Posted on by Anne Sandler · 69 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #339: Life’s Changes

Retirement is a big change. At least for me it was since my life revolved around the grandkids, husband and mom. My small parttime business, which I was closing, was my outlet. What would I do? Enter– photography.

Photography changed my life! It rescued me, gave me purpose and became a passion.

My business was something I did for me. It kept my brain active, and I enjoyed being a part of my client’s successes. I was truly afraid of giving that part of me up. But once I stepped on that photography path, I knew I had found the right outlet.

This new venture was a steep learning curve, especially since I didn’t want to take classes. (I didn’t want homework!). Photography became my brain gym. I joined photo meetup groups, and met other photographers, some of whom became friends. I found photographers are willing to share knowledge.

I soon became a photo addict, reading tutorials, and went out on as many outings as I could. I didn’t realize what the greater Sacramento Area had to offer as far as beauty. I did my best to go out to various places like the Foothills, the Sierras, the coast, the city and the countryside.

I was definitely on the photography path. Now 13 years later, I’m still traveling the photography road and loving it. I have Chronic Fatigue, but when my camera is in my hand, I’m never tired. I see opportunities like my camera would. Compositions just pop out to me saying, “Here I am! Take the shot!”

Now what to do with all the photos I’ve taken? I started a blog which led to the Lens-Artists Challenge. I’ve so enjoyed sharing photos with all of you and learning about where you live and travel. Photography has brought me all this. It has enriched and changed my life.

What has enriched and/or changed yours? That is your challenge this week. Share with us your joys and passion of a hobby or life experience that helped direct your life’s passion. It might even be a person who made a difference along the way. Express your thoughts in words and pictures.

Oh, use as many words as you need! I really enjoyed your posts in response to John’s Pick A Word challenge last week. What a variety! Next week Ritva will present the challenge, so look for her post.

In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #333: Complementary Colors

Color, that’s what it’s all about. It’s used to entice us to purchase items. We dress in colors that complement our complexion. And as photographers we always use color even if we process in black and white. This week, Egidio encourages to show us how we use complementary colors in our photography.

Nature gives us color every time we go out, especially complementary colors. First is green. What doesn’t complement green. On the color wheel colors shades of orange, red and purple complement green when you cast a wide net.

But we humans know how to use complementary colors also. From a seat cushion, to fireworks against a golden bridge, to an abstract and to a ship’s interior.

When you see ads, interior spaces or store fronts, think about how they use color. Thanks Egidio for this wonderful and colorful challenge. When you post your response, please link to Egidio’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

I enjoyed seeing your responses to Ritva’s post that had us looking down last week. You gave me lots of ideas! Next week Tina is presenting the challenge, so be sure to look for her post. In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 101 Comments

Lens-Artists Challenge #331: Resilience

Help, I’m in a deep rabbit hole—again! I was trying to find a simple definition of resilience for you, but I got into an environmental and scientific discussion on the subject. The simplest definition I could find: Resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity. It’s the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences.

Are you resilient? I’ve made this my intention for 2025. I think we will need it as we face a troubled world, especially here in the U. S. To me, resilience is the ability to make your way through adversity, finding happiness along the way.

How does that apply to photography. As photographers, we find resilience in nature and interpretate it in our photos.

Mountains in Lassen National Park can be 27,000 years old. More recent volcanic activity has created changes in the ecosystems in the park. Some haven’t changed in those years. They are resilient.

Another natural example are our trees. The General Sherman Sequoia tree in Sequioa National Park is 2,200–2,700 years old. It’s still growing taller and wider. Yes, resilience.

And what about those plants, given a small amount of dirt, that seem to push through rock and survive.

We can also photograph metal. I love to photograph metal when it ages and becomes rusty. Metal is strong and resilient, used in gates, trains, cars and more.

People are resilient also. Just ask any mother about resiliency!

Families show resilience through traditions carried through generations, like Christmas and Chanukah.

History teaches us about resilience. Wars, natural disasters, rising out of poverty, and more. Although horrific to some, in 1846 the Donner party showed survival resilience. Their story is told at the Donner Memorial State Park, and nearby Donner Lake is named in their honor. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503

The current fire storms in Southern California are testing people’s resilience. People have died, more are displaced and homes are gone. When the fires are out, residents will have to muster up more resilience as they rebuild their lives.

My challenge for you this week is to find how your photographs portray resilience. How do they speak to you?

We had a lot of fun in last week’s challenge, Favorite Images of 2024, and I enjoyed seeing and reading about your selections. Thank you John! As you respond to this challenge, please link to this post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I do want to see all your resilient images. Next week, Ritva will lead our third challenge of the year. Be sure to look for her post. In the meantime stay healthy and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 71 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #330: Favorite Images of 2024

Happy New Year everyone! I’ve been looking forward to starting a new year since early on in 2024. I guess what I’m saying that 2024 wasn’t a banner year for me. I spent most of it recovering from an auto accident. But, thanks to my wonderful photo friends, I managed to get out with my camera.

It seems when I have a camera in my hands, I have energy and things have a better focus. I’m fine now, but I have learned a lot about friendship. Let’s take a look at 2024.

I do love to photograph in fog. Here’s one from our visit to Rush Ranch.

Old Sacramento and the area surrounding the Sacramento River and bridges gave me the opportunity for some street photography and interesting landscape images.

Asleep in Old Sacramento.
Underneath one bridge looking at another.

I took whatever opportunity I could to use my macro lens. Thank goodness for seasonal sunflowers and bees.

Twice a year I challenge myself and my camera/lens to see how far I can get with 300 mm max. The egret was taken in April and shorebirds in December. Cropping in helps a lot!

I also enjoy photographing lines, angles and shadows, and reflections.

Manetti Shrem Museum
Downtown Sacramento

I can’t end a post about favorites without flowers. These were taken locally in Sacramento.

Last year taught me a lot about resilience, looking forward and smiling. That’s my wish for all of you this year. I have enjoyed being part of this wonderful community, and I experience more of life through your photographic expressions.

Stay tuned, next week, I’m leading the challenge. Until then stay healthy and happy. Live in gratitude.

When you post your response to this challenge, you can link to my post or all of the team’s posts. Please remember to use the Lens-Artists tag. If you would like more information about our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here. 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 33 Comments

Picture This: Fog

What would you do if every day for the past couple of weeks brought fog and rain into your hometown and your camera was packed away? You’d do what Christine, Marlene and I did. One day, it wasn’t raining, but fog was still hanging out as a fine mist. We took our cameras out for a walk in the fog!

Actually, I enjoy photographing in fog. It adds a mood to the images. We chose to visit nearby Gibson Ranch, which has been featured in this blog a few times.

Our visit was mostly around the pond since they closed access to some of the trails. But that was okay because I don’t like being out in the damp air for too long. The geese came out of the water when they saw us thinking we had food.

We found some horses out in a pasture.

We also walked over to the stables where we found a couple of barn quilts. These are designs painted on wood.

And, how lucky could I get. I found rust! My friends weren’t interested in these old farm equipment pieces, but I was.

I’ll end with one of the two peacocks I saw roaming the grounds. However, he wouldn’t cooperate and spread his tail feathers.

This ends my adventure in the fog. My visit was on December 22nd. We’ve had one sunny day since then. You know what I’m wishing for in the new year!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 42 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #329: Last Chance

I never look forward to last chances. Maybe it’s my age. But, here we are picking photos that didn’t fit into this year’s challenges. I’m just going to reframe this post into Another Chance. Yes, I feel better now.

Here are my photos that didn’t make it into this year’s challenges and the memories that go along with them.

This first one was taken at a Scandinavian Festival in Sacramento. I had high hopes for journalistic photos, but there was hardly any opportunity. It was mostly crafters’ tables. This singer and great food made up for it.

My next was taken in an alley in Woodland Ca. called Dead Cat Alley. This is a three block alley with cat sculptures on the roof tops. This stretch of alley way was recognized in 1853 and officially named in 1962. The sculptures are old and worn. Here’s one.

You never know what you’ll find when you visit Old Sacramento. This man was sleeping just outside the main area of the train depot. I love photo journalism and seldom find an opportunity like this one.

Roseville is home to a fairly large train yard. But, stay off the tracks! There’s a story behind that statement!

I do like to photograph buildings. In one such quest, I found this great reflection.

Lastly, we have many small towns in neighboring Amador County. Sutter Creek is rich in history and its store owners use whatever old things they can. I think the sign may be original, but put on a newer bench.

There, you have my images that were given another chance. I’m looking forward to seeing yours. I enjoyed seeing all your winter photos in response to John’s challenge last week.

The LAPC team will be taking a break for the remainder of the year. We will return on January 4 with our traditional Favorite Photos of the year challenge. In the meantime, stay safe and enjoy the holidays

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 48 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #328: Winter

What does winter mean to you? Sweater weather? Hot chocolate? Jackets and snow boots? John wants to know! To us photographers, it probably means snow and icicle images. To me, winter means one trip to the snow when the air is just right for a winter jacket and boots, you can drive in it without snow tires/chains and hot chocolate can be purchased at the nearest restaurant!

You got it, I enjoy seeing it, playing in it and leaving it behind. Fortunately I live in Sacramento California where it doesn’t snow. However that glorious winter weather is just a little over an hour away up Highway 80 at Donner Lake.

Also up the same road and about 10 minutes closer to home is Blue Canyon where my Astronomer husband has his observatory. Because of its location it is inaccessible in the winter.

Almost to the observatory.
The observatory
The road there and back.

One surprise snow experience happened when we were staying with the younger set of grands, in Reno Nevada, while their parents were away. During the night, I heard a strong wind slapping against the house. I woke up to a winter wonderland like I had never experience before. The truck was buried, the walkway had to dug out and the grands had a fun snow time.

Talking about the same trip, we decided to take the train from Sacramento to Reno, and back. We wanted the experience. Here are some pictures taken from the train on the way home.

Now we are about to enter winter. The weather will be cold, in the 30s (F) at night, climbing to the 60s in the afternoon. Yes, that’s the winter I want to experience!

Here in the Sacramento Valley the only time we get rain is in the winter. We do rely on the Sierra mountains snow pack, to fill our reservoirs with the melt during the summer. There have been many years of drought here when water has been rationed.

Thank you John for helping bring back those winter memories. Please remember to link to John’s challenge when you post your response, and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week we explored elements via Sofia’s challenge. I enjoyed seeing your interesting responses.

Next week is our annual year-end challenge. In December 2022, the Lens-Artists team introduced a “Last-Chance” challenge. The idea was to review the year’s images that never quite fit our challenge subjects that year. The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2024 and not have been included in response to our 2024 challenges. This challenge is not hosted. So, go through your archives and join us on Saturday, December 14, at noon Eastern Standard Time.

In the meantime, enjoy your holidays, have a safe New Year and we will be back in January.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 39 Comments

Catching up, once again: The nesting tree

Each April my friends and I go to Lincoln to two trees where herons and egrets nest. This year was no different. The difference is that I haven’t posted anything but LAPC posts. So I’m playing catch UP!

These trees are in the middle of a gully in between two shopping centers. It’s really tough to capture the birds with my 300 mm max lens, but I always give it a go. Thanks to Topaz and cropping, I usually come back with a few good ones.

These birds are magnificent, and to see them build and find material for their nests is a treat.

I’ll be back with more catching up!