Posted on by Anne Sandler

I wish I knew: The Japanese Friendship Garden, Kelley Park, San Jose

I guess I lived 12 years in San Jose without know the existence of the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park. Was I that busy that I didn’t take the time to explore all of San Jose. I did find Hakone Gardens in Saratoga and many other places in West San Jose, but never took time to explore South San Jose.

When you visit the Friendship Garden, be prepared for a walk. It is expansive. Most Japanese gardens I have visited are compact and less rambling. The pond is also long and rambling. It didn’t open until 10 a.m. By the time I got there, parked, paid for my parking and gathered what I would need for the shoot, it was about 10:30 a.m. The sun was already streaming down brightly.

The surprises in the garden were a Canadian goose family and a great egret. Left with only one gosling, the geese protected their baby by hissing at anyone who walked by. The egret was fishing and couldn’t care less about us humans.

It was a pleasant morning, and I appreciated being out. Photography has helped me learn more about the Sacramento area, and now it’s helping see more of San Jose as I visit my dear friends.

Here are some of the images. This will be a 2-part post.

This is close to the garden entrance.
This duck is drinking from one of the fountains in the middle of the pond.
Of course, there are Koi. Some of them are huge!
Looking back at the weeping willow.
A waterfall across the pond. There must have been a way to get to it, but I didn’t find it.
This tree had unusual blossoms.
A closer look at the blossoms.
Fallen but not dead.
Red bridge.
Looking back at the red bridge.
The rocks around the pond.
Looking toward the back of the pond.
I’m not sure what this sculpture is called.
The wind was blowing.
This tree reaches out towards the sun.
Looking up into another sculpture. I will I was taller!

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Too hot outside; shoot inside: The California State Railroad Museum, Old Sacramento

When it’s triple digits, it’s even too hot to shoot in the early morning hours. And even though I had been to Old Sacramento for the Sacramento Music Festival, I suggested the California State Railroad Museum. There were three of us that morning, Jim, Marlene and me from our Camera Totin’ Tuesday group.

Jim went in without flash, but an excellent lens. Marlene went in with a great lens and flash. I went in with my 18 – 140 mm lens and flash. Jim gave me the excellent hint that he was shooting on Aperture Priority. So I tried it out. It worked well. This is where you set the aperture and the camera does the rest. Oh, I didn’t mention that the lighting was lousy: low light with different bulbs, some LEDs and some tungsten. So there were patches of yellow light and some with white light. I found my flash useful in some cases and in others not. This was a great exercise in flash use.

I’ve been to the Railroad Museum with my young grandkids many times, but never with a camera. While we could use a flash, we couldn’t bring in tripods–another obstacle to make this shoot more difficult.

My spirits perked up when I found the mirrors! One of the trains was parked on a floor of mirrors, in front of a wall of mirrors, with mirrors overhead. This is either a photographers dream or nightmare! I had such fun. I’ll show you some of reflections I shot.

All in all, it was a great indoor outing. Followed by an indoor lunch. It’s triple digits again today. It’s going to be a hot summer!

 

The main room of the museum. Just a few cars are open for people to walk through.
I looked inside a passenger car. Look at how brightly it was painted.
They used mannequins throughout the museum.
This is a longer view of the same train.
Looking inside another passenger car.
A working train.
The cab of this steam train is open for people to go into. The last time my grandson visited, he sat in the engineer’s seat. It’s fun for kids.
I’m not sure what this train was used for, but it had a lot of natural light.–maybe too much?
This exhibit features Rosie The Riveter. During WWII many women took the place of men on assembly lines in factories.
Here come the mirrors. This one is a floor reflection.
Another floor reflection.
A wall reflection.
A ceiling reflection.
Another ceiling reflection.
Look at the kitchen in this dining car!
Look at the table set up! They traveled in style.
I couldn’t resist one more mirror. The cattle guard.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Back again: The West Sacramento River Walk

A place revisited can bring surprises. That’s the way it was with the West Sacramento River Walk. Marlene and I had been there with Greg Morris (who passed away in January) and returned recently with Camera Totin’ Tuesdays members.

But what had changed? The geese had goslings, more homeless were around, and different vendors were selling their wares at the farmers’ market. Oh, and Karen brought her 3″ crystal orb for us to practice with.

So, you’ll see different images in this post. What did I learn? I learned that shooting through a 3″ orb is more difficult than a 4″ orb. However the 3″ is much lighter to carry. Weight is a consequence when you’re a senior. In spite of that, I did purchase a 4.2″ orb. But, I have yet to practice with it.

I’m becoming more confident in my photographic journey. The more compliments I receive, the more positive about my abilities I get. That’s why I don’t mind going back to places I’ve already shot at. I see things differently and can find those surprises.

 

Another view of the CALSTRS building. This building is amazing to photograph.
The River Walk.
It’s a good thing his dogs can guide him!
Sitting and watching the river.
Going somewhere after a night of camping.
First time shooting with the 3″ orb.
I just loved the way the flag looked.
A Great Blue Heron on a log.
A closer look.
He flies away.
The entrance to the Ziggurat building.
Yummy strawberries.
For your luncheon entertainment!
I liked this orb attempt. I turned the picture upside down so the orb would show it right side up!
A girl and her dog.
Ok, I do love kettle corn.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Music, music, music: The 43rd Sacramento Music Festival 2016

The music was outstanding, but the weather was not. It was in the high 90s again this year, and our venue is outside. Even though the temperature was brutal, the Sacramento Music Festival was a hit.  I do this every year because I enjoy it. I like being involved at some level, and all staff members get a free four-day pass. We work 3 1/2 hours and have the rest of the day to enjoy music.

We work the youth venue at the Delta King. Most of the kids are high-school age, some are from middle school and some are from private clubs. Best of all, these youth bands play well. I do enjoy our venue.

We saw two of our favorites, Tom Rigney and Flambeau and Dave Bennett and the Memphis Speed Kings. We also heard some fantastic music from performers we hadn’t seen before.

I only brought my camera in one day so I didn’t get all the groups. And, I only used my walk around lens (18-140 mm). I’m learning that sometimes you just want to enjoy the activity without getting up and taking pictures–especially when it’s hot.

As we were breaking down the venue, I asked our site manager if he could order better weather for next year. He said something like it could be hotter or rain. We’ve had both!

So here’s a glimpse of Saturday at the Sacramento Music Festival.

 

They had a small classic car show. This was my favorite.
We caught the parade.
Every year a musician is named the Emperor of the Festival.
Here’s a group doing acrobatics.
They did this while they were walking.
People of every age walked and danced.
They also tried to get the audience involved.
Boy Scouts marched with the flag.
The multi-talented Dave Bennett. A great clarinet player.
And he puts on a show doing Jerry Lee Lewis songs and more.
I tried to catch his flying fingers.
Here he’s standing on the bass while playing the piano.
Here the bass player is standing on the bass.
What can I say about this!
Tom Rigney puts soul into his music. Every year I try to capture that. See the featured photo.
This is our little venue. I love it.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

From February to May: Donner Lake

I was surprised that there was still snow on the ground when we made our trip to Donner Lake.  The area around the lake wasn’t as pretty though. The gray snow that still surrounded some houses was negligible. We did stop at the same overlook and, wow, what a difference 3 months can make. Snow still capped the mountains, and the scene was beautiful.

The overlook was the only place that we visited before. This time we went into Donner Lake Memorial State Park. It was here that I had an opportunity to play with a crystal orb. Now that was fun. It took some getting used to, but I was happy with the results. A crystal orb is now on my list.

What did I learn? I believe I’m shooting with more confidence. I’m also getting a great deal of positive feed back on my images, and waiting for the five black and white prints I ordered. I do hope there are no surprises when I open the box. Meaning, I  want them to look as they do on my computer!

Here’s a glimpse of Donner Lake and the State Park.

 

In February, this overlook was covered in snow.
Snow is still on surrounding rocks.
This memorial to the Donner Party stands at the opening to the State Park.
Just an expressive dead tree and its reflection.
A bridge crossing the stream.
The stream.
A meadow.
Rocks at the side of the stream.
The top of a little waterfall.
When you shoot into the orb, the scene is upside down.
So, I inverted the entire picture.
Another orb scene.
The stream again.
Pretty flowers. Maybe thistles?
Taken at a crystal store in Truckee.
I cropped close to just catch the colors of the art objects.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

More macro: Sacramento Historical City Cemetery, part 2

When I promise, I deliver. This is part two of my fun morning at the Sacramento Historical City Cemetery. This cemetery is known by another name: The Old City Cemetery. And, because of its historical nature, volunteer tours are given on weekends and various holidays. The who was who of Sacramento are buried here.

What I find interesting, besides the beautiful flowers, are the grave stones and monuments. Some are simple and some ornate. On my first visit there, I found one that simply said: “Our Baby.” Life spans are given in years, months and days. If you’re a history buff, you’ll find it here.

Maybe that’s why the City in its misguided effort is trying to take away the roses to present history as they think it was. But that would take away the beautiful attraction to the cemetery. This move is being fought by the volunteers who planted the gardens surrounding the grave sites. I’ll keep you posted on their effort.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the pictures. And, as promised in a prior post, I just sent in an order to have five of my black and white images printed!

Purple in all shades dominated the gardens.
This grave site is simply beautiful. Was the palm tree there historically?
I love the red flowers.
Soft in its beauty.
The head stones were beautifully engraved. This one, a sad loss.
Can you imagine these stones without flowers?
Some of the history: The son of Alexander Hamilton is buried here.
Getting close with the macro lens.
A lone flower waits for friends to bloom.
It takes two bugs to do this flower justice.
Another grave made beautiful with a floral addition.
I loved the colors of these.
More macro.
Another bee.
Pretty pink.
Beautiful rose.
A grave site needing attention.
Posted on by Anne Sandler

Old and new: the Sacramento Zoo

What’s old is my new F4; 300 mm lens. Meaning, I bought a used lens. In fact all of my cameras and lenses were bought used/factory refurbished except for my D7100 body. I buy used from reputable sites and make sure the gear comes with a 90-day or 6-month warranty. That way, I’m not taking chances.

My goal in purchasing this new lens was to make it easier to catch wildlife at preserves and get through the cages at the zoo. For such limited use, I didn’t want to spend $1,900. Spending $380. was a much better option.

I haven’t tested the new lens at a wildlife preserve, but I did take it to the Sacramento Zoo. It performed well mounted on my monopod. As long as the animal was not right up front, it was easy to focus beyond the cage and onto the animal.

So far, I’m happy. The only problem with a fixed lens of 300 mm is that you’re stuck with the focal length unless you keep switching lenses or carry two cameras. I didn’t want to do either, so you’ll see many close ups! This next week, I’ll try to test it at the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area. If it performs well, then I’ll be totally happy.

Another day brought Marlene and I back to the zoo after one of our Tuesday outings. This time I only had my 18 – 140 mm lens–the opposite problem of carrying a prime telephoto! I’ll show you images from both visits in this post.

And yes, I bought the 18 – 140 mm as a factory refurbished lens and have been totally happy with this versatile walk around lens.

The snow leopard was close to the cage, but I was able to get her without the cage interfering.
She was really close this time making for a severe crop to remove the cage from the picture.
I would like to think this is a roar, but she was just yawning.
The lion finally decided to pose.
While his mate just relaxed.
This was the most difficult cage to shoot through. Bird cages are thicker that other cages and this guy was more towards the front.
Orangutan close up!
I couldn’t get all the zebra in the shot.
Now I’m shooting with the 18 – 140 mm lens on a different day. Since I usually use a long lens at the zoo, it was a treat to get the entire flamingo in the shot.
These are the Red River Hogs’ hogletts.
You can see how tiny they are in comparison to their parent.
I could also get the giraffes in full action.
This hungry guy was born with a bum hip.
So, he’s been fitted with a special shoe and receives meds and a special diet.
He does like his food. He wouldn’t have survived in the wild.
Here’s Rocket the new baby giraffe. He’s not old enough to be with the others. He and his mom stay behind this fence in what the zoo calls the quiet area. This is where a telephoto lens would have come in handy!
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Printing my pictures: Back to Effie Yeaw Nature Center

I’ve reached another plateau in my photographic journey–I’m beginning to print my photos and hang them in my home. I’ve got three metal prints on the walls now: a 6 x 9 and two 8 x 12 inches. I’m also preparing five black and whites to be printed as 8 x 10 inches. Next I’ll work on my close up and macro flowers. It’s time to do this.

I’m thinking the more I see my printed pictures, the more confidence I’ll get to enter a contest. This whole journey is a process–at least for me. I was chatting with another photographer via Facebook regarding entering a contest. She is entering an image in the California State Fair contest. It’s a great image that tells a great story. She said that I should enter. I said I wasn’t ready. She suggested some of the various county fair competitions. I may do that this summer.

In the meantime, our Tuesday group visited Effie Yeaw Nature Center. I’ve shown you pictures from there before, but you never see the same thing twice. There’s always new discoveries. And, now that Marlene and I bought a membership, you’ll see a lot more of Effie Yeaw.

From Effie Yeaw to wherever my camera takes me, I’ll take you along on this amazing photographic journey.

 

The trees at Effie Yeaw are so expressive.
They bend with the wind.
Turkeys are happy residents.
This one is showing off.
This young buck knows this is a safe place.
At least they are safe from man.
They are used to us.
Effie Yeaw sits on the American River.
From Caterpillar.
To butterfly.
Or maybe even two.
I love the texture and color in fallen tree limbs.
I haven’t seen a coyote at Effie Yeaw before.
It’s poppy time.
This is a resident owl who lives behind glass in the Nature Center’s office area. They have a lot of programs for schools.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Of rocks and open space: Griffith Quarry and Traylor Bird Sanctuary and Preserve

It was hot! It seemed like summer had arrived. By the time our Camera Totin’ Tuesdays group arrived at the Griffith Quarry, the sun was baking us. I don’t carry a backpack because I just can’t handle the weight on my shoulders and back. This is just another problem of starting this hobby as a senior with certain health issues. I’ve solved the problem by wearing a vest that’s stuffed with all my stuff. Not all are like me though. We have Tom and Jim who are a year older and have been shooting for more than 30 years are more physically fit than me.

Back to the sun. Fortunately, the quarry, a registered California Historical Landmark that was a granite quarry,  was mostly in shade. I guess I was expecting more, but then expectations are sometimes not met. However, I did get some good images. This is a lesson on looking for things in the not so best of circumstances. I’m learning from the experienced members. I watch, listen and then follow example. Jim is especially helpful in pointing out opportunities and how best to capture them.

While two in our party decided to call it a morning after the quarry, four of us moved on to the Traylor Ranch Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary. This is a park has 90 acres for Equestrian  and hiking Trails, and is a bird Sanctuary and wildlife reserve. I really want to go back there in the winter when there’s more chance of catching wildlife and birds. We didn’t see much of either. I was carrying my 18 – 140 mm lens which couldn’t capture the few birds that were high and far away. Needless to say, we stayed only about an hour and then rewarded ourselves with a delicious lunch at a Chinese restaurant.

Lesson learned, bring two lenses or carry two cameras. Go with great people who are fun and informative. Also, go out early or late during the hot weather. Whew!

The view as we entered the quarry.
An old rustic fence.
David went to get a closer look. There’s still some granite left in the quarry.
I liked the way the sun was hitting on the mossy rocks.
More sun lit rocks.
The view from on top.
Flower close up.
Rock formation creates a look through.
In the Nature Preserve, Wildflowers through the fence.
Flower close up.
Strong shadows.
Horse and rider with Tom and Jim.
This bench was in the shade. Nice!
Expressive tree.
Armed with his DSLR, and telephoto lens, Jim uses his camera phone for a wide-angle shot.
Just a nice scene.

 

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Helping nature create beauty: Crystal Hermitage Gardens, part 2

So many times we see where humankind has destroyed nature, so it’s refreshing to see where we’ve given nature a little help. The residents and members of Ananda Village have done a tremendous job on this years tulip garden. Last post I showed you the flowers, in this post, I’ll show you more of the garden view.

But first, I’m giving you a brief introduction about this amazing place. Ananda Village is a cooperative spiritual community dedicated to the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, and they celebrated their 45th anniversary in 2014. People of all ages live there, enjoying the beauty in service and meditation. They share devotion to God through the path of Kriya Yoga.

The Crystal Hermitage Gardens is the spiritual heart of Ananda Village. Visitors enjoy the beautiful terraced gardens and vistas. There is also a small chapel where workshop attendees can meditate. The gardens are open for weddings, workshops and other events. You can also attend workshops through Ananda Village’s programming.

Whether you’re a photographer or just want to enjoy some time away from your hectic life, you’ll find what you’re looking for here where nature gets a helping hand. Now the for images!

is the spiritual heart of Ananda Village. Visitors enjoy the beautiful terraced gardens and vistas. There is also a small chapel where workshop attendees can meditate. The gardens are open for weddings, workshops and other events. You can also attend workshops through Ananda Village’s programming.

Whether you’re a photographer or just want to enjoy some time away from your hectic life, you’ll find what you’re looking for here where nature gets a helping hand. Now the for images!