Posted on by Anne Sandler · 28 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #263: Faces in a Crowd

If you want to see into a person’s soul, just look at their face. One of my photographic goals is to do just that. Candid images capture their story. Once you ask a person if you can take their picture, you tend to lose the story.

For John’s challenge this week, I wish I had more candid faces, but he did open the challenge to include more avenues. And I’m taking full advantage of his generosity. I went way back into my archives to find images I may not have posted before. They were taken at various places, so here goes.

The first two faces were taken at the Crocker Museum in Sacramento. They’ve been there a long time so they must be on permanent display. I picked them because they are so different. I’m assuming the one on the left is a face, and why is the guy on the right sticking his tongue out?

These two are from a Highland Games fair we went to. It was fun to see the costumes and see the participants in the actual games.

Next is a tribute to my friend Greg Morris who passed away in 2015. He was a fun guy who enjoyed taking funny selfies. The first photo is from an outing to Locke, Calif. there was a wooden form of the Mona Lisa with a hole for a face. Greg didn’t hesitate. The second was taken a year later at Bodega Bay where we held a memorial for him. Pictured are some of the photographers there to honor him.

Speaking of photo buddies, here are two taken at the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, Calif. We wore those hats while on our tour. Marlene is on the left and Linda is on the right. It was an interesting tour, but we went kind of crazy tasting and buying the jelly beans afterwards. They are so yummy!

Every year, Sacramento hosts Wide Open Walls, a mural festival. There is no shortage of faces. We drive around the city each year to capture the new art.

Last, let’s go to the Sacramento Zoo. You know I love that place. Once you get to know the animals, they are fun to watch and photograph. We were fortunate to be there at the right time to catch a tutorial on birds. A keeper had brought out a parrot for us to get a close, not behind the thick bars of the cage, look. The next image is of a giraffe and her calf. I think the baby is Rocket, who at two years was sent to another zoo.

So there you have it, faces maybe not in a crowd, but tell a story just the same. When you respond to John’s post remember to link to his original challenge and to use the Lens-Artists tag. I enjoyed seeing all your framing responses to Amy’s challenge last week. There were a lot of different natural and man-made frames that gave me ideas to work on. Next week Sofia will be presenting the challenge next week, so be sure to look for her post.

If you’d like to participate but aren’t sure how to get started, click here.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 52 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #260: Overlooked

While looking through my archives for this week’s challenge by Janet of Sustainabilitea (who wants us to post images of things others may normally overlook or something you think other people would overlook), I found images that I was lucky enough not to overlook and some that presented a surprise! So I’m twisting the challenge a bit to show you some images that I’m happy to not have overlooked. I hope you don’t mind Janet.

I didn’t even notice this bee flying into this sunflower until I processed it. I guess I overlooked it completely!

When I walk, I try to look down for small creatures, but I am delighted when I find a colorfully textured log.

I do like trees. When I looked up at this tree, the sun was in the perfect position for me to catch a sunburst.

I’m not a very patient person, but I’m glad I kept my lens out the car window just a little longer just in case this cormorant took flight.

And sometimes we just get lucky. I was watching this goat when he got an itch.

I’m so glad I looked up and saw this restaurant ceiling because a few days later it burned down and all was lost. Sometimes we are meant to be where we are.

This one was overlooked by my photo buddies. I even pointed it out to one, but he didn’t take the shot. It’s all subjective, isn’t it! Can you see the ferris wheel reflection in the restaurant window?

One picture I never overlooked or missed an opportunity to take was of Kamau the Lion at the Sacramento Zoo. He recently passed away at age 16. RIP Kamau.

Thank you Janet, this was fun even though I twisted the challenge a bit. When you post on this challenge, please remember to link to Janet’s post and use the Lens-Artist tag. I totally enjoyed Dan’s Unbound challenge and all your posts and interpretations. Thanks to all our July guest hosts. Next week the team returns with Ann-Christine leading the challenge.

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

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 18 Comments

It’s all happening at the Zoo

Oh my, we were late in getting to the Sacramento Zoo and the small parking lot in William Land Park was almost full. And, the big yellow school busses were dropping off school aged kids. It was going to be a tough day of photography! I’m guessing the big cats already enjoyed their bones, because the ones that were in their enclosure were just about to nap.

One cheetah had begun to rest when the other one came over and this happened.

When we got to the giraffe enclosure, Cheyenne, the new young giraffe was out in the yard. What a treat!

Older giraffe eating.

All in all, it was a pretty good morning at the zoo after all. Next we went to the WPA Rock Garden, and I’ll show you that in my next post.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 42 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #247: Backlit

As photographers, we look for unique lighting situations. This week Ann-Christine suggests we look for images where the sun is lighting our subject from behind. I’ll admit that I take advantage of light without planning for it. I’m thinking I should get up early for that sunrise, but…… Or stay up late for sunset, but…. Or plan for the blue or golden hours, but… I just enjoy being out there with my camera photographing in whatever light nature gives me.

I’m a little late with my response, so I’ve had the chance to see many wonderful responses already. Here are some of my photos where I’ve put the sun backlighting my subject.

You know I photograph lotus flowers each year. The next two images are from the same shoot at Land Park’s pond. On the left, the lotus seems to be bowing under the sun’s strength. On the right, the sun creates translucent petals.

Other floral or leaves. Almond blossoms are backlit and in shade. Autumn leaves seem to be soaking up the sun so they can continue to change their color. A tree captures the sun on the back of its leaves during autumn.

Animals. I’ve chosen a deer and a horse. I enjoyed the glow the sun gave their bodies as it shined behind them.

When the sun is at your back, you create a self-portrait–your shadow.

My next images were taken just a few minutes or seconds apart. See the difference the setting sun makes in this landscape. I may have worked with the color in the second image, but I really can’t remember. You can still see the difference.

Finally, this challenge must end with a sunset!

Thank you Ann-Christine for this enjoyable challenge. Backlit images are so relaxing. Please remember to link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag in the WP reader.I enjoyed seeing all your still life images last week and got many ideas. Next week Sofia’s challenge is on Mood: Places, photography styles, situations or portraits where moods are recognizable.

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

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 27 Comments

Testing a new lens: The Sacramento Zoo

I had two motivators for visiting the Sacramento Zoo recently. 1. I was gone for almost a month and hadn’t seen the new baby giraffe now named Cheyenne and, 2. I wanted to test out a new lens. With my Nikon, I had an 18-200mm lens which was a perfect walk-around lens. Unfortunately, Fujifilm doesn’t make a lens with that type of zoom. Recently Tamron came out with an 18-300mm lens for Fuji and Sony. So I bought the Fuji mount. The only drawback is its lack of an aperture ring on the lens. I was told that I could assign that function to the front dial and use the top dial to change the aperture.

When I purchased the lens, I was told that Fuji would make the switch automatically and when I put my Fuji lens back on it would revert back. I played with it while at the zoo and didn’t quite do it correctly. I ended up with sharp but noisy images. Thank heavens for Topaz!

The zoo didn’t disappoint. The cheetah was walking around; not running.

The red panda was walking the branches instead of sleeping.

The giraffes were being giraffes. Have you ever seen a two-headed, six-legged giraffe? We did get to see Cheyenne, but she was behind a fence and quickly went back inside with her mother.

The river otters were in their hammock.

And the lions were preparing for a nap.

One of the Okapi was out eating.

I almost forgot the alligator.

So, this was my morning at the zoo with friends Marlene, Laura and Ray. It’s good to be home and doing photography with friends.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 46 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #237: Bringing Softness

I’ve had a lot of fun this morning playing with Lightroom. I’ve not done anything else, but I’ve had fun thanks to Bren of Brashley Photography’s challenge: Bringing Softness.

First I started with flowers. I did a select subject in LR and then inverted the selection, used the radial filter so some of the flower would be soft and then finished with moving the clarity slider over to the left. I also added a vignette.

Then I wanted to see how the technique would work on animals. I picked the Capybara (world’s largest rodent) and orangutan at the Sacramento Zoo. This wasn’t as easy as flowers but I did pretty much the same technique. I wanted their faces to remain sharp.

I also tried buildings in Boston. I’m not sure the technique worked as well. The radial filter became my friend. I wanted some of the building to remain in focus. In the corner building on the right, the doorway should be in focus.

I’ll finish with my landscape experiment. The first one on the left is from the Tulip Festival at Ananda Village. I think the clarity technique added a dreamy softness. The middle image is from a trip to Port Costa and taken on the way. The dreamy look is more slight. The last, on the right, is from the Port Costa trip also. I liked the way the background was made slightly soft while the railroad tracks in the front remained sharp.

Thank you Bren! I love learning new techniques, especially when I can use software I already have. Remember to link your response post to hers and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week we saw and read about many differences with Amy’s challenge of East meets West. I enjoyed all you responses. Next week, Ann-Christine will present the challenge.

I will be on vacation through March 17th and not posting. I’ll see you all when I get back.

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

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 5 Comments

When the rains ended: Morningsun Herb Farm

Three weeks of constant rain had just ended. The greater Sacramento area had experienced downed trees and flooding. It was the first day of sunshine. We wanted to get out with our cameras, but where? We chose to visit the Morningsun Herb Farm in Vacaville. It promised not to be too muddy.

It was a short, fun outing. This description is from their website: Our family-owned nursery and display gardens have been in operation since 1995. We grow over 500 species of herbs, vegetables, unusual and drought-tolerant perennials and pollinator plants. We specialize in a huge selection of lavenders, propagating over 45 varieties in our greenhouses. Our display gardens, located in our family walnut orchard, are wonderful teaching tools for gardeners, chefs, herbalists, and crafters. The gardens are also used by amateur photographers and artists for inspiration. Bring a picnic lunch to relax in the gardens, and some extra treats to share with our donkeys (although we may post special diets due to doctor’s orders).

They did welcome us, allowing us to freely roam the area. Here are some of the buildings.

I found two sculptures of interest. The first shown are two images of the same sculpture. I thought the cactus looked happy.

I did find the farm animals. This goat had an itch before it went to the fence to get acquainted with me.

And, of course, they had a store.

Lastly, I liked this weathered bench with a shirt thrown on it.

We were glad to get out and happy to be welcomed at this small herbal nursery.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 37 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #220: One Subject Three Ways

I find that I’m getting lazy when I photograph. I used to do as Patti suggests in this week’s challenge: bend down, sit down, walk around and even lay down to get the shot. Now I find that I stop myself after I take one shot and begin to walk away. I think it’s more physical aging than being lazy.

Sometimes I don’t have to bend down to get a different perspective. Sometimes I just walk around and aim the camera up. This red sculpture is found in Roseville’s Sculpture Park. While it’s a well known landmark, Roseville has cleverly hidden it behind a shopping center. But it can be seen from the freeway. Maybe the sculpture came first and the shopping center second.

My next example is of stepping back and changing position to get a different scene from the same area. This was taken at Fort Ross Historical Park in Jenner. I’ve never seen wild Calla Lilies, but they are here. We start out with a larger view of the coast and then come in to find the wildflowers (you can barely see them).

Sometimes it’s patience that gives us a new perspective on a picture. This Orangutan at the Sacramento Zoo required patience as I waited and followed his moves.

Finally, it’s taking a shot of many and bringing it down to just one for a different perspective. These poppies were found in Sutter Creek, Amador County.

Thank you Patti for reminding me to position myself to get the “one subject three ways!” When you post on this challenge please remember to link to Patti’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. We all enjoyed finding our special treasures as prompted by Tina last week. Ann-Christine is hosting next week’s challenge.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 23 Comments

Before the heat hit: Sacramento Zoo

Early this month we decided to beat the heat and went to the Sacramento Zoo when it opened. To our surprise, it was pleasant weather wise. However, the animals were being ornery. I don’t know why they turn away when they see a camera! Many weren’t in their enclosures and the nocturnal animals were sleeping early.

The orangutans were playing and eating in their enclosure. Finally one decided to turn around.

Thank goodness it was bone day, and the lions and jaguars were still gnawing at their treats.

By now we should have a new baby giraffe. I guess as soon as it gets a little cooler I’ll get down their to see him/her. The docents are hoping for a girl because she would get to stay. If it’s a male then when he gets to a certain age, he’ll be sent to another zoo.

One of the alligators was active and swimming towards the platform we stood on. He doesn’t look too friendly.

Last we have the okapi. There was only one out that morning. They are an amazing looking animal.

You’ll notice there are no flamingo pictures this time. All the birds are inside because of the avian flu. They even drained the flamingos pool. I hope they are back when we visit next. They are fun to watch and photograph.

Our zoo is planning to move to Elk Grove, a city south of Sacramento but within Sacramento County. More acreage is needed for expansion and to house the current zoo animals. But, it’s not going to happen overnight. They say the zoo will move in stages. I wonder what that would mean for the visitors and animals. Change happens!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 40 Comments

Lens-Artists Challenge#205: The Eyes Have It

During a photography competition, the judge always looks into the subject’s eyes–whether human or animal. Are they sharp and have a catch light. This week, Tina challenges us to focus on the eyes of a subject. Eyes are doorways into the soul.

I managed to find some images in my archives to show you. Let’s start with one I enjoy looking at. My friend and I were at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge driving the course. Towards the end, a bald eagle was in a branch right over the road. To get this picture, I climbed up through her car’s sunroof. Look at those eyes. What do you think he’s telling me?

Two more animals: The coyote is on the hunt. You can see that he is focused in his eyes. While the parrot, is just being colorful and beautiful.

Burrowing owls are very small, but their eyes are big in comparison. Is he flashing a do not disturb sign with those eyes?

I don’t capture enough candid portraits of people. Here are two that tell different stories. The first gentleman was sitting on a bridge bench. His glasses hide the despair in his eyes, but his body language speaks. The woman is taking a break at the Pirate Festival. Her eyes are narrowed and relaxed. To me she’s reflecting on a good day of fun.

Another of my favorites is this flamingo trying to sleep at the Sacramento Zoo. What is he trying to tell me as I snap his picture?

A dog’s eyes are a true reflection of what he/she is thinking. I think he/she wants attention. What do you think?

Eye focus equals communication. At Toastmasters we teach “eye contact.” Look directly into your audience’s eyes. You can tell immediately whether or not your message is reaching them.

Thank you Tina for this wonderful eye opening topic. Remember to link your reply to her post. Next week we begin our tradition of summer guest hosts during July. Next week Aletta Crouse of Now at Home will focus on Treasures. Be sure to look for her post.

During the remainder of July we have:

July 09 – Jez Braithwaite of Photos by Jez is Seeing Double.

July 16 – Andre of My Blog–Solaner is thinking about Summer Vibes.

July 23 – Tracy, who posts at Reflections of an Untidy Mind, has chosen Surrealism.

July 30 – Sarah Wilkie, who hosts Travel with Me, asks you to share Three Favorite Images.

We invite you to look for and check out their blogs and hope you’ll join us throughout July. The Lens-Artists team will be back in August when I will host, “What’s Your Groove”.

Until then, have a safe and fun summer. Remember to use the Lens-Artists tag.

 If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, just click this link and join us: https://photobyjohnbo.wordpress.com/about-lens-artists/