Posted on by Anne Sandler · 32 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #378: Last Chance

When I look back at my photographic experiences in 2025, I can’t get too excited. Except for my Panama Canal Cruise (which I haven’t been able to process yet), it was a repeat of places we had been before. So, I just picked a few that I liked. I’m sure I posted pictures of the outings from which these were taken, but these were not edited or posted.

Let’s start with the one image I processed of the Panama Canal. This is of the lock just before entering the lake.

Next are pictures of birds. It’s difficult for me to get pictures of Sandhill Cranes because I don’t have a super long lens. I got lucky with this one being closer to the road. The next image is my first of a pheasant. Too bad it was a super foggy day.

You know I enjoy photographing flowers.

I love trees. They are so expressive.

My back is telling me to end this post, and I must listen. Thank you Beth for encouraging us to spread our wings last week. Have a wonderful holiday and happy New Year. I’ll see you in 2026! In the meantime stay safe and live in gratitude.

I’m plagiarizing Patti because she said it so well:

Who are the Lens-Artists? Subscribe to our blogs to get our latest challenges.

1. Tina of https://travelsandtrifles.wordpress.com 2. Patti of https://pilotfishblog.com 3. Ann-Christine of https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com 4. John of https://photobyjohnbo.wordpress.com 5. Sofia of https://photographias.wordpress.com 6. Anne of https://annegeephoto.com 7. Egidio of https://egidio.photography/ 8. Ritva of https://sillarit.com/ 9. Beth of https://wanderingdawgs.com/ To find out more about the Lens-Artists Challenges, click here.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 55 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #364: Quiet Moment

Oh boy, I’m so glad Ritva’s challenge is a quiet moment and not more than a moment! I left that joy behind when I was raising three boys and numerous dogs. I have since found solitude at my computer, when writing or processing pictures; when I’m walking with my camera, gazing at nature’s beauty or any kind of non-thinking down time reading or watching TV. I’ve started to turn off my cell phone ringer during these times. It can ruin just “being!”

Since this is a photography blog, let’s concentrate on walking with my camera. Dirt paths often lead to solitude. I walk slowly so I don’t miss a photo opportunity for the small things. As I walk, reality becomes distant.

Fog is a weather phenomena that urges me to stop, breathe and relax. I love walking through the mist. The thicker the better. Maybe it brings me into the mystery of a different existence.

Water, whether waves crashing on rocks or a serene lake, makes me stop, look and listen. At the ocean, I listen to the waves as they rush in and hit the shore. At the lake, I listen to nature if there are birds or even nothing but quiet. How relaxing are both experiences!

The beauty of flowers quiets my mind. How gorgeous they are in full bloom. I have to concentrate to get the macro images. This is a quieting experience for me since I’m taken away from reality.

Animals at the zoo also quiet my mind and body, especially when I see a flamingo sleeping–maybe in an awkward position!

Okay, I put that in just for fun. Let me close with a simple country scene that I can be in all day and not want to leave.

These days, it’s difficult to find quiet. When we find a quiet environment, can we quiet our minds? Thank you Ritva for helping us remember we do need to practice quiet mindfulness. When you respond to her challenge please remember to link to her original post and use the Lens-Artist tag.

Wow, did we have fun last week during our scavenger hunt. You sure kept me busy with your amazing and inventive responses, and I loved it. Egidio will be leading our challenge next week. Be sure to look for his wonderful post. In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 55 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #345: My Go To Places

John wants to know where I go to relax and rejuvenate. At first I didn’t know since I don’t have a designated place that calms me down. I gave it a lot of thought while I was editing photos, and then it came to me. My go to place is anywhere my camera takes me!

Yes, I can be upset, not feeling well, tired, etc.; but when I’m holding my camera, I have energy, I’m happy and not weary. The upsetting world drifts away, and I’m absorbed in a sunflower field, beautiful countryside, rivers, wildlife, buildings or anything that attracts my photographic eye.

Along a Mountain Road
Ironside Winery
Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Parks
McKinley Rose Garden
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Old Sacramento Railroad Depot
Sunflower Field

At least one photo outing gets me through the week. Thank you John for helping me realize how important this photo hobby is to my physical and mental being. It’s definitely good for my soul. When you post your response, please link to John’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

What a week this amazing photo community gave me in your responses to “abandoned.” They were varied, heart felt and amazing. Thank you everyone. Sophia is presenting next week’s challenge, so be sure to look for her post a week from now. Until then, stay safe and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 61 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #338: Pick A Word

If you know my photographic style, then you know my word would be MACRO. Close up or macro photography was my goal when I first started photography, and it has continued to be. So John, macro is my choice. You’ve made this challenge easy for me because I have so many images to choose from. Or was it easy?

In finding my macro images, I found mostly flowers. Some even had visitors:

But there were also some water drops:

This challenge may have seemed short and sweet, but it was difficult choosing the images! So thank you John for this journey of “One Word!” I’m now reminded that I haven’t taken my macro lens out in a long time! Oh, when you post your reply, please remember to link to John’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week Sophia had us all go on Bold journeys, and I enjoyed seeing and experiencing all of yours. I’m presenting next week’s challenge, so I’d better get busy. In the meantime, stay safe, be resilient and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 39 Comments

Lens Artist Challenge #334: Exploring Color vs Black and White

This is a dilemma we all face–color or black and white (AKA Monochrome). Patti suggests, for this challenge, that we show a maximum of three images processed in both color and black and white.

When I compose a photograph, I don’t think color or black and white. That time comes during processing. Since I mainly use Lightroom, if I think there’s enough contrast, I will use the black and white button in LR just to see what it would look like. If I like it, then I process the image using LR and Silver Efex.

I photographed this water lily and wondered what it would look like in B&W. I liked the drama that was created and finished processing in Silver Efex. Do you think the contrast in the leaves makes up for the loss of color?

Sometimes, an overcast day presents an almost B&W image on its own. This was taken in Bodega Bay on the California Coast. I thought the dark boat, clouds and light shining on the water created enough contrast for a B&W image. But then the color image looks right also. What do you think?

Finally, not knowing Patti was going to present this challenge, I challenged myself to a sunset in B&W. What would a beautiful, colorful sunset look like in monochrome? See for yourself.

I think the monochrome works mainly because of the reflection in the water. But is working good enough? What do you think?

This has been a great exercise Patti. Thank you! When you post your responses, please link to Patti’s original challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag. I’m anxious to see your posts. Last week, we saw a lot of dogs and cats thanks to Tina’s challenge. It was fun to see your pets and grand pets. Next week Ann-Christine will challenge us, so please look for her post.

In the meantime, be resilient and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #333: Complementary Colors

Color, that’s what it’s all about. It’s used to entice us to purchase items. We dress in colors that complement our complexion. And as photographers we always use color even if we process in black and white. This week, Egidio encourages to show us how we use complementary colors in our photography.

Nature gives us color every time we go out, especially complementary colors. First is green. What doesn’t complement green. On the color wheel colors shades of orange, red and purple complement green when you cast a wide net.

But we humans know how to use complementary colors also. From a seat cushion, to fireworks against a golden bridge, to an abstract and to a ship’s interior.

When you see ads, interior spaces or store fronts, think about how they use color. Thanks Egidio for this wonderful and colorful challenge. When you post your response, please link to Egidio’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

I enjoyed seeing your responses to Ritva’s post that had us looking down last week. You gave me lots of ideas! Next week Tina is presenting the 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 #332: Shoot From Above

When I take my camera out for a walk, I always look for angles, shadows and other leading lines that would make an interesting photo. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to be able to photograph from high looking low. And that’s what Ritva is asking us to do in this week’s challenge: look down.

While I don’t recommend looking down while walking, I do suggest that you stop and look down. What do you see? Sometimes unique opportunities lay at your feet or over a rail. Here are some of mine.

Looking down into a puddle on an asphalt road can lead to abstract opportunities.

Looking down can give a different perspective on a wood platform showing its rough texture, on a bee showing a close up of its eyes and on a flower showing its center blossom.

How about a unique view of a fountain that flows down the stairs.

Talking about stairs. Here are some impressive stairs.

I’ll end with this shot looking down the mid-ship section of a glitzy cruise ship.

This was enjoyable Ritva. One of these photos took me back to before I had a DSLR! When you post your response, please link it to Ritva’s and use the Lens-Artists tag. We don’t want to miss your post.

And a big thank you to all who participated in my resilience challenge of last week. I enjoyed seeing and reading about your resilience. I’m actually still getting responses today. Now that’s resilience!

Egidio is challenging us next week, so be sure to look for his post. In the meantime, happy clicking and stay safe.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 71 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #330: Favorite Images of 2024

Happy New Year everyone! I’ve been looking forward to starting a new year since early on in 2024. I guess what I’m saying that 2024 wasn’t a banner year for me. I spent most of it recovering from an auto accident. But, thanks to my wonderful photo friends, I managed to get out with my camera.

It seems when I have a camera in my hands, I have energy and things have a better focus. I’m fine now, but I have learned a lot about friendship. Let’s take a look at 2024.

I do love to photograph in fog. Here’s one from our visit to Rush Ranch.

Old Sacramento and the area surrounding the Sacramento River and bridges gave me the opportunity for some street photography and interesting landscape images.

Asleep in Old Sacramento.
Underneath one bridge looking at another.

I took whatever opportunity I could to use my macro lens. Thank goodness for seasonal sunflowers and bees.

Twice a year I challenge myself and my camera/lens to see how far I can get with 300 mm max. The egret was taken in April and shorebirds in December. Cropping in helps a lot!

I also enjoy photographing lines, angles and shadows, and reflections.

Manetti Shrem Museum
Downtown Sacramento

I can’t end a post about favorites without flowers. These were taken locally in Sacramento.

Last year taught me a lot about resilience, looking forward and smiling. That’s my wish for all of you this year. I have enjoyed being part of this wonderful community, and I experience more of life through your photographic expressions.

Stay tuned, next week, I’m leading the challenge. Until then stay healthy and happy. Live in gratitude.

When you post your response to this challenge, you can link to my post or all of the team’s posts. Please remember to use the Lens-Artists tag. If you would like more information about our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here. 

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 33 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #304: Behind

Composition can make or break a photograph’s impact for the viewer. I always take the time to compose an image in the camera, but never really concentrated on why. In this week’s challenge Ritva explains why the background is an important component of composition. She explains that the background sets the mood and context of the image.

If you follow my posts, you know I love to create macros. In doing a macro, I’m setting the background to be soft and blurred, helping my subject (usually a flower) stand out. Sometimes the foreground can also be softened like in the tulip below. There’s no doubt as to the images’ subjects.

But sometimes a simple soft focus will be enough to spotlight a subject. In the images below, there is just a slight bokeh on the background–just enough to have the viewer’s eye go to the ladybugs on the leaf and the mushrooms attached to the tree. In these instances, I thought it was important that you understand the environment as well as having the subjects stand out.

Ritva also suggested that a black background and complimentary colors can help the subject stand out. The neutral colors of the lizard against the black along with the blurred flower help it be noticeable. The cat’s patchy orange face and coat are a stand out against the dark background and white midrange fence. And his yellow eyes are sure sending a message! I’m not going near that garbage can.

Negative space also sets the stage for viewer interpretation. These cormorants, one posed on a branch and the other in flight, attract attention on even a dull day because they make up most of the image with no background to interfere.

My next example needs the fore, mid and background in focus to tell its story of beauty, nature and serenity. What do you think?

Light is my last example. This is of the Sun Dial Bridge in Redding, CA. When it’s lit up at night it is spectacular. At the end, it is an actual sundial. During the day, it’s not as beautiful. If you are ever visiting northern California, near Redding, you have to visit it. It’s a walking bridge made of glass.

Now, thanks to Ritva, I’m aware of why I compose the way I do. And I’ll be more inclined to think of backgrounds as I am composing. When you respond to this challenge be sure to link to Ritva’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week Donna had us concentrating on connections. It was a great exercise and I enjoyed seeing all your contributions. We connect on so many different levels. Next week, Egidio challenges us. I wonder what he has in store for us. Be sure to look for his post.

Have a wonderful photo week and stay safe!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 20 Comments

Running away for the day: UCSC Arboretum, Santa Cruz

All Laura had to do was ask if I wanted to go to the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and I jumped at the chance. I haven’t been anywhere since my August 2023 auto accident for more than 2 – 3 hours. Since Laura was driving, the 3 hours both ways, I knew if I needed rest, I could sleep. It was a wonderful day out. I had never been to the arboretum, and anything floral has me feeling great. Laura wanted to photograph the humming birds and I just wanted to leave.

The humming birds were confined to one bush that was blossoming. I got my one hummer picture and walked around. Laura has patience, where I don’t, and a longer lens. She stood by the bush for about 1/2 an hour, taking pictures. Of course, she was more successful in the number of hummers.

Here’s my one picture! Of course, the colorful hummers sort of blended into the bush.

We walked around through the various zones. It was relaxing and fun. Here’s a sample:

Our day didn’t end at the arboretum. We took the long way home through Half Moon Bay, stopping at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Those pictures will be in my next regular post.

And, I didn’t need to sleep!