Posted on by Anne Sandler · 22 Comments

Why did we go? Apple Hill

Sometimes when you just need to take your camera for an outing, you don’t make wise decisions. Why did we decide to go to Apple Hill, which is just above Placerville in Placer County, on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend? There’s no good answer; we just weren’t thinking.

What is Apple Hill? Here’s an excerpt from the Growers Association website.

“Near the Sierra foothill town of Placerville, just off the beaten path between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe are the Apple Hill Growers. We are an agriculture community with a rich history in farming and winemaking where a new generation of growers invites you to share the experience with your family and friends. Representing over 50 local, family farms, the Apple Hill Growers are dedicated to supporting agriculture in our community.  Founded in 1964 with just 16 apple ranches, we’ve now grown to include unique fruit & vegetable farms, bakeshops, wineries, a Bed & Breakfast Inn, flower gardens, and Christmas tree farms. Our winding roads and scenic beauty have been a popular destination for over 50 years.   Come enjoy the fruits of our Apple Hill Growers any time of year!”

They may be open any time of the year, but November and December are their biggest money making months. Abel’s Apples was our first stop and it wasn’t too crowded at 10 a.m. They had candy apples, caramel apples, fudge, and more! We saw many cars with Christmas trees secured on the top.

Our next stop was Boa Vista Orchards. It was crowded but not too bad. Ray wanted to buy apples. I wanted to photograph at least one close up. How about persimmons?

I can’t remember the name of our next stop, but it’s where we ate lunch. The only thing non-sweet on the menu were corn dogs! They were actually good.

Our last stop was High Hill Ranch, the largest of the growers and most popular. They had crafters and artists selling their wares. There were places to get food and pies, etc. Oh, they had a fudge store. That fudge was delicious. Yes, I succumbed! I mostly sat around the pond and people watched and took photos of the ducks.

We were to meet at the car at 1 p.m. Fortunately for me, Ray was heading back at the same time I was. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to find row 10!

Ray walking to his car.

The best photograph of the day was taken through the car windshield on the way home. We had patches of fog all morning.

So why did we go? Because it was there! Would we go again? Probably not especially on a holiday weekend!

Posted on by Anne Sandler

An ending and beginning: Christmas lights

Happy New Year. We ended 2015 shooting Christmas Lights, after the holiday but better late than not getting there at all. Going during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we thought there would be less crowds. Wrong! It was crowded on Dovewood Court. I guess everyone had the same idea. This court is one where all the houses are lit up beautifully. We went there last year also, so you’ll recognize some of the pictures. I tried to shoot differently for variety. And, this year, I felt more comfortable with my ability to shoot correctly.

Also ending is the 365 photography challenge. This being January 1, 2016, I didn’t have to shoot a picture, I could walk the dog without bringing a camera and both husband and dog are breathing easier now that they don’t have to be models. I’ll talk more about the 365 soon. It was an amazing experience.

Beginning is my attempt to learn more photography software. I’m going to do the 52, meaning I’ll post a photo once a week. My twist on it: I’m going to post a before and after image, showing a new editing skill I’ve learned. And, I don’t think I want to be tied to assigned themes. I just want to learn.

This year, I’m even more enthusiastic about shooting and learning new editing techniques to bring my photography to the next level.  Does that sound like a resolution? Maybe I’m just looking forward to a new beginning.

Here are some of the Christmas lights. (No captions necessary.)

 

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler

When it rains; shoot indoors: Fairmont Hotel, San Jose

When it rained in San Jose, it poured. Dedicated photographers never give up, especially when you don’t often get to shoot together. So photo buddy Nicci, of niccicarreraromance.com, and I went to to lobby of the Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose.

The lobby was beautifully decorated for Christmas; and, as an added bonus, we were able to photograph Christmas In The Park directly across from the hotel. I had a wonderful time talking with Nicci. This was the first time we went on a photo outing since Leanne Cole’s visit in September.

The only problem was our visit was way too short, and the welcomed rain!

The model village in the lobby.
The spinning Ferris Wheel attached to a gingerbread house.
The lobby has several sculptures placed in front of mirrors.
One of the Christmas Trees.
A zoom abstract of the tree.
Another zoom abstract shot just slightly different.
It’s me reflected in the ornament.
The lobby.
The bar.
Christmas in the park display.
One of the rides.
Another display of cute teddy bears.
A gingerbread house display.
The locomotive of a train ride.
A dragon on the carousel.
A horse on the carousel.