Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Seeing things a little differently: Downtown Roseville

Have you ever gone somewhere more than once and had a different experience each time? Downtown Roseville isn’t exactly a hot spot for photography. I posted on it when I took my friends there. I showed them the small area called Downtown and we watched kids play in the water fountains. However showing the area to Brian a fellow photographer was an entirely different experience.

He had two hours in Roseville and I was in the area for a chiropractic appointment. We met in Downtown and walked the area. Forget the Tower Theater, we went directly to the railroad tracks.

Before the dot com boom in the early 2000’s, Roseville was a railroad town. But the only place you’d recognize that fact is in Downtown Roseville. East Roseville is where all the office buildings are located, and West Roseville is suburbia. They also have a small section called Historic Roseville. You’ve seen some pictures of that area also in this blog.

So Brian and I spent some time near the rail road tracks and by Linda Creek. I also showed him the train sculpture that welcomes visitors to Downtown.

Just a disclaimer, I don’t live in Roseville or in Placer County. I live two blocks from the Placer County line in Sacramento County. Before I retired, I would network and look for new business in there. And, yes, in those days that city was a totally different experience for me!

 

I just couldn’t resist shooting the theater from this angle.
Trains and tracks.
The fence line above the tracks.
Working on the train.
The train sculpture from the back.
A neat mural.
Reflection.
City Hall.
The bridge going over Linda Creek.
The Veteran’s Memorial Hall at Royer Park.
Flowers are beginning to bloom.
This guy was washing his hands.
Walking on the bridge.
A mail man and his reflection.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 7 Comments

In search of mossy trees & mustard: Napa Valley, California

I just love road trips, and recently we went to Napa Valley to find mossy trees and mustard. We really start out with no particular destination in mind; just what we want to find. And, we were successful!

First we found a beautiful grove of oak trees that had moss growing on them. Next we found some wine vines with mustard growing under them. Then we stopped for lunch at the Buttercream Bakery in Napa–one of our favorites when shooting in the city of Napa.

After lunch, we drove some more and returned to the city for some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream which is another of our favorite stops. Then we photographed the 911 Memorial. We shot it the last time we were there, but the light was different. This day the sun shined through the glass plates, illuminating the names of locals who died in that horrific attack.

Of course we made some more stops on the way home until it was too dark to shoot. What a fun day. I do love road trips.

Just a follow up on my previous blog: I am looking into what competitions are available for non-professionals and continuing my Photoshop studies.

Mossy trees were on either side of the road.
A close up of how the moss hangs on the bare tree branches.
Poetry in motion.
The moss has a lacy quality.
A Napa Valley landscape.
Mustard growing in the vineyard.
I just love tree canopies.
More mustard.
Another view.
A closer look.
The 911 Memorial. A homeless person is annoyed by our presence.
The sunlight filters through.
Another view of the Memorial.
I can’t resist a bit of street photography.
A sheep herding Llama.
The Buttercream Bakery.
The restroom sign at the bakery. Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 7 Comments

Self evaluation: The California Automobile Museum, Sacramento

I’m at a cross roads and seem not to be ready to make the next move. I think it’s time to take my photography to the next level. My goals in 2017 are to learn Photoshop and some of the other processing programs I have accumulated, and to enter competitions.

I am learning more about Photoshop. I have an accountability partner, and I’m doing the 52 week challenge. I started it last year, but fumbled after the first couple of months. However, I think I can do it with Karen B. keeping me moving. I will also encourage her to learn. So far, I’ve learned more about the removal tools because Karen and I sat down for a Scott Kelby lesson.

The second goal is where I’m more stymied. Every time I hear about a competition, I read the entrance instructions and decide there will be better photographers entering. I tell myself that I don’t stand a chance. I know I should enter and accept whatever happens. That way I’ll at least find out what the judges look for, etc. But, I’m stuck. I’ve tried self-talk; it didn’t work. I know I’ve got to just take the leap, but I don’t seem to be jumping high or long enough! Confidence–that’s what I need.

Maybe a few blog posts in the future will find me taking the right path at the cross roads.

Aside from this, Richard had never been to the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, so we decided to go. He loved the cars and I loved trying out my newest acquisition a F/2.8 – 4, 17 – 70 mm Sigma Lens. We both enjoyed our experience. As usual, I found it difficult to shoot there with cars stacked up in rows and ropes keeping us at a distance, so I did close up work again.

If you’ve been following my blog for a long time, you might think the cars are what you’ve seen before. The good news is that they continually change the exhibit cars. So take a look at the fun parts shots!

 

I love the old horns on the horseless carriages.
This is the way they used to light up the road.
I like unusual hood ornaments.
Rumble seats must have been fun to sit in!
Another hood ornament.
Lights and horn.
Grills are also fun to photograph.
Some are very expressive.
Another grill.
Another horn.
A pink Caddillac with fins.
An old motorcycle.
Wheel on an old motorcycle.
This beauty was at the entrance.
Exquisite.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 12 Comments

A dedication to Carol Toth, RIP: Redwood Regional Park and the Cathedral of Christ the Light Church, Oakland

My dear friend Carol Toth passed away this afternoon. She was my hero because she fought death for more than 20 years and won. I remember being with her when she was diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disease. The doctor wanted to put her in a wheel chair saying she wouldn’t live very long. She refused. He offered her a walker. She refused. She did accept a cane.

After that, she developed two additional auto-immune diseases and suffered a major heart attack. Through the 20 some years, Carol never complained about her health or the constant pain she endured. As her battle waned, she accepted her fate and was grateful for the years she had lived past the initial diagnosis.

Still, sitting at my computer, the grief is difficult. I was supposed to go there to San Jose this morning, but I became sick. I wanted to say good-bye to her. I couldn’t and now I feel empty.

She filled my soul when I needed it, and encouraged me with my photography. Carol sent my blog on to her friends and I heard from them also. She built up my confidence and pushed me along as I advanced in my photographic abilities. I think she would appreciate the lady bugs and church in this post.

She is now soaring with the angels. I will miss you Carol, my dear friend.

 

The walk down to the lady bugs was steep and muddy.
We found them bunched together on the ground and branches.
I was amazed at how they would climb over each other.
Some found refuge in leaves.
I caught some traveling on a branch. They were very busy.
A black and white of the redwood trees.
Fungi was all around.
I wish I had my macro lens with me.
Beautiful orange, yellow and green colors.
A color image of the redwoods.
The Cathedral of Christ the Light Church.
I have never seen a Catholic church like this one.
The sanctuary was designed to capture the light and have it reflect through the wood and glass.
We could shoot more in the mausoleum.
This was also designed beautifully.
The marble walls were simply beautiful.
The reflections on the walls were amazing.
Another hallway.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Rain relief: The Fair Oaks Bridge, Fair Oaks, California

It stopped raining for a day, so Linda, Jean and I went off to catch the Fair Oaks Bridge in the golden light. Yes, we asked for rain in California, and we are getting it. The drought is officially over–at least in Northern California!

We chose Fair Oaks because it’s close and the sky looked like the clouds would dump rain at any time. It was a fun couple of hours. I had a chance to play with natural light and composition. It seems so easy now, and I realize that I’ve come a long way with my photographic abilities.

The bridge didn’t disappoint us and neither did the golden light. The next day, the rain resumed. I’m so glad we were able to get out for those two hours.

Approaching the bridge.
A different angle.
The sun is beginning to set.
This area along the American River is popular with families and cyclists.
Roots are totally exposed.
Fishermen are coming back.
A family enjoys time along the river.
Lichen on the trees.
A view of another bridge.
The underside of the bridge.
The bridge peeking through the brush.
Trees in the golden light.
Sunset on the American River.
Sunset shot through gates on the bridge.
The deep colors of sunset.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 12 Comments

Doing the 52: Point Reyes, Part 2

I really need a shove, discipline and hand holding to learn Photoshop. So, I decided to try to post an edited photo once a week. I started to do this last year. Signing up for it was the shove, posting was the discipline, but I had no one to hold my hand. This year, I have an accountability partner. Hopefully, I can get through the year, learn what simple things I need to from Photoshop, and also delve into some other processing programs that are taking up space in my computer.

With this lofty goal in mind, I recently spent more than 4 hours trying to eliminate the transparency from a masked item so I can place it, without a background, in another photo.

I will not stop until I’m successful! It’s frustrating though.

I watch tutorials. Go to my computer. Open up Photoshop and can’t recreate the exact process. I need to bring up my laptop and work the tutorial and Photoshop on my desktop together.

Enough complaining, the pictures in this post are the last from our Point Reyes outing. It was a fun day. I wasn’t out there to take photos, but who could resist. In the last post, you saw some of Richard’s pictures and mine. Today, it’s all mine.

Take time from whatever is frustrating you and relax. I hope you enjoy these images. I don’t need a shove, discipline or hand holding to take the pictures; just to learn new editing techniques.

Most of the 300 steps down to the lighthouse.
Closer look at the lighthouse.
Tried black and white on this landscape.
Smile. You’re having your picture taken.
An ice plant flower.
The beach as seen from the walk to the lighthouse
I enjoyed shooting the waves.
They broke one right after another.
The foam was great to shoot.
Wave after wave.
Waiting for the cows to come home.
This cowboy drives a tractor
They are almost home.

 

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 6 Comments

Couple time: Point Reyes National Seashore

I shoot pictures during the day and Richard shoots pictures at night. You see, my husband, an amateur astronomer images the night sky. His observatory is in the Sierra Mountains, and he finds galaxies and nebulas via a camera attached to his telescope. Viewing is done through his computer.

My advantage is that I can shoot on cloudy, overcast and pretty much any kind of weather. The result may not be pretty, but I can take my camera out more than he can use his scope.

So when we decided to take a day and run away, I did take my camera. We ran, excuse me–drove, to the Point Reyes National Seashore. Once there, he wanted to see the Lighthouse. It was well worth the long drive. I had been there, and I wanted him to have the experience too.

When we got there, I got out my camera and set one up for him. Richard wanted to whale watch, but we didn’t bring binoculars. I hoped that my 55 – 300 mm lens on my D3100 would give him enough reach. Whale watching was a bust, but he did get some great photos that you’ll see in this post.

The Lighthouse was also a bust. It was closed. If it was open, I don’t think we would have made it down to it and back up. There’s 300 steps which they say is equivalent to climbing 30 stories of a building. I’ll put a picture of the Lighthouse stairs in the second part of this post.

Meanwhile, winter is definitely a tough time for astronomers. For photographers, if we can put up with a bit of fog, rain and clouds, we’re good to go. And, we take pictures at night also!

I like the water pattern in this shot. I also took the same shot, but this one was outstanding.
A great picture of a Raven (I think).
Two of them–mates?
Richard asked me if I edited this image.
The lighthouse.
There were supposed to be whales and/or sea lions at this point. Now I’m shooting.
The pathway to the Lighthouse.
A twisted and fun climbing tree.
Another one!
Still walking to the Lighthouse and approaching the closed Visitor’s Center.
The rocks were very expressive
Caught this guy tying his shoe.
A closer view of the Lighthouse which was closed.
It’s amazing how some plants find a pathway through tough conditions.
Look at the holes and textures in the rock.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Will the drought be over? Rosie the Riveter, part 2

It’s back; the rain! It’s been raining for most of the week, something we’re not used to here in sunny California. Whatever the inconvenience, it’s wonderful. We are in our sixth drought year, and, hopefully, this will be the last. Of course, now they’re saying that it’s a warm rain and will melt some of the mountain snow pack! Frustrating! Yes, a lot of exclamation points. Now they’re also preparing some of the foothill, river and creek areas for flooding. Oh Mother Nature, are you a tease?

As photographers, we run out with our cameras on days that are more or less dry. But this post is ending my trip to Richmond, Rosie the Riveter Museum and Monument, Point Richmond and the SS Red Oak Victory Ship.

In my last post, I showed you the Museum and we peeked inside the old Ford Assembly Plant. Today we’ll visit Point Richmond, the Memorial (a bit of a disappointment and hard to find), and the SS Red Oak.

What really impressed me was how the shipyard put Richmond on the map, increased it’s population and importance. As soon as the war ended, the shipyard closed, people lost their jobs and Richmond lost its importance. Richmond survived and is proud of its history. Take a look at some of that history.

They say it will rain through the weekend. Maybe some Photoshop tutorials will occupy some of my time.

I loved the doors on this playhouse in Point Richmond.
This statue was in the small square located in the middle of Point Richmond.
This used to be the fire house. It’s now occupied by retail stores.
A historic building for the Historic Association.
Part of a mural in Point Richmond.
The SS Red Oak Victory Ship.
Netting as you walk the plank up to the ship.
The Red Oak is the last surviving ship built at the Kaiser Shipyard.
It’s currently being restored by dedicated volunteers.
It sure gave me plenty of rust to shoot.
Old hoses remain.
A different sort of view of a first responder ship.
The Rosie the Riveter Museum.
I thought it would be larger.
Another view.
Yes they did it!
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

An unexpected surprise: Rosie the Riveter Museum, Richmond, California

Did you ever go somewhere expecting not much, but were totally surprised and delighted when you got there? Our visit to the Rosie the Riveter Museum had that effect on me. It was as if this museum was designed with photographers in mind. In the small museum and Visitor Center building, all photos were not behind glass, but on boards. It was easy to shoot them without glare.

Not only did we learn about the history of women during World War II, we learned how the war changed the city of Richmond. Richmond became the Kaiser shipyard home, where ships were built. These vessels would help defeat our World War II enemies.

Located in a National Historic Park, the museum is just the beginning. There were many things to take up our day, but we basically visited three out of the 10 suggested by the Ranger in the visitor center. We visited the museum, looked into the empty Ford Assembly Plant, had lunch in Point Richmond, toured the SS Red Oak Victory ship and found our way back to the Rosie the Riveter Memorial.

I’m sure you guessed that this will be a two-part post. I will be going back to see all we didn’t have time for. This definitely was an unexpected surprise.

A black and white picture of workers entering the shipyard.
These posters were well kept and easy to shoot.
I think if it were today, the posters would be different.
Health was supported.
The safety hat workers wore.
A sculpture of a Rosie eating lunch.
Another view of the same sculpture.
A Rosie at work.
This pictures shows two Rosies at work.
Another Rosie getting to work.
Another poster.
This scene using a painted backdrop and sculptures was amazing.
I love the reflections I was able to capture in this scene.
The door to the Ford Assembly Plant.
Getting a better view.
Outside the museum.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 12 Comments

Goodbye 2016: A look back

I am melancholy this New Year’s Eve day. The year 2016 was full of personal challenges for me personally and my dear friends. The one thing I counted on to keep me balanced was photography. When I was out shooting, my attention was drawn away from health issues and global and United States politics. Editing in my office helped relax away fears. I almost lost a dear friend and another had heart surgery. Add that to Richard’s back surgery, it was a tough autumn.

So while in this moody state of mind, I’m going to show you some of the images I chose for my yearly calendar. I’m hoping 2017 will surprise us with political healing, prosperity, health and peace for all. Happy 2017.