Posted on by Anne Sandler · 40 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #392: Framing Your Shots

It’s amazing how structure can be applied from one type of composition to another. I’m thinking about how we teach new Toastmasters to write a speech, using the sandwich illustration. The top slice of bread is your introduction. the middle is the topic. and the bottom is your closing. Isn’t that sort of what Patti is proposing we do in this challenge. At least that’s what I thought of at first read. If any of you are Toastmasters then you know the phrase, Tell them what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Tell them what you’ve told them!

Okay, I got off topic! Confession time again. I usually don’t think of this type of composition when I’m photographing. In fact, I don’t think of composition at all. I just move my camera until I have an image I like. With that in mind, here are my examples:

I’m hoping that you can easily see what my subject is. The foreground is the small patch of dirt before the tree roots. The middle, or subject, are the tree roots (because they caught my eye) and the background is the creek and vegetation on the bank. Now I’m thinking that I should have gotten lower and included more of the foreground. What do you think?

This one is a bit easier–at least for me! The patch of grass is the foreground. The girl is the middle or subject. The pond and other shore is the background. Did I get it right?

Finally.

The broad shadowed lines are the foreground that leads you into the picture. As the lines change direction, they become the middle, accenting the subject (the building) and lead you around to the continuing structure in the background.

Thanks Patti! You’ve got me thinking about how I compose a picture and why. I never thought in terms of creating a composition, but I guess I’ve been doing that. Now it’s your turn. Please link to Patti’s original challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag when you respond.

Speaking of responses, I totally enjoyed seeing all your cell phone photographs as challenged by Tina. Now I’m ready to use my phone more. Next week Sofia will be presenting the challenge, so look for it! In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Where we go for a local nature fix: Effie Yeaw Sacramento Nature Center

It’s a quick trip to see deer, coyotes, turkeys, hawks, and the river, so we go there often. It’s Effie Yeaw Sacramento Nature Center located in Carmichael along the American River. Actually, I’ve seen all of the above in my community, but we just have a creek, not a river!

But there’s something special about Effie Yeaw. I remember taking my younger grandkids there and while walking through the meadow, we passed a herd of deer, most of them bucks. Of course I was without camera! I find that my camera keeps me from enjoying the experience with the kids.

Recently I was there in October and November (this week). I usually see at least one deer, and if they are talented, they hide among the trees! Let’s look at my last two visits!

I love reflections!

The trees at Effie Yeaw are so expressive. And, in November we found some Fall color.

I did mention deer and coyote.

The pond is covered in some sort of algae right now. But, there are still ducks way back in the water.

Last, is the river. Last Saturday morning, it was beautiful with fog, and the sun periodically peaking through the moisture laden clouds.

I’m hoping that we have a wet winter so we’ll have green meadows and more deer coming out. I read in the newspaper that most of California is in a “low moisture” state. I’m hoping to show you a greener Effie Yeaw!