animal moms have babies (not literally). They are precious. Here are some.

**Baby flamingo making a first appearance.**

More animals: Swans and cygnets; Geese and goslings.

There’s a certain joy when you are in the company of children–human or animal. For me there’s three levels of childhood flooding my memories: my childhood, my children and my grandchildren. And let’s not forget the puppies that have brought joy into our household. Yes, we seniors have wonderful memories bringing us joy. Thank you Tina for challenging us with this wonderful topic. When you post your youthful images, please link to Tina’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week Egidio had us all listening to and singing our favorite tunes. I enjoyed reading about and listening to your selections. Next week Patti is challenging us, so be sure to look for her post.

If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 27 Comments

Mother Nature Rules: Rush Ranch

I know there are photographers who choose to photograph in the right light and weather conditions. Me? I take what I can get. Here in sunny Northers California, we’ve been dealing with rain, fog and cold temperatures. I needed to get out with my camera and Richard was willing to drive me. I think he needed to get away too. So off we went to Rush Ranch in Suisun City located near Fairfield.

During the little more than 1 hour ride, he kept questioning me about photographing in the fog which didn’t get better as we headed west. I love fog, and, of course, clouds also add to our pictures. He’s an astronomer and fog and clouds are his enemy.

When we got to Rush Ranch, part of the Solano County Land Trust, the fog had not dissipated. I didn’t care. I had been here before, but this time they had horses, wet grass and mud. What more could you want!

Here are some of the images I took during our short visit.

I’m planning to go back with my photo buddies when the sun is out. I’m sure the ranch will have a different look and feel.

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 28 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving: Some changes at the zoo!

Happy pre-Thanksgiving to all who celebrate! There’s a new animal at the Sacramento Zoo: meet the White Rhinoceros. That’s his keeper behind the fence. She just kept feeding him. I wonder how much he eats in a day! He’s a big guy!

An orangutan was enjoying a snack of romaine lettuce.

The alligator was patiently waiting.

This meercat was the lookout guard at the top of the small mountain.

This raven (I think) caught its meal.

One of the cheetahs posed for me.

The flamingos are back. They are being housed in the former enclosure of the chimpanzees after they were sent to different zoos that had more space for them in a jungle like enclosure. The flamingos are still kept in a glass enclosure because of the avian flu.

What was this zebra trying to tell me?

These are the changes at the zoo. They are planning a move to Elk Grove in a much better location with more space for more animals. It will take about 4 to 5 years. So stay tuned.

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 49 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #267: Recharge

You can’t live in today’s world without needing a recharge. Our bodies get run down, we become tired and we emotionally need to find peace. Guest host Egidio of Through Brazilian Eyes says he turns to nature to rejuvenate and asked us how we recharge our bodys’ batteries. I love nature and landscape photography, but my immediate thoughts went to the Sacramento Zoo.

Why? The zoo is small, I’m familiar with the animals, there are new animals coming in and animals are conceived and born at the zoo. Yes, I have my favorites like the red pandas, the orangutans, the giraffes, and more. I enjoy walking around and watching the animals. Some are so funny like the giraffes when they make their funny faces.

The zoo offers a respite from the world’s troubles and lets me relax. We usually go out to lunch afterward also. And, if we have time we make a stop at the WPA Rock Garden. There I take out my macro lens for a different kind of fun photography.

Here are some pictures from the Sacramento Zoo.

These animals are fun and offer us great photo opportunities. Why don’t you chill out at a zoo near you!

I think everyone had fun with Donna’s challenge last week. I enjoyed seeing all your interpretations of TIME. When you post the way you recharge, please remember to link to Egidio’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Tina is set to present next week’s challenge so be sure to look for her post.

If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.