Slow Shutter Speed

Posted on July 8, 2016July 8, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 1 Comment

One off Linda’s bucket list: Donner Lake Tunnels

I’m sorry to say that I really don’t have a bucket list. But, happily, photo buddy Linda does!

Her bucket list brought her, Marlene and I back to Donner Lake for the third time this year. I’ve lived in the Sacramento area for 15 years and had never been there. Thank goodness for photography. This hobby has taken me to more places I could imagine. And, back to those places.

During this Donner Lake trip, we specifically went to see the Donner Lake Railroad Tunnels that were on Linda’s bucket list. Fortunately, she knew of a way we could get there without hiking up the rocky mountain. Driving there and parking the car was easier, especially for three seniors.

These three tunnels totaling 1,659 feet were the first railroad line to traverse the Sierra Nevada Range. Built largely by Chinese workers, the tunnels were completed in August 1867 and the first train passed through it on June 18th, 1868. The last train passed through in 1993 when the route was changed to a new location.

We passed through it on July 2, 2016. Well, we made it through the first two short tunnels and half way through the long third one. The train rails are gone, and the walls are decorated with graffiti. It’s an experience to do at least once, and the doors in the third tunnel exit to an excellent view of Donner Lake.

After the tunnels, we drove back down and rode around the Lake. It was very different in the summer. In the winter it was serene and beautiful; however, in the summer, it was crowded. I’ll show you both images.

I enjoyed this trip, but I wonder what else is on Linda’s photo bucket list? We’ll see.

The entrance to the first tunnel.

Puddle reflection inside the tunnel.

Graffiti on the wood.

The view in between the tunnels.

We weren’t the only ones there.

Wildflowers.

The vibrant grafitti.

Another view point.

Construction: rock and wood.

Visitors standing on the roof of a tunnel entrance.

The lake view outside the third tunnel door.

An outside view of the tunnel.

Graffiti is also on the outside.

This was taken in February.

The same view, but a little more distant. Not as serene.

Paddle boarders and crowds on the beach.

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Happy Birthday USA

I missed the fireworks at our neighborhood block party yesterday. I was inside holding my Schnoodle, Gem, who was wrapped in his favorite throw. It was the only way to calm him down and stop him from shaking. This is one of the by products of legal fireworks. The noise scares animals.

But, I did get to shoot some fireworks the night before. Linda and I went to the Sun City Roseville fireworks show. We were a little disappointed because most of the beauty was at the tree line with only a few above them. But, this did give us an opportunity to get some light trails along with the bursts.

This was my first time shooting without an expert helping with exposure, shutter speed, etc. I began experimenting with different shutter speeds, leaving my aperture at F/ 14. Also we were closer than I’ve been before, so shooting at 18 mm was a must to gain focus.

The next day, our block party started at 7 p.m. with games. We have more kids on the block now and former residents came to visit. There were more people than I expected. We haven’t been home the last 2 holidays and things have changed.

It was fun, and it was good to see the block full of young kids again. By the time the car race (Each car was powered by Piccolo Pete fireworks.) was over it was almost too dark to shoot the rest of the games, so I put my camera away and just enjoyed–until the fireworks started! Next year, Gem is getting a tranquilizer!

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 7 Comments

Almost escaping the heat: The California Aerospace Museum

It’s not going to be a pleasant summer here in California. We’ve had more triple digit days in June than I remember during the entire summer in past years. So, we went to another museum. I’ve posted images from the Aerospace Museum of California before, but the exhibits change. I’m hoping I won’t be repetitive.

Our Tuesday group got there when the museum opened at 10 a.m., giving us an hour outside before the heat drove us inside. I did a lot of HDR outside in the planes and was happy with the results. Inside proved to be more of a challenge. I took the camera off the tripod and tried close ups and long angles.

Most of the planes are from the WWII and Vietnam wars. Although the docents are wonderful with their knowledge, I was busy shooting what I could before the heat became unbearable. Inside is mostly engines and smaller planes. Some of these planes are on loan and will be rotated with others as they come in.

It was a fun morning and somewhat challenging in the heat.

Posted on June 30, 2016June 30, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

We’re having a heat wave: The pirate festival, Vallejo California

Triple digits–for two weeks! What’s a photographer to do? Go out early? Shoot indoors? Don’t shoot? The last is not an option! So one day Linda and I drove to Vallejo early in the morning to visit the 10th Annual Northern California Pirate Festival. Well, it’s cooler in Vallejo, we got there soon after it opened and left when the heat turned up.

I guess I was expecting something like the Highland Games we went to last year. This festival was on a much smaller scale, but didn’t lack pirate enthusiasts. The vendors were in costume, but what caught my camera’s eye were the visitors. They were the show.

There were kids activities, games, food, and more family fun. But, Linda and I didn’t bring grandkids, so we observed.

We were in and out within two hours, missing the fine festival food. Instead we enjoyed lunch in nice air conditioned restaurant! So, avast ye mates, and join me at the Pirate Festival.

Do you have any other ways to avoid the heat and still get out and shoot? I’d welcome suggestions because it’s going to be a hot summer.

A candid shot. He was talking and I waited for him to look up.

Entertainers performing.

He looks more like a viking than a pirate.

Another candid conversation.

It was interesting to find mermaids here.

Another candid. I don’t know why she had the feather in her mouth.

A parade marching through the grounds.

Another entertainer.

This couple stopped and posed for me.

Black Beard was also busy talking.

A group of ladies in song.

A proclamation of some sort.

A gal just has to relax. Another candid.

A more flattering image. Candid.

A pirate and his gal dancing outside the food tent. Candid.

A posed shot.

Looks like love. Candid.

A music lover. Candid.

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Anne Sandler

Oh my gosh, it’s Monday: The Yolo Wildlife Area

See, this is what happens. I had a very busy weekend with the grandkids sleeping over, and today, I’ve been shopping at the grocery store and helping my husband pack for his astronomy weekend in Aidn, California. I handled phone calls: 1. to get someone out here to fix my air conditioner up stairs and 2. to find a new home for my Toastmaster Photography club, All About Photography. I did a load of laundry and walked the dog. I just looked up at the clock: almost 3 p.m. I got a lot done, but didn’t prioritize in my 2 to 3 hours of editing study.

I know that a know a new habit takes a fairly decent time to implement. I’m hoping to do better next week. We usually eat early on Mondays so I can get to my All About Photography Club meeting on time. I’ll prioritize some time on Wednesday while I wait for the air conditioner repairman to come.

Okay, now that I’ve confessed, I want to show you images from another trip to the Yolo Wildlife Area. I’m still learning how to use the new/used F/4, 300 mm lens. On this trip, I found out that it’s not easy for me to handhold. And, you can’t use a tripod/monopod in a car. Normally, I’d rest it on the window (which is rolled down). But most of the birds inconveniently located themselves on the driver’s side. I was the passenger, and my friend Laura was the driver.

But it was a worthwhile trip, and I did learn more about handling the lens. Laura showed me that pumping up the ISO was necessary for a faster shutter speed. I’m reluctant to use a high ISO because of grain. I don’t think the grain is too bad.

Let me know what you think!

A Kildeer.

When they feel their nest is threatened, they will fake a broken wing.

Once they feel the nest is safe, they will fly away.

A pelican in flight.

This heron was one of two just standing at the water’s edge.

Up close.

An egret hiding in the brush.

What did you say?

You’d better not say that again!

I think this is an Avocet that’s fishing.

spotted something.

And, going for it.

This might be a White Faced Ibis with it’s winter look still on. If I’m wrong, please give me the correct name. My book doesn’t have all the answers!

I just liked the spirals in this plant.

There were a lot of bees buzzing.

Butterfly getting some nectar.

Posted on June 23, 2016June 23, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

I’ve got a plan: Petaluma, California, part 3

In my last post I was bemoaning about not moving forward with my editing education. To those who responded with support and suggestions, thank you!

Monday will be my editing day with 3 hours prioritized. I think that is a good and doable approach. I also believe that once I get into it, the hours may increase.

Here’s the last on Petaluma–the churches. I have never seen so many churches in a small area. All have that small town charm. I shot the outside of most and went into the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and shot the inside. In fact, it’s this church that I feel I did not do well on the outside.

The featured image shows its amazing steeples, but by the time we walked the house tour and got to the church, I think I was tired and my mind was blocked. However, I think I did a better job on the inside.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to Monday and my 3 hours of editing. Wish me luck!

Again, no captions.

Posted on June 21, 2016June 21, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Having fun, but not making progress: Petaluma, part 2

If you’ve been following this blog, then you may remember that I began the year with a goal of learning Photoshop and other processing programs. With half the year gone, I haven’t made much progress. I can take out unwanted things easily in Photoshop, but haven’t ventured into layers. I have gotten acquainted with some processing programs, but have only used their presets.

And, no, I’m not being hard on myself; I’m just stating facts. I’ve been shooting a lot and loving it. My photography has improved too. Maybe it was just too big a goal. Maybe I need to chunk it down to learn one thing at a time with Photoshop, especially now with the big update to 2015.5 in the CC version.

Okay every week, I will learn one new thing about Photoshop. Can I do it? We’ll see. In the meantime, we will continue touring Petaluma with the walking tour of Victorian houses. These old houses are beautiful, and the flowers are from their gardens. You’ll notice that I concentrated mostly on the doors and entries. No captions.

One new thing a week, one new thing a week. I’m beginning to feel like the “Little Engine that Could!”

Posted on June 19, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Camera Totin’ Tuesdays: Petaluma, California

For me and about 15 others, Tuesdays is reserved for shooting. I’m sure I’ve told you about the group Marlene, Karen and I started after our photo buddy Greg Morris died (Our trio was called Tuesdays With Seniors). While he was ill, Karen started going out on Tuesday with us. After he passed, we felt a name change was in order and we became Camera Totin’ Tuesdays.

As we posted pictures of our adventures more photographers wanted to join us. Most of us are retired, but some join us when they can get a Tuesday off from work. It has become a fun group. We are starting to venture out of the greater Sacramento area now, and recently we went to Petaluma.

Not being a loner, I prefer to go shooting with other photographers. I love the camaraderie, the sharing of information, seeing other photographers styles and making new friends. I watch the others and learn. Most of the time, when someone finds a great shot, they will share it. On occasion, I have gone out alone and enjoy the solitude and self creativity that ensues.

But when we went to Petaluma, we had nine photographers and a three car caravan. We found it easier to pick a meeting spot and just meet up there. As the group grows we’ll have to perfect this. Once in the town, we had a fun day. We sort of stayed together in a loose sort of way, had lunch together, did some more shooting and then took our separate ways home.

I have never processed so many images as I have with this outing. I’m either falling in love with my pictures, getting better shots or not being discriminating enough! Well, maybe a little of all three. Or maybe I just found so much to shoot in this small town.

Whatever the reason, I am grateful for our CTT group that gets me out shooting no matter how I feel that day. This will be a 3-part post. Enjoy the architecture of the town and waterfront. I told you I edited a lot of images!

The Historic Library and Museum. This deserved black and white.

Found in downtown.

A closer look at the restaurant.

The Post Office.

The long entry into many shops.

I shot a lot of doorways.

This one captured my eye.

Near the waterfront, old railroad tracks.

An alley.

A bridge that crosses the river.

A view from the bridge.

Looking back at the city.

Color is everywhere in Petaluma.

Again, looking back at the city.

Under the wharf.

The beauty of growth on old wood.

A distance shot of the clock tower.

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Anne Sandler

I ran as fast as I could: Flowers in San Jose

I tried to outrun a cold, but I think it caught me anyway. That’s a bummer because I want to go learn more about lighting tonight and shoot on Saturday and Sunday. So, at least during the day today, I’m taking it easy. However my dog keeps asking for his usual walk. We all learn to deal with disappointment, even him.

When I was in San Jose visiting my friends, I wanted to go to the Municipal Rose Garden, but decided to take my camera on my neighborhood walk instead. I wasn’t dissatisfied. The gardens were beautiful and well cared for. I wish I had more time and energy for a longer walk.

This proves we really don’t have to go far to find beauty. With that in mind, here are some of the beautiful flowers I was able to shoot with my 18 – 140 mm lens. No macro that day; it was too breezy. No captions today. Mostly I know the roses, but not the names of the other flowers. All I know is that they are beautiful!

After I post this I’ll rest for a couple of hours.

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

A day gone awry: Japanese Friendship Garden, part 2

Did you ever have one of those days? You know, the kind that are full of mishaps. Well, Friday, June 10 was one of those days for me. Oh, this has nothing to do with the Japanese Friendship Garden.

It all began when I woke up at 5 a.m. This was my last morning at my friends’ house in San Jose. My hope was to wake up around 7 a.m. so I could stay up to shoot the Milky Way at Blue Canyon Airport in the Sierras. I had it all planned: leave San Jose at 9 a.m., get home, rest and get ready for the night shoot. I couldn’t skip the shoot since we were hosting it at our observatory!

The day started wrong and continued from there:

I couldn’t nap during the day.
I was tired and left my red colored flash light home.
When we stopped for dinner, Richard remembered that he didn’t bring along the observatory keys. So he had to go back home to get them–a two hour round trip.
All the photographers came and were anxious to shoot the Milky Way. But, the cloud cover didn’t leave. Most of us left without our prize.

So, that was my day. We got home about midnight and I woke up at 5:30 a.m. the next day! Last night, I slept nine hours!

So that was my day gone awry. What about yours?

While you’re thinking about how you can better me, here are the last of the Friendship Garden images.