Posted on by Anne Sandler

Sunday is funday: Roaming Sacramento City

Photography is definitely a stress reducer. That’s what brought Marlene and I out on a Sunday morning. Concentrating on shooting takes your mind off various stressors and allows a couple of buddies to talk it out.

Fortunately, Marlene knows Sacramento City because I took the wrong freeway and truly didn’t know where we were when I exited. All I knew was that this wasn’t where we were headed! We decided to just drive and find neat things to shoot. We eventually found our way to the iconic Tower Theater, out last stop for the day. I’m saving that for another post because I want to focus on it.

This Sunday morning was fun, sometimes challenging because of harsh lighting or total clouds, but fun. I think for both of us, photography is an escape. Whether for just a couple of hours or a full day, it takes us away, gets us concentrating on the process of shooting, and challenges our minds. It’s also taught me what wonderful places we have right here.

Yes, this past Sunday was funday.

Confession: I thought this was a water tower, but I can’t find it on the internet. It’s located close to the fire department.
The Libby, McNeil and Libby Fruit and Vegetable Cannery was a cannery operated in Sacramento, California by Libby, McNeil, and Libby. The building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A different slant on the can!
A building across from the Cannery.
Puddle shooting.
More puddle shooting captured this neat truck.
Another view.
This is the McClatchy Library. Located in the middle of a residential area, it may have been a large home at one point.
Book return boxes are located along side of the driveway.
The library’s back yard.
Shot from the library driveway.
Red doors just get my attention.
So do bright yellow chairs and pumpkins!
We had lunch at Jamba Juice before walking over to the Tower Theater.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 15 Comments

My go to spot: Dry Creek Park, Roseville, CA

We all have a go to spot. You know, a place where you feel comfortable, familiar with and pretty much know what to expect. Dry Creek Park is that place for me. In the summer it’s teaming with families enjoying the water, wading and swimming. It’s green and lush.

However, in the winter, the trees are barren, with branches strewn all over. I wonder whether they come in during the spring and clean it out before the summer crowd hits. I thought I’d see more water in the creek because of this winter’s rain, but I didn’t notice much of an increase in height.

There is a playground, tennis courts and a covered picnic area in addition the creek separated by a concrete roadway and large grass area.

Marlene and I went for a quick shoot. I wasn’t raining and we both wanted to get out. That’s the kind of place it is–a go to spot.

Looking down the creek.
It meanders with the trees forming a natural canopy.
This sandy beach is a favorite summer spot.
What’s this alligator eating?
A big beach puddle and reflection.
I love the roots of these trees.
More creek. There’s a log and debris in the center.
Natural decay.
The sun came out for a few minutes.
Someone replaced the old tire swing.
Marlene noticed this patch of fungi.
Away from the creek, the patchy grass is now green.
A family walks along the road that separates the creek from the play area.
Look back down the road.
This beautiful sky overshadows the playground.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler

It’s not raining; let’s shoot! Stock Ranch Nature Preserve

That’s something I haven’t needed to do in the last 4 years–run out and shoot in between rain storms. But, Linda and I did. There are many places in Sacramento to spend an hour or two shooting and feel like you’ve seen the whole place. Stock Ranch Nature Preserve is one of those places. Located in Citrus Heights, this 47-acre preserve has 1.5 miles of nature trails running along Arcade and San Juan Creeks.

It’s very easy to wander through; but, I did find that without foliage, it was stark. Branches were strewn all over, and there was a small amount of water in the creek. It’s important to know that this little preserve is located in suburbia surrounded by large warehouse shopping, apartments and single family homes. However, when you’re walking the inside path, you have no indication of what surrounds it.

I’ll be back in the spring to see how foliage changes the scenery. In the meantime it’s great to have it so close. It’s important to have a place to run to when you’re needing to shoot quickly in between storms!

The bridge leading on one entrance.
Close up of the bridge structure. Wood makes such great patterns.
Another bridge view.
Peek-a-boo. Looking through the tree trunk.
These were on the trees. What are they?
A decaying log.
Losing bark.
Two ducks swim in the creek.
Is this one tree or many?
Beautiful fungi.
More fungi.
The meandering path.
I love tree canopies.
Here we are on a concrete path.
The cloudy, overcast skies.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

A new look for the New Year: Discovery Park

I’ve reached a plateau. After a year of taking a picture each day, I believe my photography has reached another level of competency. To celebrate, I wanted a new look for my blog–something clean and crisp that would show off my images. So here it is.

Of course nothing is perfect! Wouldn’t it be nice if it were? The one and only thing I don’t like about this template is that you have to scroll down to the bottom to get to the archived posts. And, as my photography level has grown, my technical capabilities have not. What does CSS mean anyway! I mean, it isn’t going to change. So, I hope you don’t mind scrolling down. Let me know what you think.

Now on to Discovery Park in Sacramento. Lately we’ve been concentrating on short, local outings. It’s amazing what photographic opportunities Sacramento City and County have to offer. This park is at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, is 302 acres, and is the beginning of a 32-mile bike trail that runs along the river. We were there about 3:30 and the park was still hosting runners, bicyclists and boating enthusiasts.

I had never walked on the I-Street Bridge that links West Sacramento (which is in Yolo County) to Sacramento. There we found homeless returning to their camp and workers returning to their homes on either side of the river.

It was a beautiful evening and set the stage for a New Year and this new look.

The sun is beginning to set on the American River.
A rugged path leads down to the river.
A boat is coming around the bend.
Grassy picnic areas are along the river.
Two bicyclists are resting at a picnic table.
Another river view.
On the I-Street bridge.
The setting sun gives the structure dimension.
And, sets shadows across the road.
On the bridge’s other side there are more picnic areas.
On the way back across the bridge, I spotted this lone lock.
The only graffiti we saw.
Homeless returning to camp.
A woman continues her run across the bridge.

 

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Finding new in the old: Michigan Bar Road, Sacramento County

Did you ever get the idea that you’ve been some place before? I didn’t just get an idea, I know I’ve been on Michigan Bar Road before–two times. My outing with Laura made the third time.

You can always find something new to shoot: new composition, new things to find and new challenges on what you’ve already shot. Since my other two visits involved HDR, I decided not to bracket my shots. I also looked for small details to shoot. And, believe it or not, I found new things to shoot.

We did get off Michigan Bar Road and onto Latrobe Road, but not the road we know with the same name. The Latrobe Road we know is a curvy, paved highway. This road was dirt, and after a few rainy days it was full of puddles and ruts. Laura did a great job of navigating until we came to a puddle too large to navigate. Back we went. In addition to photography, adventure is part of the fun!

We did try to catch a sunset on Scott Road before heading home, but that was not very satisfying. All in all, it was a fun day of exploring and shooting even though I had the feeling that I’d been there before!

You might recognize this. I’ve shot at this ranch before.
I like the river that separates the pastures.
I didn’t notice this shed before.
Getting a close up of the door.
Some rust and texture.
Further down the road.
There are a lot of farms/ranches in this area.
Some of the dirt road we were on. This one was more or less dry.
Rocky area in the pasture.
More pasture land.
This is where we turned around!
Coming back to the first ranch.
The sun is setting on Scott Road.
The sun is now behind the hill. This is the maximum color of the sunset.
I’ve learned to turn around when shooting a sunset. I did and look at what I saw.
The golden light illuminated this tree remnant beautifully.
Posted on by Anne Sandler

An ending and beginning: Christmas lights

Happy New Year. We ended 2015 shooting Christmas Lights, after the holiday but better late than not getting there at all. Going during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we thought there would be less crowds. Wrong! It was crowded on Dovewood Court. I guess everyone had the same idea. This court is one where all the houses are lit up beautifully. We went there last year also, so you’ll recognize some of the pictures. I tried to shoot differently for variety. And, this year, I felt more comfortable with my ability to shoot correctly.

Also ending is the 365 photography challenge. This being January 1, 2016, I didn’t have to shoot a picture, I could walk the dog without bringing a camera and both husband and dog are breathing easier now that they don’t have to be models. I’ll talk more about the 365 soon. It was an amazing experience.

Beginning is my attempt to learn more photography software. I’m going to do the 52, meaning I’ll post a photo once a week. My twist on it: I’m going to post a before and after image, showing a new editing skill I’ve learned. And, I don’t think I want to be tied to assigned themes. I just want to learn.

This year, I’m even more enthusiastic about shooting and learning new editing techniques to bring my photography to the next level.  Does that sound like a resolution? Maybe I’m just looking forward to a new beginning.

Here are some of the Christmas lights. (No captions necessary.)

 

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Who moved my chairs? Back to Volcano

My red chairs. The simple, inexpensive patio chairs I shot, during a prior visit, as they were positioned in front of a Volcano, California store were moved. And, I was moved. I don’t know why, but when I saw that they were not in the same photographic set up, I was taken aback! Did I want to shoot them again? Did I want to make a good shot even better? Probably not, but I did look at the composition–no, not as good.

I did take a shot from a totally different angle. Of course you’re thinking, “Why didn’t she just move the chairs back?” Good question, I’m going to have to start setting the scene when I can. I’m sorry that I don’t have the original on my laptop here in San Jose. If you want to see it. It’s archived in this blog. Anyway, here’s the shot I took.

DSC_2412-1

This was my second and Marlene’s first trip to this small town. Except for the red chairs it hadn’t changed! It is full of historic buildings that have been re-purposed and still used.

Volcano was a cultural center in this gold fever valley. It was the first to have a lending library and many other civic and private offerings. I love the look of stone on Main Street’s buildings.

We had just come from the Black Chasm Cavern tour and were hungry. We were directed to the General Store and had burgers. We then walked beyond Main Street and saw more of the town.

I may go back to Volcano in the future, and I’ll definitely move some chairs!

 

We stopped on the way to Volcano. These gates were so inviting. Beyond was a small carnival.
These sculptures were outside the Black Chasm visitor’s center.
They were beautiful and neglected. She’s still smiling even though her chin in damaged.
This one set a dark mood.
Now we’re inside the General Store
There’s a small eating place in the back.
Memorabilia is everywhere.
Our burgers are cooking in the oven.
The oven.
The cafe portion of the store.
Another view.
One of the old buildings.
The fire bell.
Gate and entry to a residence.
Another residence prepared for a cold winter.
Why did the chicken cross the yard?
A hotel.
The National Hotel and Old Volcano Phone Company.
An old phone booth. The flyer posted is Superman asking visitors not to damage the booth because he has no other place to change his clothes!
Full view of the National Hotel.

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Great feedback: Back to Jackson, part 2

Wow, I am so grateful for all the feedback I received from my last post. Most of it was on Facebook. It really helped me shape the next part of my journey.

I began this blog as a way to talk about my new hobby and document my chosen paths. I chose not to take classes, but study tutorials, practice and join Meetup groups. And, it’s worked. It took about 3 years, but I am confident now and ready for the next step–learning more about processing and putting my work out there. I’m not looking to sell anything, but to get more feedback. Most of all, I’m having fun and have met new friends and wonderful, helpful people.

In the meantime, I promised you the images from Jackson and here they are. I will always be open to feedback, and I’m willing to listen and try new things.

The streets in Jackson are decorated for the Christmas holiday.
This is one way to store a bike!
I love texture and found it at a yarn store.
Marlene went in to shop.
I went in to shoot!
I liked this doorway. I’m glad I was able to lighten it up so the doors and plants were visible.
The rest of the pictures are in the National Hotel.
They were very gracious about letting us shoot in their lobby.
I used flash.
Greg and Marlene used slow shutter speeds.
I liked the reflections in this grand piano.
The fireplace.
These windows were beautiful. I caught the colors outside on the street.
Different window and view.
Santa in his sleigh.

 

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Thinking: Back to Jackson, CA

I’ve been thinking about my photography. I know I’m getting better, but why am I processing more images than before? Do I have to be more discerning? Am I truly picking good images?

Today, Marlene said I was posting very good pictures. So, then how do I become more critical of my work? How do I process the best of the best? I think, right now, I’m processing what I like. This is okay, but in 2016, my focus is going to be on processing. So, this is what’s going on in my head!

Last week we did go back to Jackson. I was hoping eating hot dogs at Fat Freddy’s would cheer up Greg. He’s been ill and, as of this writing, is back in the hospital. We hope he’s back with us soon.

As usual, we stopped on the way there and home, taking advantage of beautiful scenery. In this post, I’ll show you the before and after stops.

As I follow my own path on my photographic journey, I’m feeling positive I’m taking the correct turn, but I keep thinking about how I can do it better.

The rain is helping the grass turn from golden to green.
The cows seem to prefer the green grass.
Trees on top of a hill.
I call this “Texture and Rust.”
I still like the remaining yellow/orange grasses.
This is a ranch off a side road.
We think they are going to replace the bridge you see in the background.
This horse is not only beautiful, but sweet.
He posed for us.
And, apparently gave us his best side!
This is what I mean by processing something I like. It may not be the best in the bunch of images, but I like it.
I also like the texture created by the various colors in the grass.
And, you know I love old, rusted equipment.
Some more expressive trees still holding on to some color.
Another one I liked.
What are these trees saying?

 

 

 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 3 Comments

Rain, rain–stay, stay: All About Photography Toastmaster club

It’s finally wet out there, and Mother Nature is being very kind. It’s raining in the evening and through the night. At least it did last night. But, what’s that got to do with my Toastmaster photography club? Nothing! California is just happy that it is raining.

And, I’m happy with this Toastmaster club that is like no other. Wanting to combine my two passions, I started All About Photography almost a year ago. It’s been fun finding our way, keeping the Toastmaster structure and making the meeting all about photography. Now you see how we got our name.

We are the same as any other Toastmaster club except all our speeches are on photography and our table topics are basically critiques of images. Last Monday I was the Table Topics Master. I selected some images I wanted feedback on and presented them to the club. Before I selected the member participant, I gave a brief background on the picture. The selected member then gave a 1 – 2 minute critique. We do vote on who did the best job and present them with a ribbon.

I’m going to try something new and insert the pictures in the blog individually, not in a gallery.

DSC_0400-1
This image from the ghost town Bodie was well received, mostly for the color and texture.
DSC_1144-1
When I shot this, I was trying to show the musician’s emotions. However, the participant felt there wasn’t enough contrast for his face to be predominate. I need to figure out how to darken the tent top.
DSC_6272-1
I put this one in because I happen to love it and it didn’t get great play on Facebook when I posted it. I wanted to know why and what I could do to make it better. The participant loved it as much as I do, but she noticed the neon open sign in the window furthest away. Can you see it? She thought it was distracting. To be honest, I hadn’t noticed it until she mentioned it!
DSC_1513
This, from near Sedona, AZ, was liked because of the action and depth of field. I thought it might be too busy, but the participant didn’t think so.
untitled-6704
I showed this one because I almost didn’t process it. I thought the vertical orientation made it too tight. The participant thought so also. He thought a horizontal orientation would have shown more of the landscape, giving the viewer an idea of the image’s context. I agree. However, I do like the texture of the wood and grasses.

So there you have it–a glimpse of what we do during an All About Photography meeting. And, to top off the meeting, the former District 39 Photographer told me how much he enjoyed my pictures and thought I had a great eye for composition.

It’s going to possibly rain again tomorrow, so I’ll be busy processing this week’s Tuesday With Seniors photo outing.