Posted on by Anne Sandler · 34 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #420: Looking Back to #125 You Pick It/Wabi Sabi

Sofia found perfection in choosing imperfection–Wabi Sabi! This was difficult for me because I tend to toss out my imperfect photos, keeping the best to use in blogs. So I chose to look for wabi sabi in nature, old things and things that are no longer useful and to concentrate on the imperfect definition of wabi sabi.

Let’s start with nature which never disappoints with life cycles. We lost many trees in a big wind storm a few years ago, photo number one is a toppled tree in Effie Yeaw. Every autumn our trees lose leaves as they dry up and turn brown. Cut logs even turn color as they dry. Lichen finds a home on a vine that is encircling a pipe. Talk about symbiosis! Fire turns a beautiful forest landscape found in Lassen National Park into devastation.

Age causes metal to rust creating that beautiful texture and patina. Yes, I love rust!

Finally, what happens to things that are no longer useful? During our photo outings, we find many abandoned items left to rot. In the country we find lots of old trucks on farms. One of my favorites is the old Point Reyes near the town of Point Reyes. Since this picture, a group of photographers decided to play with steel wool, lighting it up and catching the back of the boat on fire. There’s not much left of this old landmark. Old buildings with broken stucco and dirty windows are plentiful in the country (Yolo County.)

So there is my attempt at wabi sabi. Sofia I hope I got it right! When you respond to this challenge, please link to Sofia’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag. Last week, Next week Patti will be leading the challenge, so please look for her post.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 40 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #419: Landmarks and Monuments

My camera takes me places I wouldn’t ordinarily visit or think of visiting. However, early on my in my camera toting days one of my groups arranged an outing to the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This week, John has given me a platform to show you some of the beauty and history hidden at this cemetery.

The cemetery was established in 1849 when Sacramento founder John Augustus Sutter, Jr. donated 10 acres (4.0 ha) to the city for this purpose. It was declared a State Historic Landmark on May 5, 1957, by the State Historical Landmarks Commission. The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Let’s start with the most poignant sites that touched my heart. We can accept when an adult passes, but our hearts go out to the families who have lost children. Note that on Eddy’s gravestone, they put how old the child was in years, months and days.

You don’t see monuments as tall as these in cemeteries any more. These are in great shape, but some are broken and in need of repair. I guess it’s up to the families to do upkeep on monuments. I would assume the families have passed away also.

Some family groups are gated off, and are given fancy farewells.

My last monument is dedicated to those who lost their lives and homes in the devastating Camp Fire in 2018. One resident who lost his home to that fire and relocated to our community took us up there to see the devastation first hand. The blame for this fire landed on Pacific Gas and Electric. The company now turns off electric during high wind storms. The community built this monument to never forget.

The 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California‘s Butte County was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The blaze began on the morning of November 8, 2018 when hardware on a poorly maintained Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) transmission line in the Feather River Canyon failed during strong katabatic winds. Those winds rapidly drove the Camp Fire through the communities of Concow, Magalia, Butte Creek Canyon and Paradise, mostly destroying them.

My camera continues to take me places familiar and not. This year we haven’t been too active because of a back injury–me not the Fuji! But my Fuji keeps whispering that it wants to be taken out. I guess I’ll have to listen! When you share your monuments and landmarks, be sure to link to John’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Thanks John for this monumental challenge! Last week we shared memories and beautiful pictures of them. Next week, Sofia leads the challenge, so look for her post. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 39 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #418: Memories

Memories, yes, I have lots of them. This week, Tina encourages us to share some memorable moments. But my photographic memories don’t start until 2013 when I got my first camera. I got it just in time to record our cross country road trip. Here is the trailer we lived in for 3 months and the truck that pulled it for 16,000 miles.

Visiting our relatives was an important part of the trip, especially given our ages. Pictured is me and my cousin Irene who lives in Long Island, NY.

Getting further into my new hobby, I joined a photography group, mostly to learn. I did ask a lot of questions. Fortunately, photographers are patient and enjoy sharing information. One of the most memorable outings was photographing light trails. This was taken on the walkway next to the I-5 freeway.

Photographing the Milky Way the first time was another memorable night. This was taken at Blue Canyon where my husband’s observatory is.

I quickly learned to seize the opportunity while we were camped in the foothills. I was walking our dog when I saw this sun rise in the mist. Fortunately, I had my camera with me. After that experience, I always take my camera when went on a walk.

I’m so glad to have captured the lotus while they planted them in the pond at Land Park in Sacramento. They have since stopped this yearly attraction.

I’ve written about my yearly April visits to the nesting tree in Lincoln, Calif. There are so many egrets and herons building nests that my only challenge was the length of my lens: 300 mm. The tree was across a gully and nestled between two shopping centers. This egret is bringing back a twig for its mate that was guarding the nest.

Finally, a favorite from my visit to the Santa Cruz Arboretum.

I’m so happy to have these photographic memories. But memories are made every day. What does the future hold for me. We will see!

Thanks Tina for taking me down my own memory lane. When you respond to her post, remember to link to her original post and use the lens artists tag. We were certainly led down many roads last week. Thanks Egidio, for that creative challenge. John will be leading next week’s challenge, so be sure to look for his post. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 44 Comments

Lens-Artists Challenge #414: Harmony

Such a simple word with different meanings for everyone. Typically, harmony is associated with music. However, Ann Christine associates it with color: Harmony is the combination of separate but related parts in a way that uses their similarities to bring unity to a painting, drawing, or other art object.

I see harmony in nature, and I find joy in capturing it with my camera. During a photo outing a few years ago, we were driving along on curvy Highway 49 and saw this field of golden poppies–the California State Flower. Oh the harmony of orange and green. Add in the rugged rocks on the hillside, it was just beautiful.

I’ve been on that road many years since, but have not been able to find the same scene. I’m so glad I have these images.

We were heading to a town in Gold Country called Jackson, and on the way back we stopped in another small town, Dry Town, to capture some more poppies.

Here it was the placement of the poppies that created a harmonious scene. Again yellow, green and brown. Just lovely.

So there you have my harmonious joy. Thanks Ann Christine for helping us notice harmony in our lives. When you post your response, please link to her post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Oh the bridges we crossed last week. They were just great. Thanks for all your contributions. I’ll be leading next week’s challenge, so stay tuned. In the meantime stay healthy, safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 40 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #413: Bridges

I’m late! I’m late! But not for a very important date–for my blog post on Beth’s Challenge of Bridges. I was caught by a bad cold, and this is the first clear headed day I’ve had in almost a week.

I don’t have to look far for bridges because with two major rivers, the American and Sacramento, there are plenty of bridges to choose from.

The most famous bridge spanning the Sacramento River is the Tower Bridge linking Sacramento to West Sacramento (which is in Yolo County.)

Here’s a view of one bridge framing the I Street bridge.

Now on the American River we have another famous bridge–The Rainbow Bridge near Folsom.

Let’s take a trip to the city of Roseville to see the walking bridge over Linda Creek. It’s a pretty bridge, especially in Autumn.

My last bridge is the Fair Oaks Bridge in the town of Fair Oaks.

There are more bridges, but my energy is leaving. Thanks to Beth for initiating a wonderful week of bridges. I’ll have a more robust post next week when Ann Christine leads the challenge. In the meantime try to stay healthy and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 44 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #412: Places shaped by water

Water! It’s a conundrum here in Northern California. We either have lots of it or not enough. For instance, We have the Salmon Falls Bridge, near Folsom Lake, Now you see it and then you don’t! That’s because the bridge and the town that once flourished as gold-mining boomed is usually submerged under the American River. The bridge only appears during a drought, and our Discovery Park, along the American River, is sometimes flooded during heavy rains.

The Downie River is a tributary of the North Yuba River in Sierra County, California. The river originates from the confluence of the West Branch Downie River and Rattlesnake Creek in the Tahoe National Forest, and flows south to its confluence with the North Yuba at Downieville. Downieville is definitely a tourist town with one cafe which is closed during the non-tourist season! I know from experience.

Every California landscape has wetlands. They form where rainfall or runoff accumulates, or where groundwater saturates the topsoil. Many parks, nature preserves, agricultural lands, and private lands have wetlands that are carefully managed for waterfowl and other wildlife. We visit various refuges and parks each year to photograph birds.

I cannot forget our many lakes. This is Donner Lake, of infamous history. It is a natural freshwater lake formed by glacial activity that created a moraine acting as a natural dam. This picture was taken from Donner Pass during the winter. Donner Lake is at 6,000 ft. elevation and often receives a good amount of snow. California depends on the Sierra snow pack for our water supply.

Let’s go west for my final image–the beautiful and rugged Northern California Coast Line. This was taken somewhere between Point Reyes and Half Moon Bay.

These are my six choices for John’s challenging challenge! When you post your response, please link to John’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week Sofia’s challenge created puzzle challenges with her “What Is It?” challenge. It was enjoyable fun. Beth will be leading next week’s challenge, so stay tuned. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on 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 by Anne Sandler · 35 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 by Anne Sandler · 37 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 · 47 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!