Posted on by Anne Sandler · 47 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #409: Best Images Ever

Why do you take your camera out, hold it to your eye and press the shutter? I perform this ritual because I enjoy getting out, composing the picture and editing it on the computer. If you journey out once a week, how many thousands of pictures do you think you’ve taken? YIKES, Steve wants us to pick just five favorites. Steve, this is a real challenge! The selected pictures are all from the Sacramento Area except for the first. I’m sure I’ve shown these at one time or another. I hope they are worth a second look.

I’ve gotten it down to five–with difficulty. Here’s the first.

I was at a Toastmasters conference in Redding, California. My goal was to get there one day ahead of time to capture the Sundial Bridge at night. The Sundial Bridge is a cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge for bicycles and pedestrians that spans the Sacramento River in Redding, California, forming a large sundial. The sundial at the end of the bridge is operational. At night it is lit up and is a photographers dream of lines, light and beauty!

Now let’s roam around Yolo County, just north of Sacramento County. This is our access to the countryside. We enjoy getting lost, finding interesting photo opportunities. I don’t remember where we (my small photo group) were when one of us yelled, “STOP.” Could that have been me? I liked the open fence accenting the road and the golden hillside. The sky was accommodating also. Was this worth turning around for? Could nature be more accommodating?

You know how I love to photograph flowers with my macro lens. This was probably taken at one of our local gardens–maybe the McKinley Rose Garden in Sacramento. I liked the water drops on the budding rose and its red-orange color. For me, it symbolizes an emerging beauty. Unfortunately, nature gives us beauty for just a short time. Whenever I see a volunteer in the garden, I always thank them for the gorgeous opportunity they give us.

Now for a little controversy. I come from a journalistic background, and when I see a photojournalism opportunity, I take it. The controversy is does it belong in a photo blog. One of my followers said “It does not.” I think it does given that it is an image of life and all is not rosy (like the above image.) We were walking from Discovery Park to Old Sacramento when I saw this man asleep on the ground. It’s sad but it is a sign of our time. What do I like about it? It tells a real story. What do you think?

I want to end on a happier note with this sunset image. This was taken at one of our night trips to Old Sacramento. Taken from the Sacramento side, it shows the Tower Bridge and a little of West Sacramento, Yolo County in silhouette. The setting sun was very cooperative with glowing reds, purples and oranges that night. The Sacramento River also cooperated with its glassy reflection.

So these are my five picks. Thanks Steve for sending us through our archives, helping us review wonderful memories. When you respond, please link to this post and Steve’s post. Remember to use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week, Egidio sent us “Over the Top.” What fun, reading all your posts. Ritva will be challenging us next week, so look for her post. In the meantime, stay healthy and be resilient!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 35 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #408: Over the Top

Interpretation! One sentence can have different meanings depending on who is reading it. Or, if it’s a challenge it can be twisted. Sorry Egidio, I’m twisting again! Since I haven’t visited many places where the scenery is too extreme, too dramatic, or more than what is expected and needed, I’m choosing to look down (over the top) or up (under the top).

Let’s start by looking down from high places.

This was my first and only ride in a two-seater plane. We are flying over Atlanta, Georgia.

From Left to right: Looking down on the hillside in Yolo County; Looking down from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the valley below; The famous Lombard street in San Francisco

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How about going down. This young man is leaping off a bridge into the river. Don’t worry he’s okay!

Okay, let’s look up!

You have to look up to see this great Egret come into the nest for a landing. This crop duster was working the farms in Yolo County.

There you have it, my version of Over the Top! Thanks Egidio for getting us Over the Top! When you create your response, please link to my post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week, we saw lots of celebrations thanks to Patti’s challenge. Next week, we will feature a guest host. Steve Hyde (of Steve Hyde Photography Blog) will take the lead. In the meantime stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge# 366: City Mouse/Country Mouse

Yikes, there’s a mouse in the house! No, not really, but we did have “super rat” once when we lived in Antelope. But you don’t want to hear that story. This blog post is not about mice, but about Sacramento City and our neighboring countryside. Actually it takes me about the same time to get to either from my home in Citrus Heights.

Tina challenges us, this week, to show the differences between a city and a countryside.

Let’s see Sacramento City first. Being the California Capital, Sacramento has been growing during the past years. We have more tall buildings (not skyscrapers) and restaurants drawing in city, county and state workers. Some of our downtown restaurants have been awarded a Michelin Star rating! Not bad for a former “cow town.” Most of our newer buildings are built so the glass windows show reflections.

I’ve posted about Sacramento’s annual mural festival. My examples are very different. Left is a building painted in a “tagging” style and on the right, a rather large image of Johnny Cash.

And last, there’s the Old Sacramento nightlife. This was taken from the Tower Bridge,

Now for our countryside, where I’m sure many mice live. But, we do have to cross over into Yolo County. These were taken on many different outings my photo group went on. It’s fun getting lost in the countryside when all roads are named County Road XX. Oh the stories I could tell, and not about mice. But the result is worth the extra gas.

If I had to choose, I would choose to live where I do–in the suburbs. After all, either the city or the country are 20 – 30 minutes away. Thanks Tina helping me find that I’m happy right where I am. Please link to her post when you respond to her challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week Egidio taught us a new Portuguese word, Saudade, meaning longing. I had a lot of fun reading about your thoughts and seeing your images. Next week, guest host Joanne of Joanne Mason Photography will be challenging us. Stay tuned!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 69 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #339: Life’s Changes

Retirement is a big change. At least for me it was since my life revolved around the grandkids, husband and mom. My small parttime business, which I was closing, was my outlet. What would I do? Enter– photography.

Photography changed my life! It rescued me, gave me purpose and became a passion.

My business was something I did for me. It kept my brain active, and I enjoyed being a part of my client’s successes. I was truly afraid of giving that part of me up. But once I stepped on that photography path, I knew I had found the right outlet.

This new venture was a steep learning curve, especially since I didn’t want to take classes. (I didn’t want homework!). Photography became my brain gym. I joined photo meetup groups, and met other photographers, some of whom became friends. I found photographers are willing to share knowledge.

I soon became a photo addict, reading tutorials, and went out on as many outings as I could. I didn’t realize what the greater Sacramento Area had to offer as far as beauty. I did my best to go out to various places like the Foothills, the Sierras, the coast, the city and the countryside.

I was definitely on the photography path. Now 13 years later, I’m still traveling the photography road and loving it. I have Chronic Fatigue, but when my camera is in my hand, I’m never tired. I see opportunities like my camera would. Compositions just pop out to me saying, “Here I am! Take the shot!”

Now what to do with all the photos I’ve taken? I started a blog which led to the Lens-Artists Challenge. I’ve so enjoyed sharing photos with all of you and learning about where you live and travel. Photography has brought me all this. It has enriched and changed my life.

What has enriched and/or changed yours? That is your challenge this week. Share with us your joys and passion of a hobby or life experience that helped direct your life’s passion. It might even be a person who made a difference along the way. Express your thoughts in words and pictures.

Oh, use as many words as you need! I really enjoyed your posts in response to John’s Pick A Word challenge last week. What a variety! Next week Ritva will present the challenge, so look for her post.

In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 29 Comments

Rust!: 3M Ranches

I’ve been talking a lot about how much I love rust – it’s patina and texture. Believe it or not, I’m going back to June when we visited 3M Ranches in Yolo County. Oh, I do love and appreciate those wonderful farms and ranches that allow us to visit their property.

Here’s a little about 3M Ranches from their website:

M Three Ranches is a family-owned farming operation providing high-quality agricultural products for food processors and handlers. We use technology advancements and sustainable practices to ensure high yields and returns for both our clients and our landlords. Having been farming for over 50 years in the Sacramento Valley, our farm is recognized as being a lead grower of tomatoes, peppers, garlic, seed crops, olives, walnuts, and almonds.

These rusty pieces were tossed in a junk pile just waiting for photographers to go crazy. That seems to be a standard way to take care of unwanted things in the country.

Yes, I’ll probably bore you with more rust in the future, but it’s so worth it!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 50 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #323: Silence

Egidio’s challenge on Silence has me standing on my soapbox. Television has ruined silence in this world or at least in my house. When my husband is home the TV is on whether he’s watching or not. My neighbor is the same way. “When I get up in the morning the TV goes on,” she says. She can’t handle the silence!

Me, I love the silence. I like to sit and read in silence. Work on the computer in silence. And, most of all, I like the silence when I’m out with my camera. Many of my images reflect this silence and quiet contemplation. When I walk with my camera, I relax and forget the world’s and my own problems.

For me still water helps me feel calm and my body and mind relax. I enjoy the calmness and mirror images of the water. The people on this lone boat must be experiencing a sense of wonder as they navigate this lake. A full moon shines on two shores of another calm and silent lake. How wonderful to sit and watch the moon rise.

I love tree arbors. As I approach them, I’m in awe by their graceful welcoming, and I feel enveloped in their natural sense of silence. I slow down as I drive through, wanting to savor the feeling. After all, they are bowing and welcoming me. The quiet countryside also helps!

People can also support silence through their actions or inaction. A couple enjoying the ocean while sitting in a bed of ice plant shows how the soft sound of the ocean can bring you into a calm and meditative state. Even walking along a creek can calm both human and canine. The three walk in silence.

Mountain views can bring you into awe and silence as you look at the breathtaking view. This is from Ananda Village in Nevada City. A small chapel is a viewpoint for those who want to meditate or pray. The mountains are part of the Sierra Nevada chain.

Fog has different effects on people. For me, it’s calming and sends me into silence and awe. So does a beautiful landscape, especially when it features an old structure. Notice, both images feature trees.

I’ll close with forest images. I love the forest especially when we are the only people camping. I sit and enjoy the smell and silence. Sometimes, nature provides us with something special!

Thank you Egidio for bringing us back into silence and helping us realize how we experience it through our photography. When you post your response, please link to Egidio’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag.

I enjoyed seeing your responses to Ritva’s subjective challenge last week. They were diverse, creative and beautiful. Next week Patti will be our presenter. “In The Details” challenges us to choose a subject and focus on the details, photographing from different angles, distances using your camera or lens. She’d like you to post three photographs of your subject. This is just a hint, be sure to look for her post at pilotfish.com for full instructions.

In the meantime stay healthy and be safe.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 33 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #315: Common Objects

Through LAPC’s wonderful community we learn in many ways: from the challenge itself and in the responses. Sometimes when I’m challenged with the challenge, I wait. I want to see what you have presented to get my creative juices flowing. I can then come up with a twist. This week, with Ritva asking us to post common objects in an uncommon way, I was stumped. So I’ve decided to show you objects that were taken with my camera during outings.

Let’s start with buildings. I do like to photograph tall buildings that have reflections. It’s the architecture that attracts my eye and then the reflection is a plus. Sometimes, the reflection isn’t of another building, but the clouds.

Since I live in the suburbs, I enjoy riding out to see what I can find in the countryside. Fortunately, here in Sacramento, it’s not too far. There are plenty of barns, in use and abandoned, to keep me busy. Yes, that’s a faded pink barn you see in the middle photo.

I just love the texture and color of rust. As I photograph objects and tools, I wonder how they were used, why were they just thrown out in a pile or neglected and how long they’ve been sitting in that junk heap.

I also love trees. They have a story and beauty of their own. Some have amazing bark, some show the way the wind caused them to lean, some show off colors as they let their leaves fall to the ground, and others have burls and greenery growing out of their trunks. What caused two trees to grow together. Oh what stories they can tell!

Last is the Sacramento Historical City Cemetery. There is a great history of the City’s famous, the generations past and the new arrivals. I like the headstones that are from the 1800s. They are beautiful and show how the deceased was loved. The following is one monument for a child. One side, facing you, is giving the date of his birth; the other side, the date of his death. Each side having loving words. How can you not feel the sadness and sense of loss experienced 142 years ago.

So these are the objects I’m drawn to. It’s sad that I’m not drawn to still life photography. But that’s what makes this community so great. I can enjoy your still life images. Thanks Ritva for challenging us this week. When you do respond, please link back to Ritva’s wonderful post and tag Lens-Artists in WordPress.

Last week, I enjoyed seeing all your shorelines. How beautiful and different they were. Next week Egidio will be challenging us. I wonder what it will be. Check for his post to find out! In the meantime, stay safe and have fun.

For more information on how to participate in our fun challenges, please click here.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 22 Comments

Driving through the countryside: Plymouth and Sutter Creek

It’s been a wet winter. Well, wet by California standards. While we want rain, having rain for weeks is something we are not used to. If I had my choice, it would rain every night and the days would be sunny! But I don’t have my choice do I.

So, on a sunny day Marlene, Ray and I decided to head off for the countryside and the small towns of Plymouth and Sutter Creek.

We stopped to photograph a barn along the roadside. We do pull over for photo opportunities.

We haven’t been to Plymouth in a few years. It’s still the same few blocks that it’s always been. It’s nice to know that some things don’t change.

I did find a unique sign that might be new in Plymouth. Here’s the sign and the object it’s talking about.

Now to see the rest of Plymouth.

Sutter Creek is a slightly larger town, and its main street caters to tourists. I’ve seen stores come and go. We like it best for lunch! Here are some new photos.

The highlight of the outing was meeting this gentleman and his cockatoo. They’ve been friends for more than 20 years.

So that was our sunny get away! More rain is coming!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 21 Comments

Out on the County Roads: Pollock Farm

When you’re a suburbanite, driving on various country roads that are labeled County Road __ or __, can be confusing. And you can never count on your GPS to get you there. That’s why I appreciate directions given by the organizers of the Yolo Arts & Ag visits! The visit to the Pollock Farm in Woodland was no exception.

Fortunately, we only had one wrong turn. This farm is 137 acres of olive trees. The owners Lynnel and Herb Pollock have left the original structures dating from 1861 – 1872 to decay at their own pace, giving photographers and artists a wonderful opportunity to capture those times. They live on the property in a 1950s house.

Here’s a glimpse of what we saw.

An artist chatting with a photographer.

I love how carefully the wood is chopped and stored in this last photo. Might we expect a cold winter? That would be great!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 28 Comments

Bee there: Sunflowers in Yolo County

It’s been three years since we went searching for sunflower fields. The pandemic shut us down in 2020 and it has taken us that long to go scouting. By scouting, I mean getting in the car and heading out to the countryside of Yolo County. After getting lost on various County numbered roads, we did find two or three fields.

One had a beekeepers boxes on the side of the field. Since we were respectful of the owners private property, we did not walk into the fields. We stood on the side and used our long lenses. We also took advantage of flowers in the front of the field. Because of this, the bees didn’t bother us.

Here is a sample of our Sunny bounty. Sunflowers help me smile. They are happy flowers!