countryside – Slow Shutter Speed

Posted on August 16, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 47 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #409: Best Images Ever

Why do you take your camera out, hold it to your eye and press the shutter? I perform this ritual because I enjoy getting out, composing the picture and editing it on the computer. If you journey out once a week, how many thousands of pictures do you think you’ve taken? YIKES, Steve wants us to pick just five favorites. Steve, this is a real challenge! The selected pictures are all from the Sacramento Area except for the first. I’m sure I’ve shown these at one time or another. I hope they are worth a second look.

I’ve gotten it down to five–with difficulty. Here’s the first.

I was at a Toastmasters conference in Redding, California. My goal was to get there one day ahead of time to capture the Sundial Bridge at night. The Sundial Bridge is a cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge for bicycles and pedestrians that spans the Sacramento River in Redding, California, forming a large sundial. The sundial at the end of the bridge is operational. At night it is lit up and is a photographers dream of lines, light and beauty!

Now let’s roam around Yolo County, just north of Sacramento County. This is our access to the countryside. We enjoy getting lost, finding interesting photo opportunities. I don’t remember where we (my small photo group) were when one of us yelled, “STOP.” Could that have been me? I liked the open fence accenting the road and the golden hillside. The sky was accommodating also. Was this worth turning around for? Could nature be more accommodating?

You know how I love to photograph flowers with my macro lens. This was probably taken at one of our local gardens–maybe the McKinley Rose Garden in Sacramento. I liked the water drops on the budding rose and its red-orange color. For me, it symbolizes an emerging beauty. Unfortunately, nature gives us beauty for just a short time. Whenever I see a volunteer in the garden, I always thank them for the gorgeous opportunity they give us.

Now for a little controversy. I come from a journalistic background, and when I see a photojournalism opportunity, I take it. The controversy is does it belong in a photo blog. One of my followers said “It does not.” I think it does given that it is an image of life and all is not rosy (like the above image.) We were walking from Discovery Park to Old Sacramento when I saw this man asleep on the ground. It’s sad but it is a sign of our time. What do I like about it? It tells a real story. What do you think?

I want to end on a happier note with this sunset image. This was taken at one of our night trips to Old Sacramento. Taken from the Sacramento side, it shows the Tower Bridge and a little of West Sacramento, Yolo County in silhouette. The setting sun was very cooperative with glowing reds, purples and oranges that night. The Sacramento River also cooperated with its glassy reflection.

So these are my five picks. Thanks Steve for sending us through our archives, helping us review wonderful memories. When you respond, please link to this post and Steve’s post. Remember to use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week, Egidio sent us “Over the Top.” What fun, reading all your posts. Ritva will be challenging us next week, so look for her post. In the meantime, stay healthy and be resilient!

Posted on August 9, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 35 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #408: Over the Top

Interpretation! One sentence can have different meanings depending on who is reading it. Or, if it’s a challenge it can be twisted. Sorry Egidio, I’m twisting again! Since I haven’t visited many places where the scenery is too extreme, too dramatic, or more than what is expected and needed, I’m choosing to look down (over the top) or up (under the top).

Let’s start by looking down from high places.

This was my first and only ride in a two-seater plane. We are flying over Atlanta, Georgia.

From Left to right: Looking down on the hillside in Yolo County; Looking down from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the valley below; The famous Lombard street in San Francisco

How about going down. This young man is leaping off a bridge into the river. Don’t worry he’s okay!

Okay, let’s look up!

You have to look up to see this great Egret come into the nest for a landing. This crop duster was working the farms in Yolo County.

There you have it, my version of Over the Top! Thanks Egidio for getting us Over the Top! When you create your response, please link to my post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week, we saw lots of celebrations thanks to Patti’s challenge. Next week, we will feature a guest host. Steve Hyde (of Steve Hyde Photography Blog) will take the lead. In the meantime stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #376: Wings

I’m flying! At least it feels like I have wings–I’m able to sit at a chair for a while. A month ago I fell and hurt my back and have been going from the couch to the bed. Each day I tried more standing up movement. So here I am ready to do a short post on Beth’s wonderful challenge of wings.

Most of my wings are of birds in flight.

Hawk ready for flight.

In flight at the annual Sacramento Chalk it Up.

Crop dusters in rural Yolo County.

Even the Sacramento Zoo had flights in fantasy for a while.

That’s it for my short post today. Next week Ann-Christine will lead us into the Holiday season. I’ve been enjoying all your posts for the last month, especially how all of you expressed mysterious. I’d better not push it. Thank heavens for laptops and a couch that reclines. See you next week. In the meantime stay safe (I need to listen to my own words.) and live in gratitude.

Posted on September 20, 2025September 20, 2025 by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge# 366: City Mouse/Country Mouse

Yikes, there’s a mouse in the house! No, not really, but we did have “super rat” once when we lived in Antelope. But you don’t want to hear that story. This blog post is not about mice, but about Sacramento City and our neighboring countryside. Actually it takes me about the same time to get to either from my home in Citrus Heights.

Tina challenges us, this week, to show the differences between a city and a countryside.

Let’s see Sacramento City first. Being the California Capital, Sacramento has been growing during the past years. We have more tall buildings (not skyscrapers) and restaurants drawing in city, county and state workers. Some of our downtown restaurants have been awarded a Michelin Star rating! Not bad for a former “cow town.” Most of our newer buildings are built so the glass windows show reflections.

I’ve posted about Sacramento’s annual mural festival. My examples are very different. Left is a building painted in a “tagging” style and on the right, a rather large image of Johnny Cash.

And last, there’s the Old Sacramento nightlife. This was taken from the Tower Bridge,

Now for our countryside, where I’m sure many mice live. But, we do have to cross over into Yolo County. These were taken on many different outings my photo group went on. It’s fun getting lost in the countryside when all roads are named County Road XX. Oh the stories I could tell, and not about mice. But the result is worth the extra gas.

If I had to choose, I would choose to live where I do–in the suburbs. After all, either the city or the country are 20 – 30 minutes away. Thanks Tina helping me find that I’m happy right where I am. Please link to her post when you respond to her challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week Egidio taught us a new Portuguese word, Saudade, meaning longing. I had a lot of fun reading about your thoughts and seeing your images. Next week, guest host Joanne of Joanne Mason Photography will be challenging us. Stay tuned!

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Anne Sandler · 48 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #356: Quiet Hours

What is a quiet hour? Is it when you are meditating? Reading a book? Taking a walk? For me it’s all these things and also when I have my camera in my hand. I can be in a noisy touristy area or out in the country; with my Fuji, I don’t hear any noise. Guest host SH wants to know how we enjoy our quiet hours. I might be twisting this challenge, but for me a quiet place is one that brings me relaxation and peace. So here we go.

I especially like visiting our Northern California beaches, especially when they are too cold to attract swimmers or have black sand. I can sit and enjoy the solitude, watching the gentle wave come ashore.

I do find trees so relaxing. With or without leaves, their branches are so expressive and inviting. They can form a canopy welcoming you down a path, or in Autumn, treat you to a colorful display of oranges, reds and browns. Your eyes act as a portal. bringing in all the beauty and silence that feeds your body with calmness and joy.

I do enjoy walking down country paths that take me from my suburban life. Fortunately I don’t have to go far to experience the quiet of country life. It’s about 45 minutes from my home. I’m even getting used to getting lost when looking for County Road 18, 16 or 19! I get so relaxed getting lost on these roads, passing farms, wineries, and orchards. I never know what photo delights I’ll find.

Ponds and creeks are in abundance here. If I need a water fix, I don’t have to drive to the ocean. Their calm movement, seasonal changes and water fowl delights my camera.

These are just some of the places I consider quiet places. Thank you SH for having me revisit places that give me relaxation. When you respond, please link to his original post and use the Lens Artists tag. Before our holiday break we enjoyed Ann-Christine having us look back. What fun! Egidio is our host next week. Until then stay safe and live in gratitude.

Posted on March 12, 2025 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.

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 December 1, 2024December 3, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 32 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #327 : Five Elements

It’s back to school time, but this time we are learning about the basic elements of fire, metal, water, earth and wood. No, don’t open your chemistry books. Sofia wants us to delve into our archives and find these elements in photography.

Earth. It all starts with earth. From earth we get life in one form or another. As our planet rotates, we get sunsets and moonrises.

The earth also gives us wildflowers and beautiful green areas.

Wood. Trees grow from the earth.

From trees, we get logs. Once milled, we then get wood for buildings.

Water. Our earth needs water to grow the trees. Water erodes rocks and boulders over time to widen and create rivers.

It’s also used for human fun and an animal habitat. Be careful not to disturb the animal!

Fire. Here in California we are Leary of the word “fire.” It usually means a destructive wildfire somewhere. But fire also heats us, especially when we sit around a campfire.

Fire is also important in certain industries like in blacksmithing. It is also used in candle lighting, as in this Chanukah celebration.

Metal. Plastic has taken metal’s place in many areas, but just try to create a glass blown beauty without a metal oven!

The grate on an old steam engine has been replaced along with the steam engine, but there will always be a metal drippy faucet.

One thing Sofia’s challenge has shown me is that we need to take care of our environment. These elements are necessary for us to maintain and improve our world. When you post your response, please link to Sofia’s challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag.

I smiled a lot with all your posts last week. John is up for his challenge next week. Be sure to look for his post. In the meantime stay safe and live in gratitude.

Posted on November 13, 2024November 14, 2024 by Anne Sandler · 29 Comments

Rust!: 3M Ranches

I’ve been talking a lot about how much I love rust – it’s patina and texture. Believe it or not, I’m going back to June when we visited 3M Ranches in Yolo County. Oh, I do love and appreciate those wonderful farms and ranches that allow us to visit their property.

Here’s a little about 3M Ranches from their website:

M Three Ranches is a family-owned farming operation providing high-quality agricultural products for food processors and handlers. We use technology advancements and sustainable practices to ensure high yields and returns for both our clients and our landlords. Having been farming for over 50 years in the Sacramento Valley, our farm is recognized as being a lead grower of tomatoes, peppers, garlic, seed crops, olives, walnuts, and almonds.

These rusty pieces were tossed in a junk pile just waiting for photographers to go crazy. That seems to be a standard way to take care of unwanted things in the country.