California – Page 7 – Slow Shutter Speed

Posted on September 3, 2016September 3, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 11 Comments

Doing the happy dance: Back to the zoo

You know I wasn’t entirely happy with my last set of zoo pictures. They were okay, but I wanted improvement. The first step to the happy dance came from Leanne Cole, amazing photographer and friend. She told me to focus my lens manually. Great idea, but I didn’t know how! This F/4 300 mm lens is old, and is not like any I’ve owned. Worse, it didn’t come with a manual.

When I bought it, I showed it to veteran photographer Tom. He checked it out and said it was a good lens and great buy. (It was still within the 90 warranty.) When I realized I couldn’t figure out how to work the lens properly, I asked Tom to join me at the Sacramento Zoo for some instruction. It was a great morning of shooting and fun.

I now know how to focus manually, what the limiter is and more. And the result was amazing. Thank you Tom and Leanne.

I’m now doing the happy dance. See for yourself.

It was bone day at the zoo.

All the big cats were given bones to chew on.

The lens got me very close.

A 300 mm on a crop sensor camera is like 450 mm.

This is the first time I’ve seen the tiger.

This is little (not so little) Rocket. So cute.

There are also pretty flowers at the Sacramento Zoo.

Pardon me, I’m climbing over!

He was finished with his bone. The female then picked it up.

Getting close and personal with a Wolf’s Guenon.

Getting further back with another Wolf’s Guenon.

This Ciquerel’s Sifaka climbed to the top of the enclosure.

This one is looking up.

I couldn’t ID this bird in the pond. But, I guess it’s easier to drink from the water bowl.

This might be a Mongoose Lemur that’s wondering what his hands are for!

The pacing Jaguar. This guy just kept pacing in the back of his enclosure, not stopping. I was lucky to get this, but I’m not sure it’s tack sharp.

Posted on September 1, 2016September 1, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 9 Comments

Making a cloudy evening fun: Another Milky Way Shoot

Yes, we tried it again, and, yes, the clouds rolled in and hid most of the Milky Way. The forecast called for clear skies, but Mother Nature had other plans. But, with the help of Karen, we had fun light painting, catching color off the clouds and enjoying each others company. For a few, it was a first for night photography.

We shot up at my husband’s observatory. He didn’t get clouded out until just about the time we decided to leave. He does deep space imaging, so his criteria is different.

I’m glad I was with photographers who make the best out of a somewhat bad situation. Will we try again? I’m sure we will. Anyway,here are some of the images I captured that evening.

You can see the Milky Way and the clouds coming in.

We did some light painting on an observatory.

We even tried some abstracts by zooming our lens.

Here’s another abstract that more colorful.

The clouds reflected the ambient lights from the Sacramento Valley.

You can still see the Milky Way in between the clouds.

Posted on July 31, 2016July 31, 2016 by Anne Sandler

On the road again: San Francisco

I didn’t say yes right away, I thought about it. First, I had never stayed in a hostel, and I’m not fond of driving in San Francisco. But I capitulated, and told photo buddy Linda that I’d go with her–if she drove. Oh yes, I also told her I wouldn’t rent an electric bike to take me places. I won’t say how many years it’s been since I’ve been on a bike, but I was worried about my balance and whatever photography gear I would be carrying.

It ended up being three days of fun and adventure. And, we did okay using Linda’s car. We found free parking wherever we went that was close to where we were shooting. I think it had something to do with visiting during the week. We did have to pay to park the last day, but were validated for most of the amount.

So what did we do? Our first stop was Treasure Island. I was there on a night Meetup to photograph the Bliss Dance statue before she was moved, and I wanted to shoot in that same area during the day. It was so much easier to get a sharp image of the city this time, even though there was fog.

After Treasure Island, we went to Fort Point National Historic Site at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Built between 1853 and 1861, Fort Point was used as part of a defense system of forts planned for the protection of San Francisco Bay. Designed at the height of the Gold Rush, the Fort and its companion fortifications would protect the Bay’s important commercial and military installations against foreign attack. We made a few more stops before checking in to the Hostel. All this and more will be discussed in the next few posts.

I’m so glad I finally said yes to this photo adventure and probably part of Linda’s bucket list.

Looking across an old pier at San Francisco.

Treasure Island’s rocky shoreline.

A boat making its way across the Bay.

Fort Point in Black and White.

The Golden Gate viewed from Fort Point ground level.

Looking up at the underside of the Golden Gate from Point Fort.

The Golden Gate and fog. This would be an ever changing sight.

Wide view of the fort and the underside of the Golden Gate.

The original Point Fort stairwell. Another one was build with railings.

Inside and looking down the hall at the officer’s quarters.

An example of how an officer’s room would be.

An outer hallway.

Walking at the ground level.

A fisherman outside the fort. Notice the fog above the city.

Another view of the city and fog.

Posted on July 28, 2016July 28, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

The waiting game: Fireworks after the River Cats Game

While the minor league baseball team, the River Cats, play baseball, we photographers play the waiting game outside the field. We’re waiting for the game to be over so we can capture the fireworks show. How long do we wait? It depends on how great the game is!

Once a month, the River Cats shoot off firework after a home game. I did this last year, with better success; however, I had help. This evening I was on my own, testing various settings. I wasn’t alone though, there were photo buddies along from the Sacramento Photographers.

What did I learn? I learned that once you set up and have a great composition, don’t move the camera. When the fireworks started, I saw that the second grouping was further away from the main group of fireworks than I remembered from last year. So I quickly turned my tripod. MISTAKE! I would have done better to edit the smaller grouping out of the pictures and had a good composition. I lost the bottom of the bridge. So I cut in close during processing. If I didn’t mention it, you’d probably think that’s the way I meant it to be.

But, you’re reading this and joining me in my photographic journey. Maybe you’ll be able to learn from my mistake. I’ll be down there again to play that waiting game. It’s all a learning process.

Posted on July 17, 2016July 17, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 9 Comments

I guess I’m being humble: Point Reyes, Part 2

Without really understanding the effective uses of slow shutter speeds, I named this journal Slow Shutter Speed because that’s how I felt my photographic abilities were moving along. But that was when I got my D3100 and was a total newbie. The learning curve was difficult, and I learned through shooting, reading and asking questions. I’ve never taken a class. Along the way, I met many terrific photographers who were more than willing to help. The purpose of this blog was and still is to take you along on my journey.

So why am I going into this, I’ve received comments from friends that I’m being to hard on myself and not realizing how far I’ve come with my skill level. I do realize that my skills have increased, but I’m shy by nature and don’t usually toot my own horn. I recognize that I’m now asked to help a new photographer, can offer suggestions on shooting and editing, and hold my own in the field.

Some of you who have followed this blog from the beginning, know where my photographic journey has taken me. And, some of you are very gracious with your wonderful comments. For me, it’s like shooting in the fog I encountered at Point Reyes National Seashore. I look at each challenge with trepidation, jump in, conquer it and soon the fog is lifted.

In today’s post, I’m showing you some of the less foggy images of Point Reyes.

I almost forgot: Leanne Cole has brought me back to my writing roots by asking me to do a regular column in her amazing online quarterly magazine. We are calling it “Senior Moments,” and the magazine is “Dynamic Range.” Look for it at www.leannecole.com.au.

A female California Quail

A male California Quail

I tried to find this bird in my book, but didn’t see an exact match.

Our leader Dennis walking under a tree arbor.

One of the many bridges.

A wildflower reaching for the light.

A group of bird watchers.

A barn at the Elk Preserve.

It was large.

Some sort of bee. It was windy so this was a difficult capture.

Just a pretty wildflower.

Moss hanging from a tree.

A small wildflower.

Just enjoying the beach. I tried sepia tone with this one.

The beautiful beach.

The colors attracted my attention.

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 8 Comments

Weather or not: Point Reyes, part 1

This was a first for me–shooting in dense fog. I learned a lot in a recent Meet Up shoot to Point Reyes National Seashore on the coast. It was my first time and I truly wasn’t prepared for the totally socked in adventure I was about to have.

At first I thought, “What moody images this will make.” I had no idea that the fog would make focusing difficult! Auto focus had its problems, so I tried to focus manually. Even that was hard.

In addition, I wasn’t well during the week and only did part of the trails, meaning I didn’t reach the beach where it wasn’t so foggy. I basically concentrated on what I could do rather on what I couldn’t.

Today, I’m posting some images so you’ll get an idea of the fog. It was an amazing first for me.

This complex was the beginning of the trail where we were to see Tule Elk. We didn’t.

The fog was encroaching on the complex.

It softened the tree image.

Here the fog is hovering low on the hills.

I walked until I could see the ocean. The beach was way beyond my walking capabilities that day.

This turkey vulture was flying through the fog. This was the best I could do. Making it black and white helped.

Here’s the fog engulfing hikers.

Here the fog is laying on the ocean.

Instead of a blue sky, we have a foggy sky.

The fog is touching the trees.

We did see Elk as we were driving past the Elk preserve. This doe was scampering through the brush. She was on the driver’s side and I was shooting from the passenger’s seat with my 140 mm lens. Not to shabby given the circumstances.

This buck wasn’t too far ahead. This was the best i could do with a 140 mm.

This is the Point Reyes an abandoned boat that has been a favorite of photographers. She’s located in the small town of Inverness.

It is sad that her destruction was hastened along by a photographer shooting with steel wool on her deck. The boat caught on fire.

She’s still loved and shot by photographers.

An amazing boat that retains a haunting energy. The fog bank is right behind her.

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 9, 2016June 9, 2016 by Anne Sandler

I wish I knew: The Japanese Friendship Garden, Kelley Park, San Jose

I guess I lived 12 years in San Jose without know the existence of the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park. Was I that busy that I didn’t take the time to explore all of San Jose. I did find Hakone Gardens in Saratoga and many other places in West San Jose, but never took time to explore South San Jose.

When you visit the Friendship Garden, be prepared for a walk. It is expansive. Most Japanese gardens I have visited are compact and less rambling. The pond is also long and rambling. It didn’t open until 10 a.m. By the time I got there, parked, paid for my parking and gathered what I would need for the shoot, it was about 10:30 a.m. The sun was already streaming down brightly.

The surprises in the garden were a Canadian goose family and a great egret. Left with only one gosling, the geese protected their baby by hissing at anyone who walked by. The egret was fishing and couldn’t care less about us humans.

It was a pleasant morning, and I appreciated being out. Photography has helped me learn more about the Sacramento area, and now it’s helping see more of San Jose as I visit my dear friends.

Here are some of the images. This will be a 2-part post.

This is close to the garden entrance.

This duck is drinking from one of the fountains in the middle of the pond.

Of course, there are Koi. Some of them are huge!

Looking back at the weeping willow.

A waterfall across the pond. There must have been a way to get to it, but I didn’t find it.

This tree had unusual blossoms.

A closer look at the blossoms.

Fallen but not dead.

Red bridge.

Looking back at the red bridge.

The rocks around the pond.

Looking toward the back of the pond.

I’m not sure what this sculpture is called.

The wind was blowing.

This tree reaches out towards the sun.

Looking up into another sculpture. I will I was taller!

Posted on May 31, 2016May 31, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Music, music, music: The 43rd Sacramento Music Festival 2016

The music was outstanding, but the weather was not. It was in the high 90s again this year, and our venue is outside. Even though the temperature was brutal, the Sacramento Music Festival was a hit. I do this every year because I enjoy it. I like being involved at some level, and all staff members get a free four-day pass. We work 3 1/2 hours and have the rest of the day to enjoy music.

We work the youth venue at the Delta King. Most of the kids are high-school age, some are from middle school and some are from private clubs. Best of all, these youth bands play well. I do enjoy our venue.

We saw two of our favorites, Tom Rigney and Flambeau and Dave Bennett and the Memphis Speed Kings. We also heard some fantastic music from performers we hadn’t seen before.

I only brought my camera in one day so I didn’t get all the groups. And, I only used my walk around lens (18-140 mm). I’m learning that sometimes you just want to enjoy the activity without getting up and taking pictures–especially when it’s hot.

As we were breaking down the venue, I asked our site manager if he could order better weather for next year. He said something like it could be hotter or rain. We’ve had both!

So here’s a glimpse of Saturday at the Sacramento Music Festival.

They had a small classic car show. This was my favorite.

We caught the parade.

Every year a musician is named the Emperor of the Festival.

Here’s a group doing acrobatics.

They did this while they were walking.

People of every age walked and danced.

They also tried to get the audience involved.

Boy Scouts marched with the flag.

The multi-talented Dave Bennett. A great clarinet player.

And he puts on a show doing Jerry Lee Lewis songs and more.

I tried to catch his flying fingers.

Here he’s standing on the bass while playing the piano.

Here the bass player is standing on the bass.

What can I say about this!

Tom Rigney puts soul into his music. Every year I try to capture that. See the featured photo.

This is our little venue. I love it.

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

More macro: Sacramento Historical City Cemetery, part 2

When I promise, I deliver. This is part two of my fun morning at the Sacramento Historical City Cemetery. This cemetery is known by another name: The Old City Cemetery. And, because of its historical nature, volunteer tours are given on weekends and various holidays. The who was who of Sacramento are buried here.

What I find interesting, besides the beautiful flowers, are the grave stones and monuments. Some are simple and some ornate. On my first visit there, I found one that simply said: “Our Baby.” Life spans are given in years, months and days. If you’re a history buff, you’ll find it here.

Maybe that’s why the City in its misguided effort is trying to take away the roses to present history as they think it was. But that would take away the beautiful attraction to the cemetery. This move is being fought by the volunteers who planted the gardens surrounding the grave sites. I’ll keep you posted on their effort.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the pictures. And, as promised in a prior post, I just sent in an order to have five of my black and white images printed!