Posted on by Anne Sandler · 47 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #380: What’s Around the Corner

Have you ever gone out on a photo outing and not seen anything that would have your camera saying, “Pick me up and help me take this picture.” I have a theory that there is always something to photograph. It may not be an award-winning photo or attractive to your photographic eye; but, take the risk and find something about it that may prove worthy of your attention. In August, I was on such an outing with a photo buddy. Actually, it was more of a lunch date, but we did have our cameras with us.

We were in Old Roseville—not to be confused with Downtown Roseville or Roseville proper! I’m still confused about the separate names for this Placer County city. After lunch, we decided to walk off the calories consumed. That’s when I saw this building. Its texture and peeling stucco was eye-catching, and a closer look was even better.

I was still looking for something substantial to photograph when I saw this fence lined flower hedge. “Oh, I’ll just take the shot and see what it looks like on the computer,” I thought.

It looked better up close with the lines creating interest.

Then we turned the corner, and I saw something worth photographing.

What caught my eye? The green door and textured wood covering something and a lonely chair. It’s more of a story than a prize-winning image.

And right next to this scene was this door. What stories were hidden behind it? It looked like something out of a horror movie.

I encourage you to take the block less traveled—with your camera. Look around, and using your imagination, what do you see? Please keep this to the same walk and the same block—that’s the challenge. I’m looking forward to seeing what you find. And have fun!

When you respond, please link to this post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I enjoyed seeing all your favorites before our holiday break. I’m sure that was a difficult challenge for all of us. Ritva will be leading next week’s exciting challenge, so watch for her post. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 51 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #379: Favorites of 2025

Three days ago we said good bye to 2025. I said it happily. Yes, sometimes a year isn’t a spectacular one. But, I did find some favorites and I’ll tell you why I chose them. To celebrate, the entire Lens-Artist team is hosting. Have fun!

My longest lens is 300mm. Even with the extra length a crop sensor camera gives, it is still limiting. So when I can catch birds, I’m happy. My first picture is of a sandhill crane. Fortunately, it was in a pool of water closer to the road. Usually they are too far away for me to get a good picture.

Next is a swan trying to sleep if only the photographer would let it.

Finally we have an egret coming down into the nest carrying a twig.

My next picture shows us how creative we can get. I love to people watch when I’m in Old Sacramento.

My first, and maybe only, rodeo shows the punishment on both the humans and animals. Why?

While visiting my Reno family, my son took me to see the wild horses. I saw this mare and colt just after he was born.

You know how much I love to photograph flowers.

I love the zoo animals, especially the giraffes. This is mom looking after her young one.

These are some of my favorites. It was a difficult task to pick out just a few from a whole year. My back injury has prevented me from processing pictures from my cruise through the Panama Canal, and right now it is telling me it’s time to visit the couch!

What wonderful last chance photos you all posted two weeks ago. It’s great to be given a last chance! I look forward to seeing your 2025 favorites. I’ll be leading the challenge next week. How exciting, a new year and a new challenge! Stay tuned. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 48 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #352: Mellow

We all mellow out in different ways. Many of you have posted music lyrics. Music also relaxes me. One song does come to mind–“Here Comes the Sun” by George Harrison of the Beatles. However my favorite rendition is by Richie Havens. Google it. You’ll soon be dancing around, forgetting your cares and mellowing out.

But this is a photo blog, and this week Sofia asks us to mellow out. Here are just a few places I take my camera to relax.

A High Sierra Lake. The still water is calming and I do love the forest.

Trees with their graceful branches are beautiful and welcoming. They are also beautiful when snuggled in fog and looking mysterious.

Driving on a mountain road is relaxing for me. Since I live in a valley, driving these roads, away from suburban traffic, mellows me out. The car was off the road when I took this photo!

And, how about the gracefulness of birds in flight. I sit and wonder what it must be like to soar in the air like that on your own power.

You know how much I love to photograph flowers. Just being able to capture their beauty mellows me out.

And finally, we can’t forget the relaxation brought by an amazing sunset. We have to watch carefully so we don’t miss its natural beauty because the moment is fleeting.

Thanks Sofia, you reminded us of the need to just get away and mellow out however we do. It’s a great practice for our physical and spiritual beings. When you post your response, please remember to link to Sofia’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week Ritva opened the wonder of books–another way to relax. Next week Beth is leading her first challenge, so be sure to look for her post.

In the meantime stay safe and live in gratitude!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 37 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #226: Textures

Guest host Jude of Cornwell in Colours picked the perfect challenge for me because I love textures. I don’t mean the nice blended textures you put behind your subject ( Which I can’t do yet!). I mean the texture of your subject. We are drawn to color and texture.

For instance I love the colors of rust and its gritty texture. You’ll notice as it ages, the colors change and the metal degrades, adding to its beauty.

I also find texture in old non-rusted metal. This old worn large propeller from a ship shows lines and textures when photographed close up. You can just feel how its been worn during its use.

Each year Sacramento hosts Chalk It Up where artists draw with chalk or liquid chalk on a sidewalk square. The grit of the sidewalk and chalk create a texture no other canvas can duplicate.

A lion’s mane has texture although you wouldn’t want to get close enough to feel it!

Wood is another favorite texture of mine. It can be tree bark or siding on a building. It draws you in with its variation of color and natural design.

Last, plants give us the feeling of texture in their form, color and shape.

There are many more examples of texture, but I’ll stop here. Texture is all around us. Take it in, feel and experience it. Thank you Jude for helping me realize how important texture is to photography. When you respond to this challenge, please remember to link to her post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Thank you all for responding for my challenge last week. I enjoyed learning about your amazing local wildlife. We saw birds, foxes, porcupines, bears, deer, squirrels and some small insects and bugs. It was great. Next week Tina will be leading the challenge so be sure to look for her post.

If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.