enjoying photography – Slow Shutter Speed

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 22 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #405: Adventures

There are many ways to look at an adventure. When my kids were young and I got lost while driving somewhere, I would tell them we weren’t lost–we were on an adventure! When something would happen with the truck, camper or trailer when we were on a camping trip, I would tell them that it was all part of the adventure.

Ann-Christine shared her Greenland adventure and wants us to share one of ours. I had two dream adventures I wanted to fulfill: going across the United States in our trailer and sailing through the Panama Canal.

We accomplished the first for our 50th wedding anniversary in 2013. My husband is not a true traveler, but he agreed to the trip. We took the Southern route so we could visit my cousin in Texas. Aside from seeing my cousin before he passed away, Memphis was a highlight. I think I’ve shown you some pictures from that amazing city before.

We then visited cousins in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Long Island. Finally we got to Niagara Falls–a bucket list item for me. It was amazing. Here are pictures of the American Falls at night from the Canadian side and all three falls–American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe from the American side.

I was in awe of the amount of water pouring from the three falls. We did all the touristy things, including the Maid of the Mist boat ride that took us under the Horseshoe falls.

During that trip I discovered that corn can be “as high as an elephant’s eye” and saw the fantastic St. Louis arch.

My other dream adventure was to go through the Panama Canal. Last summer my friend called and asked if I wanted to do a Panama Canal cruise. I didn’t hesitate; I said yes. Richard even wanted to go on this 16-day cruise. It was exciting to go from the Pacific Ocean, through the locks and into the Atlantic Ocean. Here are pictures of a ship in front of us going through a lock and into the lake separating the two sets of locks. The third is our ship leaving the last lock and entering the lake.

At 83, have I gotten too old for another dream adventure? I’m not sure, but if one should come along?????

Now that I’ve shared my adventures, I’m looking forward to seeing yours. When you share yours, please link to my post and Ann-Christine’s post. And remember to use the Lens-Artists tag. I’ll be leading the next challenge, so look for my post next Saturday! In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on June 27, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 33 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #404: Subjects That Begin With the Letter B

Do you like playing Scrabble? I do and my set dates back at least 65 years. I recently went through my old set and didn’t find any “Bs” missing; only 2 “Os,” and 1 “R and T,” Fortunately, the Antique Trove, where I take my camera in the rain and heat, has a vendor selling random Scrabble letter. And fortunately, for Beth’s challenge, I have many “B” pictures in my photo archives.

I’ll just make a gallery for you and caption the pictures.

Thanks, Beth, for the trip down memory “B” lane. This challenge was totally enjoyable! When you post your “Bs” please remember to link to Beth’s original challenge and tag Lens-Artists. Look for Ann-Christine’s Challenge on July 18. The Team will be taking a 2-week break. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

I’ll be going off to the Antique Trove to find replacement Scrabble letters. Anyone care to play a game?

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 30 Comments

Macro Mania: Green Acres

It’s been a long time since I put my macro lens on my camera and took it out for a walk. Last week my photo buddies and I visited Green Acres Nursery in Citrus Heights, Calif. Richard had a cell phone, Ray had a bridge camera and I had my XT3.

Here’s some of what I captured.

I am so grateful to Green Acres for allowing us to come and photograph their beautiful flowers. We do sometimes purchase flowers and other items. It just relaxes me to wander through the rows of florals with my camera, and, of course, lunch always follows!

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 49 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #400: The Rule of Three

When you are about to take a photo, do you think of yourself as a designer of your photographic masterpiece? This week, Tina introduces us to a designers stand by, The Rule of Three. Having worked with a graphic designer for 20 years, I learned quickly about odd numbers adding flow and interest to a piece.

I use this rule when I compose an image in camera. Like these three trees.

This doesn’t happen on a conscious level, but instinctively. It happens at the zoo when there’s more than one animal to photograph. Or when on an outing and photographing wildlife.

Oh my, I even caught the Rule in a building reflection showing three other buildings.

Someone understood this rule when they placed these shells on a pier. They really bring your attention the the texture of the wood.

These three sculptures, “The last Conversation,” are part of five (two not pictured) by Juan Muñoz, taken at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Whether it’s the three I took or the entire sculpture of 5, the sculptor understood the Rule of Three or having an odd number.

Now, I hope Tina doesn’t mind me cheating a bit. I’m claiming the Rule because I’m treating the sculpture as one and my photo buddies as the other two.

The more you think of the Rule, the more instinctive it will become. Thanks Tina for introducing us to this important guide. When you post your reply, please remember to link to her original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. We had a great time last week with Egidio’s challenge of being stuck in place. Patti will be challenging us next week. So stay tuned. Whether you’re stuck in place or wandering remember be a little odd in your photo composition.

Stay healthy and be resilient!

Posted on May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 34 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge # :Choose a Color

When you’re drawn to color like I am, you can make serious shopping mistakes with impulse buys! This week Ritva’s post is all about color, its meaning and its importance. I love red, and when I see red, I automatically try to figure out where I can use the item. More than not, I don’t need it. The older I get, the more level headed I am and can leave the item behind.

When we were young marrieds, my husband drag raced a red Pontiac with cheater slick tires. It became my car. I cannot tell you how many police followed me on the freeway until they realized I was a woman. Then they left me alone. Here’s a somewhat red car with a beautiful reflection.

I guess I like deep colors like red because my skin is pale and pastels just make me look like a ghost. I went to our new friend AI to find out what red symbolizes:

Passion: Red often represents strong emotions like love and desire.
Danger: It is commonly used to signal warning or alertness.
Energy: Red is associated with vitality and enthusiasm.
Power: The color conveys strength and authority.
Courage: Red symbolizes bravery and determination.
Action: It encourages movement and urgency in various contexts.

Is that me? I’m not sure. I’m passionate about photography. But, I don’t go looking for danger. I used to have a lot of energy. I’ve never been power hungry. I do have courage. In an emergency, I do take action.

Let’s look at some more images. If I have a choice, I’ll sit under a red umbrella. I think I should have bought those cups, but I restrained myself. Japanese gardens always include red. While red is a stimulating color, this bridge calms me down. Just walking across it creates serenity.

You know I love flowers. I could have filled this post with flowers, but we are limited. Here are two: a tulip and rose.

Now that Ritva has me in a red mood, I just might go shopping. One more red blouse or a red doodad won’t hurt. But I really don’t need them. What to do?? Maybe I need to end this post and busy myself with some other color. I do like blue, purple, and green!

Talking about color, your textures last week showed beautiful colors of rust, wood and florals. Thank you for participating. When you post your colors, please link to Ritva’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag. Next week Egidio will challenge us, so look for his post. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on April 26, 2026April 29, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 47 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #395: Looking Back #155, On the Water

Find LAPC post #155! I’ll be honest, it took a while for me to find this particular post as requested by Beth; but, it was fun. I took you all around the San Francisco Bay Area and into the Gold Country–from ocean to river. This time, as we look back, I found some fountains. So let’s take the plunge!

We have a Roseville shopping center called The Fountains, but there is only one fountain. But, it does put on a spectacular show. Here, I caught the water in slow shutter speed, regular and through a crystal ball.

We jump from a fountain to water features. Look at the captions for a brief explanation of each.

**Water shoots up in a small fountain.**

Water also shows up in drops. They can be dropping from a faucet or riding on a pond leaf.

There’s also danger at a zoo pond.

Summers can get hot in the Sacramento Valley. Many cities have fun water parks for the kids. This young man is cooling off in a Roseville water feature.

As I’m writing this, we are expecting water to fall from the sky. Yes, rain and more rain. Even with all the rain we’ve received this year, they say our snow pack is below the “breathe easy” level. We shouldn’t have to be careful with water usage here in Northern California, but I’m not sure about Southern California.

That does it for this week. Be sure to link to Beth’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag when you respond. Did you enjoy the many history lessons from last weeks challenge given by John? I enjoyed them all. Next week Ann-Christine will be leading the challenge. Be sure to look for her post.

Until then, be safe and resilient!

Posted on April 23, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 35 Comments

Flower therapy: McKinley Rose Garden

Who could resist the beautiful rose blooms at the McKinley Rose Garden in Midtown Sacramento. It was peak time and just perfect for photography. A couple of weeks ago two of my photo buddies and I went down and this is just some of what I captured through my lens.

Of course, there were more. But I pick my roses carefully. Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who help make mornings like this possible. We photographers appreciate you!

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 33 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #386: Mastering the Power of Juxaposition

Like the “Little Engine That Could” I thought I’ll never find photos for this challenge. But when I re-read Patti’s post, I started thinking, “I Think I Can!”

So, I started searching and found some. Here’s what I found.

A very much alive window washer next to a store window mannequin. Taken at a local shopping center just before the stores opened. There are also a lot of reflections.

The Washington Monument towers above the tree line at the Capital Mall in Washington DC. This was taken just before President Obama’s inauguration and from a car window.

The shadow of a window appearing much larger than the actual window. Taken in downtown Sacramento.

Shadows reflecting on various parts of a wall at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art in Davis, CA (UC Davis campus). I love the different walls and how the shadow reflects on them.

A sculpture of a small girl standing on a TALLish building, inviting you to be persistent.

Here we have the juxtaposition of color, style and placement of the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, This museum caters to grade-school children. SMUD is our Sacramento Metropolitan Utility District.

Thanks Patti for teaching me that when I “think I can,” I can! It was fun. Please remember to link to Patti’s post and use the Lens-Artist tag when you respond. We certainly had a “cropping” good time last week when Ritva gave us the encouragement to crop away! John is presenting our next challenge, so look for his post. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient!

Posted on February 1, 2026 by Anne Sandler · 31 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge#383:Looking Back to 174 — Shapes and Designs

What catches your eye and makes you stop, gaze and press that shutter button? Tina has it right–shape and design. In this week’s challenge, she asks us to post images that showcase shapes and designs taken during our photographic journey. This is the first of the “Looking Back” series. See her full post here.

I’m glad to have the opportunity to post on this challenge since I hadn’t discovered the LAPC community until much later. I’m always on the lookout for shapes when I’m out with my camera whether it’s a graceful tree branch, a lazy river or building. Here are some of my finds.

I might be drawn to circles.

Designs

**Part of a mural in Downtown Sacramento**

Shapes

As the elephant doorknob shows, we also look for the unusual. Thanks Tina for helping us realize how we choose subjects to photograph. When you respond to her post, please link back to hers and use the Lens-Artist tag.

I totally enjoyed your rejects last week. I’m left wondering why they were rejected! Next week Beth will be challenging us so look for her post. In the meantime stay safe and be resilient!

Posted on August 30, 2025August 30, 2025 by Anne Sandler · 77 Comments

Lens Artist Challenge #363: Virtual Scavenger Hunt

How many of you venture out for our weekly photo challenges? Or do you hunt through your archives? Me, I usually rummage through my archives. I will admit, it’s fun, bringing back great memories. And having a reason to do that search is even better. So, this week, I challenge you to a virtual scavenger hunt!

Listed below are 20 options. Do a deep dive into your archives, going back as far as you want to find the items. Some examples are:

Something with wavy lines:

Something with a camera:

Something with a wheel:

Something with a cool shadow:

Something with a smooth texture:

Below are more suggestions. You can choose from those or from what I’ve posted. Please find at least five images but no more than 10, and just one image from each suggestion. This would give you a maximum of 10 images in your post. Part of this challenge is choosing which to post!

Zig zag lines

Something with green eyes

Some cool jewelry

Something circular

Something rectangular

Something with a design

Something with a pattern

Something with a bumpy texture

Something with a soft texture

Something with water in it

A set of keys

Something glass

A zipper

Shoelaces

Art supplies

Now, if you have a deep desire to look for these outside, please do so. You can also mix it up between inside and outside. Just don’t post a picture that doesn’t relate to any of these items. Be creative and bold. Most of all, have fun! Please be sure to link back to my original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I want to check out each and every post to see what you scavenged.

Thanks, Beth, for getting us in a sports mood last week. Next week Ritva will be back so be sure to look for her post. In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude.