Posted on by Anne Sandler · 49 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #293: Water in Motion

Oh boy, water is everywhere this winter. Rain storms have added water to our area’s rivers, lakes and creeks here in Sacramento. It’s also added mega snow levels in our mountain areas. Sofia’s challenge this week is to show moving water. Let’s get started.

Lakes. While some of our large lakes are in constant motion, they don’t photograph that way. You can tell by the gentle ripples and swirls in the water.

Donner Lake, Truckee, CA; Two-Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park, MT; Folsom Lake, Folsom CA

River. While we have two major rivers flowing through Sacramento County, I’m featuring the American River. It’s known for river rafting, boating, fishing and swimming. The image on the left features the iconic Rainbow Bridge in Folsom. The ripples are delicate enough to reflect the rocks and bridge. This beach is near another well-known bridge, the Fair Oaks Bridge. The American river has many swim areas.

Ocean. I don’t get to the Pacific Ocean often. It’s about a 2 1/2-hour drive, but when I do, I enjoy it. These pictures are from Pacific Grove with waves gently breaking on the shore; Pacifica which is further north and the waves break more violently, causing a major splash on this young man. Back south, we come to the Monterey shoreline, catching the ocean at sunset. The sun’s glow is beautifully reflected in the water.

Fountains. I enjoy catching water in stop-action. Fountains are great for this and so are water spouts. Here are three.

I’ll close with some miscellaneous water fun, waterfalls and drops.

Today the sun is shining and will continue for a couple of days. Then, we are getting more rain! I’d better get out and enjoy the sunshine while I can. If you haven’t posted yet, be sure to link to Sofia’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag.

Pictures of people from all over the world appeared in my mail box last week, and I totally enjoyed seeing them all. Next week John will be presenting the challenge so be sure to look for his post. Until then, take care.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 43 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #292: People, Here, There & Everywhere

Let’s go back to 2016, 3 years into my adventure with photography, and the people I photographed. Was it easier to take people pictures? Was I more adventurous with approaching people when I wanted to take their picture? No! and No!

I was as shy then as I am now. But, I did manage to get some pictures, candid and with permission, of people. Tina requested that we post pictures of people we’ve captured. So travel back with me to 2016 and see what stories I found.

A girl and her dog. You can feel the love of human and canine.

There are many ways to have fun. Children can enjoy their play, and adults can enjoy their passion.

Music brings people together as in a concert venue or be a solo type of enjoyment. You’ve seen two of these before. I still enjoy seeing the pictures. Our guitar player knew I was taking his picture and gave me his approval.

My next three were just random choices that tell a story. The first gentleman is costumed for a pirate festival and the fun it will bring.

The gentleman in the middle had his attention drawn elsewhere. To what, I don’t know, but he doesn’t look happy.

The store employee is dressing a mannequin in a window. She saw me take her picture and smiled. It’s another workday for her.

Pictures can tell sad stories as in this couple, with all their belongings, walking over the bridge to find a place to stay for the night near the river. Homelessness is a problem most cities deal with.

But my favorite that brings me joy is this image of my cousins walking hand in hand through the Thousand Palms Coachella Valley Preserve. I remember going to their wedding many, many years ago.

Images of people can bring us intense joy and sadness. Isn’t that what photojournalism is about? Telling their stories.

Now when you introduce us to people you’ve met, please remember to link to Tina’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. What great cityscapes you shared with us last week in response to Patti’s prompt. Each was an adventure. Next week Sofia will be presenting the challenge, so look for her post.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 26 Comments

Looking for a Sunset: Gibson Ranch

The night would be perfect: some clouds and sun. This was a rarity for us in Sacramento lately. Taking the opportunity, Laura and I went to photograph the sunset at Gibson Ranch Regional Park.

This is a Sacramento County park and equestrian center that has picnic areas. a dog park, small lake, and other activities. It’s a perfect place that is local to catch a sunset. We were not disappointed.

Before sunset: The equestrian area was gated off, but these facilities were available to photograph.

As the sun was getting low in the sky, fishermen were still trying to catch their limit.

And I became taller! Okay, with the help of my shadow!!

Finally a great sunset and lake reflection!

After all those weeks of overcast and rain, I was a happy camper! The damp, overcast and rain did come back, so I was glad we went that evening.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 41 Comments

Monochrome Madness: Textures in Black and White

Black and White allows texture to come to the forefront. It’s amazing how well we can see the texture in an image once we change it to monochrome. To be really effective there must be enough contrast.

This picture of Lake Waterton in Alberta Canada was a pretty image. However, once I changed it to monochrome (I thought there was enough contrast.) I saw the texture in the mountains and water.

This is submitted for Sarah’s challenge which she created for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness. I hope that linking to each works.

Now off to more on my list! Thanks Sarah and Leanne!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 60 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #289: Tools of Composition

When I’m out with my camera, I see and notice things differently. I mentally compose the picture even before I pick up my camera. So, I really don’t pay much attention to the rules and tools of composition. I do believe I needed John’s challenge today. He has me thinking of how and why I do things regarding composing a picture.

Mostly I look for shape and texture. I do love texture. Anything wood is texture whether it’s a tree, a fallen tree or a barn made from a tree.

Actually, everywhere you look you’ll find shape, form and texture. We can build stores, machines and buildings that show off shape, form and texture.

Rectangles and circles

Squares, triangles and rectangles

Triangle and half circle

Nature’s perfect circles

And my favorite, nature’s freeform.

The next time I take my camera out, I will be more aware thanks to John’s challenge. Thanks John! When you respond, please link to John’s post and use the Lens-Artist tag. I totally enjoyed window shopping with you and Ritva last week. Next week Ann-Christine will be presenting our challenge so look for her post.

We are having blizzard conditions in the Northern California foothills. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are a beautiful white. My children live in Reno and are getting a lot of snow also. We are okay with just a lot of rain and wind here in Sacramento. Take care everyone.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 50 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #287: Sound

All of our senses are connected. When you see a plate of well-presented food, can’t you taste it before you take a bite? When I’m walking my dog, I can hear a car long before I can see it, giving me plenty of time to navigate to the side of the road. I once interviewed deaf students through an interpreter. I watched their faces and body language to understand their excitement and other feelings.

This week Donna opens the world of sound for us. This challenge helped me understand how we show sound to our viewers through our two-dimensional presentations. Let’s get into my selections.

This Civil War Reenactment image shows the canon being fired. Can’t you just hear the loud boom as smoke fills the air?

And more booms and pops during this fireworks display.

If you’re really into music and you’re in a setting with a wood floor, you can actually feel the music’s beat with your feet. But in a picture we can imagine the sound of musicians and their music.

Waves crash rocks, making a serene sound as we watch a beautiful sunset. Here two senses are working together.

Remember those cars I mentioned. Just stand next to a freeway and close your eyes. You can hear the passing whish and feel the rumble of the cars. But don’t close them now, see the light trails!

I’ve saved the worst image, but most meaningful to me for last–my grandson’s elementary school class’s performance during the holidays years ago. They were singing holiday songs. These performances show that music reaches our hearts beyond what we hear. Ryan is in the second row, right side in back of the girl wearing a red dress that has a white heart on it. Ryan is now 15 years.

When I started looking for sounds, I thought I wouldn’t have much. But I have even more. Sound is all around us and in our images.

When you respond, please link to Donna’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. We would all like to see your sounds.

Thank you for your responses to my Weather Challenge. I’m so glad you all weathered the week and found amazing images. I also enjoyed that some of you played along with the homophone. One of you even got in wether, admitting they didn’t have a picture of a young castrated ram!

Next week, Ritva will be presenting her first challenge as a team member. So be sure to look for her post.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 147 Comments

Lens Artist Challenge #286: Weather

You check the weather forecast to find out whether the weather is good for a photo outing! Yes, it’s rabbit hole time again! 

According to Grammarly.com weather can be a noun as in when we make a weather forecast, or a verb as If the team can weather the injuries it has faced this year.

When used as a conjunction, whether is the correct spelling. And did you know that a Wether is a ram or goat that is castrated at a young age. Honestly, I didn’t dig this rabbit hole! It just happened. And these words are homophones–words that have the same sound but different meanings.

This challenge is about the various types of weather conditions in which we photographers find ourselves pursuing our hobby or vocation.

We all look for nice weather. Sunny, nice puffy clouds, or sometimes even a cloudless sky will do. The direction from which the sun hits an object can intensify its color or cast a shadow.

Sometimes those big puffy clouds turn dark and gray. That’s a sign that a storm is coming. Better hurry and take those pictures!

Did you hurry and duck inside or under a shelter. Or, maybe, you just like to photograph in the rain. Just make sure your camera is covered.

After the rain, we are left with puddle reflections that entice children to jump into. Right now, we have a one-day break in rainstorms here in sunny California. That’s okay, it’s better than being in drought.

If its very cold, rain turns to snow that covers the ground with a beautiful white blanket. Just try to keep your children away!

My favorite weather is fog. I love to photograph in the fog. There’s something mysterious and calming about fog.

So, we’ve talked about the weather and now it’s your turn. Do you enjoy taking your camera out in all types of weather? Whether or not you do, I’m sure you have some enjoyable images taken on outings or vacations. And if you have some pictures of Wethers, let’s see those cute little animals too. Okay, I’m done! I promise!! Well, one more thing. When you respond to this challenge, please link to it and use the Lens-Artists tag. That way I can see whether you responded with weather images and stories. I guess I wasn’t quite done!

This week Egidio asked us to show how warm colors can affect our images and the feelings they leave behind. I enjoyed seeing all your amazing responses. Take care everyone and enjoy your weather!

Next week Donna will be challenging us, so be sure to look for her post.

If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info. 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 51 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #285: Warm Colors

Welcome Egidio! I absolutely love your choice of Warm Colors as your first challenge because I enjoy the warm tones over the cool tones. So, let’s get started with my examples.

Up first are zoo animals. the giraffe and orangutan are my favorites. They are so expressive. The orangutans are playful, and the giraffes make such funny faces.

My next image is of a squawking cormorant with his yellow beak wide open. I wonder what he’s saying!

I enjoy photographing covered bridges. This one was recently redone. Its shingles are warm colored, blending in with the natural surroundings.

Cool in temperature, but warm in color are the Luray Caverns in Virginia.

You never know what you’ll find when you’re driving down a country road! But you know in October you’ll find pumpkins.

Finally, who says warm colors can’t be photographed at night. This image taken in Old Sacramento has warm written all over it.

Thank you Egidio for challenging us with warm colors during Sacramento’s damp, overcast and rainy weather. When you post your response to this challenge, please remember to link your post to Egidio’s and use the Lens-Artists tag. I enjoyed seeing your days and nights last week, especially the comparisons. Next week I will be challenging you, so stay tuned.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 39 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #284: Day and Night

Do you look forward to night photography? It is more challenging, but there are rewards. But daytime gives us more variations of light with which to work. I’ll photograph whenever I can. This week Sofia asks us to show off our day and night photography. So here goes.

We start at the beginning with frozen toes in Yosemite Valley capturing the first light at Yosemite Falls. This was 9 years ago and I was very new at photography. It was a good thing my friend Laura got me out there in the bitter cold. It was worth it!

Pretty soon the sun becomes more intense and we run for shade. It’s nice how the direct sun highlights form and colors. Of course that intense sun can also warm our backs and cast our shadows.

When the sun is low in the sky, it backlights objects, like this giraffe, with a warm glow.

We all love to capture sunsets with their beautiful colors.

During a full moon, like the sun, the moon casts its own light as seen on this lake.

In total darkness we can capture ambient light and also have some creative fun.

As I said, although I prefer the golden and blue hours, I’ll take my camera out any time and have fun. Thank you Sofia for this wonderful challenge. When you respond, please remember to link to Sofia’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

I enjoyed reading your poems and seeing your related images last week prompted by Ann-Christine. Some of you had creative and enjoyable responses. Next week Egidio leads his first challenge so be sure to look for his blog.

Take care everyone and stay safe!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 38 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #282: Dramatic

What makes a photo dramatic? Is it the scene? The subject? The color or lack of it? In this week’s challenge, Patti asked us to show what we consider dramatic and her wonderful images gave us examples. I believe it is the feeling that an image invokes in us. So here are some examples of what I consider dramatic.

Black and White: I love black and white because it helps create drama with certain subjects. My two examples are of Lake Waterton, Waterton NP, Canada and a lotus. In both these examples, it was the editing that brought out the drama for me. The lake brought me serenity. The lotus was a striking monochrome of a flower of colorful beauty that brought me excitement.

Wildlife: The American Bald Eagle reigns supreme over the wetlands, sending smaller birds into flight. They even look regal as they sit on branches. Even his gaze demands respect. To catch a hawk in flight is difficult, especially when your maximum range is 300 mm. When you do capture one through your lens, it is a dramatic result. Both images got excited.

Architecture: When I visited Melbourne Australia, I was in awe of the buildings. They were dramatic in design. I was excited and eager to photograph them. My examples are close ups of two buildings showing what I thought were the unique features of each.

Skies: From sunsets to clouds, skies help us create drama in our photographs. They also accent our subjects. Peacefulness and excitement describe my feelings for the next two photographs.

An environmental act: A tree falling down certainly creates drama especially for the homeowner! What more can I say except YIKES for this. Maybe gratefulness that my property wasn’t involved!

Shadows: Shadows accent structures, especially bridges. I remember being on the other side of the Fair Oaks Bridge and walking down to see what I could photograph from this side. It was then I saw the shadows bringing the bike rider toward me. I was happy that I walked to capture this image.

These images spoke to me and brought me into the photo. That’s why I love photography!

Thank you Patti for having us go deeper into our photographs. When you respond to this challenge please link to her original post and tag Lens-Artists. I enjoyed seeing all your favorites from last year. I remembered a lot of them. Ann-Christine will be presenting next week’s challenge.

If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.