California – Page 15 – Slow Shutter Speed

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Anne Sandler

Back in time: Civil War Re-enactment, Gibson Ranch, Elverta, California

It was one of the most brutal wars, and one fought on our soil–the Civil War, north against south and sometimes brother against brother. It was something to enter a time warp and see the encampments as they may have been during the civil war. I felt immersed in the culture and people. But, it was a re-enactment at Gibson Ranch. That is the very same ranch that we photographers visit to shoot horses, ducks, and a sunset.

Marlene and I first visited the Union camp just because they were near the parking lot. Except for a few cars, portable toilets and large trash bins, we walked back in time. As much as I appreciated the effort to keep things as realistic to the time period, it was tough to photograph because of all the modern day stuff visible. But it was just a challenge.

This will be another two part post. Today I’ll focus on the Union encampment and tomorrow the confederate encampment and the battle.

Here’s what it was like pre-battle in one of our bloodiest wars.

The Company band. We were told that they were killed first because the music they played were battle cues.

One soldiers tent. I processed black and white where I thought it fit.

Two young girls walking around the camp in period costume.

We talked to this young woman who was in charge of what would probably be a platoon.

A better view of the tents. Not like today’s tents.

The cook. Each Company had their own cook and they did cook at the encampment. No going out for a meal.

A soldier who preferred to sleep outside the tent.

A young boy gets bored while waiting with his mom.

Here’s out cook again. Notice the flag is authentic.

Fine china just wasn’t appropriate in the field.

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Anne Sandler

Yes, this is Scotland or as close to it as we can recreate: Scottish Highland Games, Woodland, California, the games.

Athletes who train, bands that practice, dancers who start at an early age–they were all there and from different countries. I didn’t realize how big time these games are. Children came from Ireland to compete in what I call the “Drum Major” competition. I’ve tried to find the correct name, but was unsuccessful. Who knows, I might be right! But they were there at the Scottish Highland Games.

I was impressed about how precise everything was. Uniforms had to be just so, routines had to be exact and the throw length in the games was measured. It was pure talent. So take a look at these people of all ages who trained and practiced. I hope you will take the time to view more than the normal amount of images.

Young girls compete in the Highland Dance Competition. We missed the younger set competition.

On this raised dance floor they are able to get off the floor.

Here a contestant is working up enough velocity to through the weight.

Here the weight is in the air, ready to land and be measured.

This is the Caber Toss. The tapered pole is 19.5 ft. and weighs 175 lbs.

The contestant runs with the pole and then throws it in the air.

Here you see it coming down. Many of these contestants were seniors!

This is the weight over the bar game. This time the goal is to get this 64 pound weight, with an attached handle, over the bar.

This weight is already over the bar and on it’s way down.

You can see a weight clear the bar in this image. Different contestant.

This contestant is getting ready for the stone put.

It is similar to the shot put in the Olympic Games.

Cal Fire band practices before the competition.

This gentleman stands tall while waiting for his competition.

Here a contestant gets ready for inspection.

A child competes in the Drum Major competition.

Posted on May 5, 2015May 5, 2015 by Anne Sandler

Talking with the animals: Sacramento Zoo, Sacramento, California

It’s not big as far as zoos go, but that’s the beauty of it. You can get around the Sacramento Zoo in about 2 hours–more if you have children with you. You know kids like to snack and play at the playground.

Marlene and I went to the zoo to shoot (gently with a camera) the animals. I had taken the grandkids there a few weeks before and discovered you’re either a grandparent or photographer! However, we were surprised by the bus loads of school kids there on a Thursday morning. It made shooting a little more difficult, but it was fun to watch the children as they reacted to the animals.

So we walked, talked and shot the zoo’s inhabitants. It may be small, but it’s mighty.

This bird has a strange neck. Sort of cute.

Got an itch? It takes a long neck to scratch it!

We had to make noise to wake this lion up.

I couldn’t zoom in enough to get rid of the cage, but just look at this bird’s eye. How colorful.

This bird has an unusual head. The cage is partially gone.

This giraffe was trying to get a leaf from the tree. He needs a longer tongue.

When we arrived at the orangutan enclosure, they were all inside. Finally this one came out with a tarp.

He played with the tarp for a few minutes and then went back in.

The wildest animals of all: Left, Marlene and Right, Anne

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Birds of a feather: Suisun Wildlife Rescue Center revisited, Solano County, California

Many of the animals never leave here, so it was like visiting old friends when we photographers made our annual trek to the Suisun Wildlife Rescue Center just outside of Fairfield, California. This was my second trip there through a Meetup organized by the Wildlife and Landscape group. It’s actually a fundraiser for the Center that is run solely through contributions.

This Center is a non-profit volunteer organization, dedicated to the rescue of native California wildlife and to the preservation of the Suisun Marsh, working through the dual avenues of wildlife rescue & release and environmental education. While some animals are able to be released once they are well, many are not. Birds with wing problems, an albino snake, a coyote and many eagles are just some of the wildlife that cannot be released.

But, they do work for their keep. Volunteers take them to schools through an educational program. While they educate, the animals are cared for by an all volunteer staff. And the staff brought out the animals in turns so we could photograph them. While we were shooting, we were told about the animal’s personality, how they were brought into the Center and whether they would ever be released. When you look at the images, in many cases, you can tell why they will remain at the Center.

This opossum is a new addition to the Center.

This albino snake will never leave the Center.

It has no way to blend into the background.

This red tailed hawk was here last year.

There were two being shown. And, yes, they look alike.

Like this small owl, most birds have wind injuries.

I love the owls eyes. This is one of two Great Horned Owls.

This eye belongs to another Great Horned Owl pictured next.

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Anne Sandler

Deja vu: Mossy trees and mustard, Lake San Antonio, Monterey County, California, part 3

Mustard! It’s yellow just like the condiment, but you don’t spread it on sandwiches or hot dogs. You just look at its beauty and admire it. I’m amazed at how wildflowers can make a hillside or valley look stunning. You’ll see mustard in this post; the last of our visit to Lake San Antonio.

It was sad to see Lake Nacimiento and San Antonio so low in water capacity. We used to camp there with our children when we had a boat. We saw Nacimiento from Lakeside Rd and drove down to San Antonio. The California drought is becoming very noticeable now. We are beginning strict water rationing, which I think should have been done sooner.

Right now there are thunder storms north of us and it may be snowing in the Sierras. But, that won’t be enough to get us through the hot summer. I know the east coast has had enough rain and snow. Funny how Mother Nature is!

So, let’s get on with the serving of mustard–no hot dogs on the side!

We stopped to get gas and saw this old car.

This is beautiful, not like some of the old cars I shoot.

The owner is proud of his car and didn’t mind me shooting it.

We saw this young buck along the roadside.

We stopped and I shot it out the truck window at 55 mm.

This is a spillover for Lake Nacimiento. No water to spill over.

Lake San Antonio. I was half way down the boat ramp.

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Deja vu: Mossy trees and mustard, Lake San Antonio, Monterey County, California, part 2

Do you remember the mossy trees and mustard that I went all the way to Napa Valley to shoot? Well, I found the trees in our campground and the mustard in the countryside here at Lake San Antonio.

It’s amazing how much I’ve learned through photography, and I don’t mean learning the art. I’ve studied birds, flowers and trees! So during this trip I had the opportunity to educate my husband in the flora of the area. Sadly, because the lake is so low now, there wasn’t the opportunity to see many water fowl. There were plenty of turkey vultures though.

In addition, I became acquainted with the various stages of the dreaded fox tail from beautiful to mowed down so they stick in your socks and dogs paws. All weekend I picked fox tails from Gem’s hair, checked his ears and made sure he was tick free. The little guy was happy to be home.

In this post, I’ll give you the campground tour including the mossy trees. You’ll have to wait for the next post to see the mustard.

Now I’m shooting ground cover with the macro.

I also shot this log with the macro lens.

I saw this fly but didn’t have a swatter, so I shot it instead!

I don’t know what this is, but it was leaning just above the ground cover.

Again, I don’t know what this small plant is either, but I think the macro captured it well.

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Shooting with an old friend: Ironstone Winery, the grounds

My old friend in this case is my 18 – 55 mm lens. It is my utility lens. Every time I promise myself to shoot with the prime 50 for the day, I usually pick up the 18 – 55. It is so nice that I rarely use my ultra wide lens when I have to carry the gear all day. I can do landscape and close up with this lens.

During our Ironstone Winery visit, I used my D7100 and the macro and 18 – 55 lenses. I will say that I look impressive with my sling (that sometimes carries two cameras) and vest. I’m pushing to live up to the image! In this post, you will see the grounds where they hold life cycle events and underground wine storage facility they call the cavern.

So here’s to my old friend, my 18 – 55! And here are the images.

This old truck and cart greet you as you come in from the parking lot.

This will give you a better view of the cavern.

A close up view of the wine barrels in the cavern.

Sculptured grounds with the lake behind it.

They hold wedings, and more here at lakeside.

This old music player was placed before a mirror and made a nice reflection.

The banquet hall where they hold concerts, dinners, and cooking classes. There is a pipe organ in the auditorium side of the big room.

You know how I love expressive trees. This one just adds to the beauty.

At the end of the day, we decided to stop at Lake Natoma to catch the sunset.

Posted on March 28, 2015 by Anne Sandler

Combining passions: Return to Midtown Sacramento

My combining passions has nothing to do with returning to Midtown, but everything to do with my love for photography and Toastmasters. I’m currently much better at the latter (being a DTM), and gaining skills daily on the former! I took the bold step of starting a photography club within Toastmasters about six months ago.

That was a big step because of the time dedication it needs. We now have nine members and hope to get to 10 soon. We call ourselves, “All About Photography,” and follow the Toastmaster format. Since we are an advanced club, you have to be in a basic club to join. It has been fun for me and the other members as we learn from each other. Our skill set ranges from beginner to professional. I’ll tell you more about the club and show you some of the members’ images too in a future post; but, now–back to Midtown.

Our guide, Greg Morris, loves this area and will take us down alleys, along the railroad tracks and some places that I wouldn’t go if we weren’t together. I’ve shown you some of the murals painted on walls and garage doors in a prior post and I want to show you some more.

So, here’s at least an example of one passion!

This mural was along side a cloting store specializing in gently used articles.

Part of the mural was painted onto the concrete parking lot.

From the same mural. I don’t know why their heads were in animal’s mouths!

There are many old victorians in Sacramento. This is one of them.

Another victorian. When they are well kept they are beautiful.

This is Sandra Dee’s, a soul food restaurant. You can see the mural painted down the brick wall of the eatery.

I loved the mural and shot some single images.

I’m thinking they may be of musicians who played there.

Whoever painted these did an amazing job.

I need to go back there an taste the soul food. I hear it’s good, but greasy.

This small mural in in their parking lot.

Greg befriended a homeless man named Timothy.

Timothy was carrying a book he was reading and told Greg all about it.

From what I heard, they got on other topics too.

I liked the fencing on this home. Someone told me it was a harlequin pattern.

This is a view of an apartment building in an alley.

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Operating on slow shutter speed: Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights and Old Roseville

Slow Shutter Speed, that’s the name of this blog. Why? When I began this passion, I was overwhelmed with all of it. I had a feeling that this was going to be a long journey and thought that name was fitting. Of course now, it has another meaning for me: using slow shutter speed to blur objects, create abstracts and to shoot at night.

I love shooting lights at night, playing with the zoom and blurring the motion of whatever I’m shooting. So, when I heard there was a small carnival at a local mall, I took my camera and tripod down there. I had a blast, especially when people stopped and asked me whether I was from a newspaper or magazine! I’m not ready for that, but it was nice to be asked that question.

Then, a couple of nights later, I went to Old Roseville to shoot the two theaters on Vernon Street. Again, I wanted to capture the marquee and play with the zoom effect.

I’m still learning on “slow shudder speed,” but I feel like I’m not taking snapshots any longer.

The carousel at slow shudder speed. You can still see the horses and the mechanism that runs the carousel.

Same carousel but an even slower shudder speed. Where did the horses go?

A zoom on a slow shudder speed creates an abstract.

This looks like a giant top when shot at slow shudder.

This ferris wheel had lights out in one section. You can see the effect.

Slow the shudder speed down more and you get this.

Even slower and the entire wheel is covered in lights.

Here the lights look even more uniform–slower shudder speed.

I needed to use slow shudder speed to get this night shot crisp.

Here’s what happened when I played with the zoom.

Posted on March 20, 2015March 20, 2015 by Anne Sandler

Back to the 18 – 55: Sutter Creek, California

Old, quaint, touristy, and surviving are just some words to describe Sutter Creek in the California gold country and Amador County wine area. I say surviving because you used to have to go through the town as you drove highway 49. Now there’s a bypass so drivers don’t get bogged down in the town’s traffic.

From the town’s website: A wonderful balance of old and new, today’s Sutter Creek maintains its Gold Rush facade while catering to the wants and needs of visitors from around the world.Shop, dine, slumber, stroll, wine taste, and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of Amador County. Sutter Creek, the jewel of Amador County & the Gold Country, is steeped in history being born of the California Gold Rush and nurtured by the deep rock gold mines of the 19th & 20th centuries.

I wasn’t as impressed with Sutter Creek as I was by Downieville. But then, we were able to buy lunch in this town! Sutter Creek was more commercial, not catering to any season. But it is surviving.

Here are some images.