Slow Shutter Speed

Posted on November 11, 2023November 11, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 185 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #275: Filling the Frame

Photography rules are guidelines and are sometimes meant to be broken. Also, photography is art, and art is subjective. Why am I saying this? Come down the rabbit hole with me!

In the last two weeks, we’ve learned about symmetry and asymmetry—two basic forms of composition. Now we’re going to delve into another: filling the frame.

When you want your subject to stand out, fill the frame! When you fill the frame with your subject, you eliminate various background distractions. The viewer’s eyes have nowhere to wander. Their attention is where you want it.

The frame refers to the rectangular scene you see through your camera. When you use this technique, you simply fill your photo’s frame with more of your subject, reducing the amount of background or negative space shown. And it can be filled-in-camera or in post processing. I tend to fill in-camera, sometimes not leaving any room for creative cropping in post. Now, I try to leave a bit more around my subject, so I have more to work with. I did a close crop in post on the sunflower, below, wanting to show the bee in action. By doing this, my sunflower became the background and the bee the subject. Sometimes we just change our minds once we view the image on our monitors.

The basic rule for filling the frame is to get close to your subject. This can be achieved by walking up to your subject or using a zoom lens. I’ve done this type of photography with a macro and zoom lens. You can fill the frame totally or leave a bit of negative space to help your subject stand out. Yes, we’re sliding down that rabbit hole now. A bit of nothing helps put the focus on your subject. Remember, photography is subjective, and everyone has an opinion. Some photographers say “no” to negative space and a soft background. But, without the small amount of negative space, how could I have had this flamingo stand out? Having a bokeh background helps this flower stand out and shows its environment.

Okay, that rabbit hole is getting slippery now. What about filling the frame to tell a story? This can be street photography, event photography, or iconic subjects. Below are two pictures. The first is of an entertainer, Tom Rigney, at the Sacramento Music Festival. The second is of the Point Reyes an old boat that has become a photographers’ attraction. Viewers would not interpret their full stories without seeing their environment. But their stories fill the frame and there’s nothing that distracts from them.

Do you like getting creative? Let’s fill the frame with an abstract! One is of cattails and the other a Ferris wheel. Both were taken with intentional camera movement (ICM).

Spilling off the frame. Most of my images in this post extend beyond the frame, meaning their stories continue beyond the confines of the image boundaries. The lotus and cactus are continued in the viewer’s imagination.

We’ve reached the bottom of my rabbit hole. Let’s climb back out so you can find your images that fill the frame. Remembering that photography is subjective, I’m looking forward to seeing your imaginative and creative responses. Anything goes! When you respond remember to link to this post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Thank you, Donna, for getting us in the mood with her asymmetry challenge last week. We’ve been having a lot of fun, haven’t we! Next week James of Jazzibee will guest host and present our next challenge. Be sure to look for his post.

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

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 14 Comments

Up Close at the California Automobile Museum

The California Automobile Museum in Sacramento is a photographers challenge. They have beautiful autos, but they are behind ropes which makes it difficult to photograph. Whenever I go there, I tend to pick out a part of the car to photograph. We haven’t been there in years and the cars in the museum have changed. There’s always something new to see. This time my friend Ray and I checked it out.

I was concentrating at photographing the hood ornaments. We don’t have them any more!

I like the pieces of the old, old, old cars; (Okay I don’t know the years, probably 1920 on.) much older than me. I liked where they put the headlights, steering wheels and foot pedals.

They also had a few old race cars.

These two are from the 1950s. I remember the Chevy but not the Ford convertible. Do you?

It’s amazing how car design has changed. Take time to go down memory lane at an auto museum near you.

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 58 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #274: Asymmetry

It’s amazing how we can learn about the way we photograph as we take on our weekly challenges. Last week Sofia had us think about how we use symmetry in our photos, and this week Donna has us digging through our files for asymmetrical images. What a learning experience. I realize that while I truly don’t think about it when I compose a picture, I lean towards taking asymmetrical images.

I guess I just like things not so obviously balanced unless I see symmetry demanding to be photographed. For example, when I compose a nature image, it’s usually asymmetrical but somehow balanced. I really don’t compose it thinking about whether it’s symmetrical or asymmetrical.

With event photography, it’s the same. Now I’m wondering why! I guess carnivals are always asymmetrical.

I tend to do the same with environmental portraits. These pictures were taken at the Empire Mine State Historical Park. I offset the man and his dog and the blacksmith. I even offset the close up of the blacksmith.

And did you notice I also posted an odd number of pictures for each segment? What does that say about me? All kidding aside, I truly don’t think too much about how I compose a photo. I just work the camera and lens until I get what I like.

Thank you, Donna, for showing us the other side of symmetry. As you can see from this post, I’ve learned a lot about my photography techniques. And to Sofia for starting us off with symmetry. I enjoyed seeing all your symmetrical images, and they were very creative.

I’ll be leading the challenge next week, so look for my post.

Posted on November 1, 2023November 1, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 21 Comments

Playing with lens and camera movement!

I enjoy doing things differently, especially when it comes to my camera and lens. Last week a small carnival occupied some of the Sunrise Mall parking lot in Citrus Heights. Perfect! I had to go and two photo buddies met me there.

When I say small, I mean not too many rides that are great for slow shutter speed photography. That coupled with my injuries from the August auto accident (They tell me it will be a long time recovery for my neck and shoulders.), helped me decide to leave my tripod in the car. You’ll see that in some cases I needed it.

Here are the pictures–handheld.

Some of these may not be perfect, but I had an hour’s worth of fun. Next year the tripod!

Posted on October 29, 2023October 29, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 49 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #273: Symmetry

Composition is something I am careful about, and I very seldom choose symmetry as a first choice. However there are times that a scene just cries out symmetry, and then I just take advantage of it. Sofia has chosen symmetry as this week’s challenge. In my mind, I remembered memorable symmetrical pictures over the years, but could I find them?? Absolutely not! So you’ll have to view what I did find.

Let’s start with some images that contain very symmetrical pieces. (Explanations are in the captions.)

**The alter in the Bok Kai Temple, Yuba City**

How about bridges.

Water helps create symmetry through mirror images.

I’ll end with some miscellaneous images.

Some day I’ll find those pictures I wanted to show you. Look for a regular post of mine. In the meantime, when you post your pictures for this challenge be sure to link to Sofia’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week I enjoyed seeing all your billboards and signs–some were very clever. Next week Donna is going to challenge us with asymmetry! Be sure to look for her post.

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 30 Comments

The saga continues at Lassen National Park, Part 3: The Sulphur Works, Devastated Area and on the road

It’s been a rough time for this blogger. All I can say is don’t get rear ended by a large pickup and trailer. I’ve kept up with my Lens Artists posts but neglected my regular blogs. So let’s pick up where I left off in Lassen NP.

You can’t smell the sulphur aroma, but you can see the bubbles and maybe the smoke coming up. The Sulphur Works “is a vent for the last rumblings of a long-dead volcano and yet it is also reborn each day as forces of erosion and hydrothermal activity continuously alter the landscape. Although named after the chemical element of sulfur—which is a byproduct of the hydrothermal system—the area bears the British English spelling of the word assigned by a pioneer that once laid claim to what was then known as Supan’s Sulphur Works.”

On the way back to our campground near Manzanita Lake, I was able to take a few pictures showing the devastation from the fires. It’s still beautiful and sad at the same time.

I’ll finish up Lassen NP with a short tour of the Devastated Area–not connected with the recent fires, but the eruption of Lassen Peak’s 1915-1916 eruption. The short trail has voice explanations throughout and was interesting. Just push the button and learn!

This ends our visit to Lassen NP. I hope I’ll be able to get out in the trailer soon. In the meantime, there’s a lot to photograph around home.

Posted on October 22, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 58 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #272: Billboards and Signs

I don’t know about you, but these days I feel bombarded with signage of, mostly, the advertising kind. So, it’s great to pay attention to the signs that keep us safe and bring us joy. Thank you John for this fun challenge.

I’m not into photographing signs as a photo practice, but we happened to be at Ruhstaller Farm in Dixon, a beer distillery and farm, and featured in this blog. But, I didn’t post signs when there was so much more for you to see.

I’m learning to look for nature to provide the unusual and man to provide beautiful murals along the American River.

Little did I know that Spam was so popular! There’s a Spam festival in the Sacramento Delta and Spam is popular in Kauai.

I do love neon signs, find sadness at the Old Sacramento City Cemetery and find it wonderful that one store could stay in business for more than 100 years.

And there’s nothing like signage at the Nevada County Fair to get those hunger pangs going. Spicy nachos and sweet churros!

Sometimes feelings give us signs that we have to do something. This goat is no exception. Got an itch? Scratch it!

I’ve enjoyed looking through my archives for signage. I hope you’re having fun too. Remember to link to John’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I enjoyed seeing all your contrasty posts last week. Next week Sophia is challenging us, so look for her post.

If you’d like to join in the challenge, but aren’t sure how to get started, check here.

Posted on October 14, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 56 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #271: Contrasts

Timing is everything. Amy’s challenge this morning is on contrasts: shadows and light, colors, hard and soft, etc. It just happens that this is the morning of the annular (partial) solar eclipse. We didn’t see much of it in California, but NASA put on a good show for us. Amy, I hope you were able to see the totality in Texas.

NASA gives this explanation of a solar eclipse: A solar eclipse happens when, at just the right moment, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. Sometimes the Moon only blocks part of the Sun’s light. This is called a partial solar eclipse. Other times, the Moon blocks all of the Sun’s light. This is called a total solar eclipse. As the Moon blocks the Sun’s light, it casts a shadow on part of the Earth.The Moon’s shadow creates a trail as Earth rotates. This trail is called the path of totality. If you want to experience total darkness during an eclipse, you have to be in the path of totality. In that path, the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s light for a few minutes. It gets so dark that it looks like night time during a full Moon!

So why am I mentioning this? Watching the eclipse unfold on my computer screen, I thought there is no better contrast between the sun and moon during this rare occasion. This took me back to the total solar eclipse Richard and I viewed in Idaho in 2017. That was an amazing experience. We were camping in our trailer, but crowds came in that morning. During the eclipse the crowd went quiet until totality. Then the clapping and yelling started. Wow!

I took pictures with my Nikon D3100, armed with a solar filter, handheld. Here are my results of nature’s contrast of the sun and moon from beginning to totality and the end.

I hope you enjoyed my cosmic contrast scenes. Thank you Amy for encouraging me to look back. When you post your contrasts, please remember to link to Amy’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I enjoyed seeing all your varied displays last week as encouraged by Ann-Christine. I always enjoy your unique posts and interpretations to our challenges. Next week John is presenting the challenge so be sure to look for his post.

Posted on October 7, 2023October 7, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #270: On Display

Sometimes I think life itself is on display. Just take a walk there are displays all around: stores, museums, parks, businesses and, of course, people. Even the shy people are on display as they try to minimize their presence. I know this because I’m shy. At least I am until I get to know you and you know me.

But what other things are on display? Ann-Christine asks us to post displays of all sorts that we’ve found.

Gardens are a great place to find displays. The California State Capitol World Peace Garden and Rose Garden is a wonderful place for finding displays. There you’ll find many sculptures that commemorate the soldiers of the Vietnam War. There are sculptures dedicated to first responders also. This part of the garden is right near the State Capitol Building. If you walk down to the other end of the long block, you’ll find the Capitol Rose Garden. You know I can’t leave without doing some macro shots of flowers.

Let’s travel south to the Delta area and the small town of Isleton. One weekend the town hosted hosted an Asian festival, keeping true to its Asian roots, that featured dancing dragons and Taiko Drummers. We had a lot of fun watching the live displays that delighted everyone.

Coming back up to Sacramento County and the town of Roseville, you’ll find murals and a large sculpture of a train welcoming you to the downtown district. Roseville’s history is linked with the railroad, but it has grown to be a large corporate business area.

There are many farmer’s markets in the area, offering displays of colorful vegetables and fruits.

Can I do a post on displays without mentioning the Sacramento Zoo? Nope! For me, the zoo is a way to learn more about the animals and their habits. The more I learn, the better I can photograph them. Right now the flamingos and the two black crowned cranes are out of their exhibit to protect them from the bird flu. The zoo staff is careful to keep the animals out of danger, but I miss watching them.

Every December there are displays of Christmas lights. We usually go out at least one night to capture the fun and beauty. Here’s a scene as the home’s owners set their display. And, of course, I had to do some zooming!

I can’t end this post without a fireworks display. These were taken around the Tower Bridge.

Through my brief tour, you can see that there are displays all around you. All you have to do is stop, look and interpret its meaning. Thank you Ann-Christine for inviting us to take this journey. Please remember to link to Ann-Christine’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag when you do your challenge post.

Last week, we were all on the edge thanks to Patti’s edgy challenge. I saw some great and imaginative posts. Next week, Amy is our task master so be sure to look for her post.

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 24 Comments

Change is sometimes okay, part 2: Lassen National Park

Once you get over the shock of change and acclimate, it’s not bad. We were getting used to the altitude at Lassen National Park and learning how to deal with it. Dealing with it meant not doing a lot of walking/hiking. Richard didn’t go on some of the trails, and the trails I went on, I didn’t go the entire way.

One of the prettiest was Kings Creek. I didn’t make it all the way to the falls overlook. I think I needed someone to cheer me on! What I did was simply beautiful.