Posted on by Anne Sandler · 28 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #402: Looking Back at Wonder

My camera! No, it’s not a wonder, but it brings me to amazing wonders. This week Sofia has us looking at the moments, places, people that we treasure and cause us to wonder.

I live in a place that brings me and my camera to many wonderous places–rivers, lakes, mountains and parks. Let’s take a look.

You know how much I love to photograph flowers, especially macros and close ups. Whether in a nursery, garden or sunflower field, I love the challenge macro photography brings. It gives me something else to concentrate on, shoving the world out. I become relaxed and happy.

Landscapes are nature’s way of humbling us. Just look at the beauty waiting for us to capture with our cameras–especially sunsets.

Wildlife especially birds are amazing to watch. They are free to go anywhere and mostly travel with friends. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Animals are also wonderous, and zoos invite us to visit many that we normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to see–like this beautiful or handsome Okapi. It’s wondering why I’m pointing that black thing at its rear. Who could resist that beautiful pattern!

And then there’s the funky or maybe artistic photographs that we take for fun and later wonder why to took them!

These are my moments of wonder. Thanks Sofia for this fun challenge. When you post your response please link to her original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week, Patti had us concentrating on our compositional abilities. I enjoyed seeing your many wonderous compositions. Next week John will be leading the challenge. Until then enjoy good health and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #401: Master Your Photography

Have you ever looked at a photo or painting and wondered where the focus is? This week, Patti has us concentrating on our subject–the focus of our image. She’s showing us five ways to lead your viewer to the focal point and the reason, you snapped the shutter. I’ve chosen selective focus, negative space and leading line to demonstrate how I help lead my viewers to what caught my eye in the first place.

Leading Lines

I love to use leading lines. They don’t have to be straight as in my photos. Think of a curved road leading to a structure or horizon line. The architects of the Cottage in the California State Empire Mine State Historic Park and the Sundial Bridge made use of the leading line theory. Oh, the bridge does have a working sundial at the end.

Negative Space

Negative space does spotlight your subject. Most of my examples involve wildlife. Capturing a great blue heron in flight is no easy task with a 300 mm lens, so I’m happy when I can capture one. An eagle sitting on a branch is a bit easier and so majestic. The sky provides beautiful negative space, especially when there’s no clouds!

Selective Focus

Since I enjoy photographing macros so much, selective focus is a favorite of mine. Using a macro lens to photograph the edges of leaves and their texture is fun. So is going through a farmers’ market where you can zoom in to find vegetables that also have texture.

This was so much fun. Next time I take my camera out for a walk, I’m going to try other types of selective focus. Thanks Patti! When you post your response, please remember to link to her original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week Tina encouraged us to experiment with the Rule of Three. I could tell from your responses you enjoyed creating your posts. Remember to stay healthy and be resilient!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 46 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #396: Illustrate a Quote

Gosh, I do a lot of confessing in this blog. I don’t usually pay attention to quotes. Yes, I read them, but then quickly file them away. So Ann-Christine’s challenge is a bit of a stretch for me, but a worthwhile experience. As I looked for quotes, I realized how the experiences of obtaining them and how they pertained to my pictures affected me. Let’s see what I found.

How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!-John Muir.

I have witnessed many beautiful sunrises in various venues, but my photo below is a special one–first light at Yosemite Falls. Capturing this scene, during the winter, required getting up while it was dark, finding a place on the bridge, and waiting. As my friend and I waited, more photographers came. It was cold! The wait and frigid temperatures were worth it. Afterward, I remember feeling like I accomplished something amazing. Would I do it again? Only if I was prepared for freezing cold–thermals and two layers on top, and hand and foot warmers in place!

During my quote search, I came upon a few, but perfect, unattributed beauties like this one.

Colors are the smiles of nature.

Nature has many ways of bringing us joy–the forest, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and the ocean. But one stand out are the rainbows with their brilliant colors. I captured this rainbow during a campout in the Sierra Foothills after a short sprinkle of rain.

You know I love to photograph landscapes, and many are to be found in our National Parks. We happened to be at Lassen NP last year. I remember stepping out of our trailer to the smell of pine trees–how wonderful! Lassen is still recovering from a devastating wildfire, but much of her beauty remains.

Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer – and often the supreme disappointment. – Ansel Adams

I started with Sunrise, so it’s only fitting that I end with Sunset. These are the two most photogenic times of the day to capture wonderful photos. This was taken early in my photo hobby effort. I guess I knew then when to press the shutter. How often does the setting sun shoot a beam through an open barn door? Unfortunately, I found another perfect, but unattributed, quote.

Sunset: the sun’s fiery kiss goodbye to the day.

I had fun finding quotes that would fit my photographs. It’s an exercise I hope to do again. When you respond, please remember to link to Ann-Christine’s post and use the Lens-Artist tag. Last week we looked back with Beth. I had fun seeing your memories. Next week it’s my turn to present the challenge, so beware and look for my post!!

In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 51 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #394: History Through the Lens

I remember my Mother telling me about the day they took the “horses away.” This flow of memories was triggered when I took her to see a living history event in San Jose many years ago. She told a docent and me about the new fire engine that replaced the horse drawn fire engine in New York City. As she talked, I could see, through her expressions, the wonderful memories she was reliving.

That’s why history is so important, and it’s wonderful that many of our amazing historical places are preserved as either Federal, State or City parks. Thanks John for bringing history to the forefront. Our beautiful Sierra Mountain Foothills is host to an amazing historical park located in Grass Valley–the Empire State Historical Park.

This history began with the discovery of gold which was originally discovered in 1850. The Ophir Hill Mine was sold a couple of times and eventually became the Empire Mining Co. Eventually William Bowers Bourn acquired control of the company. Bourn’s family lived in the “Cottage” on the estate.

Below is the cottage front, back, garages, reflecting pool and some of the grounds. They also had a terraced rose garden and a clubhouse. I was lucky to talk a docent into giving us a Cottage tour while he was there, but no photos.

The mine was sold, but Bourn’s son regained control of the company and soon acquired the North Star Mine and two other mines. Yes, there was a lot of gold in the hills! The mine changed hands again until World War II when gold mines were considered nonessential. Next came the shortage of miners and inflation costs for mining gold. The mine closed in 1956.

In 1975 California State Parks purchased the property, and today we get to visit and enjoy this beautiful property and its history. We leave the beautiful housing area and walk down to the mine. We first see a stamp machine (A stamp mill is a large mechanical device used to crush ore and extract the desired metals from the host material.).

As we enter the main compound, there are buildings now used for administrative purposes.

We are getting closer to the mine! But first let’s visit the blacksmith shop. The docents make tools in this shop, especially when schools visit. The children are delighted when they see the molten hot tool being molded.

Here is the mine. You can look but not walk down the shaft! Would you want to?

Outside the mine, you’ll find an assortment of rusted tools and machinery.

And lastly, these carts that hauled miners and ore down and up the mine shaft. Just imagine the danger the men faced each day.

I love visiting the Empire State Historical Mine. It is so beautiful and rich in history. My Mother may have seen them take the horses away, but she also lived through television’s amazing history. I’ve gone from a manual typewriter, to using a computer and word processing programs to our current computer programs with AI functions. What’s next?

Thanks John, I had fun visiting the past. Please remember to link to John’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag when you respond. Last week Sofia had us share moments of luck and that was fun also. Those lucky shots also brought back memories. Next week Beth will be presenting the challenge. Until then, be safe and resilient!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 40 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #392: Framing Your Shots

It’s amazing how structure can be applied from one type of composition to another. I’m thinking about how we teach new Toastmasters to write a speech, using the sandwich illustration. The top slice of bread is your introduction. the middle is the topic. and the bottom is your closing. Isn’t that sort of what Patti is proposing we do in this challenge. At least that’s what I thought of at first read. If any of you are Toastmasters then you know the phrase, Tell them what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you’ve told them!

Okay, I got off topic! Confession time again. I usually don’t think of this type of composition when I’m photographing. In fact, I don’t think of composition at all. I just move my camera until I have an image I like. With that in mind, here are my examples:

I’m hoping that you can easily see what my subject is. The foreground is the small patch of dirt before the tree roots. The middle, or subject, are the tree roots (because they caught my eye) and the background is the creek and vegetation on the bank. Now I’m thinking that I should have gotten lower and included more of the foreground. What do you think?

This one is a bit easier–at least for me! The patch of grass is the foreground. The girl is the middle or subject. The pond and other shore is the background. Did I get it right?

Finally.

The broad shadowed lines are the foreground that leads you into the picture. As the lines change direction, they become the middle, accenting the subject (the building) and lead you around to the continuing structure in the background.

Thanks Patti! You’ve got me thinking about how I compose a picture and why. I never thought in terms of creating a composition, but I guess I’ve been doing that. Now it’s your turn. Please link to Patti’s original challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag when you respond.

Speaking of responses, I totally enjoyed seeing all your cell phone photographs as challenged by Tina. Now I’m ready to use my phone more. Next week Sofia will be presenting the challenge, so look for it! In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 19 Comments

Sacramento Delta, Courtland, CA: Rivermaid Trading Co

Oh, it’s so good to be attending a Yolo Arts and Ag farm visit. This one found us along the Sacramento River Delta in Courtland. This month we have been invited by Chiles Wilson of Rivermaid Trading Co, California’s largest grower and producer of pears (they grow cherries too!), to visit their Delta property. 

Rivermaid Trading Company is a family farming business and leading innovator in growing, packing and shipping fresh pears and cherries around the world. It was a small property with the most amazing trees. You know how I love trees. There were more artists than photographers when I was there, making it more interesting. I enjoy speaking with the artists and watching them work.

It was a bright and beautiful day. The trees welcomed us.

And now for some of the artists capturing the scene their way.

And finally, a beautiful road around the property.

It was a great, short visit. And perfect for my first photo outing after my back injury. I can’t wait to see where April sends us.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 43 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #388: Your Journey in 5 – 10 Images

I didn’t hesitate when Sandy called and asked if I wanted to go on a cruise through the Panama Canal. YES! That trip has been on my bucket list just waiting to be fulfilled. I wasn’t thrilled to be on a ship for 16 days, but if that’s what it took. And, better, Richard, my husband, came with me. Ann-Christine’s challenge was perfect timing for me.

What a fun trip that ended up being. Traveling in October, it was mostly a senior tour. Leaving from San Francisco, California and ending in Galveston, Texas; we were mostly Californians and Texans. We enjoyed each other’s company–no State conflicts!

I was also concerned about the ship being a Carnival ship, but that was great too. The ship’s interior was beautiful, the food great and the entertainment awesome. The most photogenic part were the elevators.

Now for the reason I went on this trip–the Panama Canal! We went through the old locks. The new locks are reserved for larger ships. The last picture shows our ship entering the lake mid-way through the canal.

The Lake

Entering the Atlantic Ocean was a mirror image of exiting the Pacific Ocean. I went to the cabin to rest and watch the rest on the television.

It was an amazing experience. We did visit other ports in other countries, but with a limited number of pictures as directed by Ann-Christine, those will have to wait.

We also took the opportunity to visit the Huston Space Center before we came home. My homecoming is another story to be told next week as I lead the challenge. Stay tuned!

Thanks Ann-Christine for pushing me to process my canal transit images. Be sure to link to her post when you respond and use the lens artist tag. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 39 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #385: Unusual Crop

When I photograph, I typically crop my picture in camera. I’ve come to learn this habit does present problems—you are stuck with no place to go when you edit! So while Ritva’s challenge is a stretch for me, it’s something I’ve been trying to work on. I need to give myself more room so I can edit better. Unfortunately, my back injury has prevented me from practicing. This morning was the first time I held my camera in my hand in 3 1/2 months! When I process the pictures, we’ll see how I did. It’s so hard to break a habit!

In the meantime here are my choices for this week’s challenge.

First is a farm machine out in a field. I cropped it in close and processed it in black and white. I think the B&W shows more texture and weathering of the wood.

While stopping for coffee during a photo outing, I saw this gentleman sewing something. He was so intent on what he was doing. He had a face begging to be photographed, and the crop shows the details of aging.

Now we have the bare metal bones of a hot house found at Soil Born Farms, a non-profit urban agriculture and education project. I liked the metal frames as they curved, looking like they are overlapping on the left of the full picture. The metal in the cropped picture looks more jumbled and maybe artistic?

Last, we have a stately palm. The original was photographed so I could capture most of the leaves while accentuating the bark. The cropped version puts the emphasis on the leaves.

Thanks Ritva for pushing me in the right direction. When you post your own response, please remember to use the Lens-Artists tag and link to Ritva’s original and educational post. Next week, Patti will be challenging us, so look for her post. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient!

If you’d like to join the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 37 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #384: What Astonishes You

The answer to Beth’s challenge used to be easy, but we live in a complicated world where things change daily. It’s the speed of communication that astonishes me.

That’s why I love this community. It gives me the chance to stop and reflect on less complicated and more beautiful things. So, here are some of the things that astonish me.

Let’s start with something truly astonishing–a two-bodied donkey!

Because I’m not creative, letting my camera capture the unusual and beautiful for me, I’m astonished at the artist’s ability to draw on a sidewalk as people walk by.

Since we adults have lost that youthful wonderment, I’m astonished at my grandson’s reaction, at a young age, to an exhibit at the Railroad Museum. He now has his driver’s license! Adulthood is right around the corner.

Of course, Nature is truly astonishing. Crashing of the waves on a rocky shoreline and the sun rising on a misty morning are just two of nature’s wonders.

But when you are able to capture a total solar eclipse that will not return in your lifetime, that is truly astonishing. This was taken in 2017 in Idaho–a moment I will never forget.

So, thanks Beth for taking me away from the world’s worries and into times of wonder and excitement. When you respond to her post, please remember to link to her post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Next week Ritva will be leading the challenge, so be sure to look for her post.

In the meantime stay safe and be resilient!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 31 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #382: Rejected

Wow, what a tough topic Egidio has given us this week. You’d think the way I hold onto clothes, I would do the same with pictures. But I don’t. I tend to toss the pictures I don’t edit or think I would post. So here I go twisting again. I went back to when I began taking pictures–more as a tourist than a photographer.

This taught me three things. 1. As I said, I don’t keep pictures. 2. I do minimal edits because I don’t have the technical ability. 3. You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear! At least I can’t. I can be out all day photographing, but rarely take more than 10 minutes in the editing process.

My examples today were taken from 2010. My camera at that time was a tiny Lumix, 10 mega Pixel camera with a zoom lens. I didn’t get my first SLR until 2013. In my mind, these images prove that gear does matter! I now use a Fujifilm XT3. These were edited in Lightroom Classic just for this post. They were not edited before.

This first two photos emphasis size with a giant sequoia and small boy. I think I had some sense of composition back then. I edited it to bring out color and sharpen.

In the next two, I tried to un-center the cactus by cropping and did some sharpening.

For the next examples, I cropped and worked with the lighting. I put more light on the deer, uncentered it and darkened the background.

Finally I took out most of the foreground twigs in this picture. To be honest, today I probably wouldn’t have even photographed it! Now that I’m looking at the pictures, I see that they are different?? Somehow after finding the picture, Lightroom couldn’t find it again. But, you can see that I did the editing work.

So, there’s my rejected photos. Will I change my lazy ways? Probably not. I enjoy photographing images more than editing them. Thanks Egidio for helping me realize that I need to get it mostly right in the camera. 😊Please remember to link to Egidio’s original post when you respond and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week I loved seeing all your minimal photos in black and white in response to Ritva’s challenge. I’m a fan of both, so it was a treat. Next week Tina will be leading the challenge, so be sure to look for her post. In the meantime stay safe and be resilient.