landscape photography – Page 14

Posted on July 22, 2016July 22, 2016 by Anne Sandler

Bearing the summer: Grizzly Island, Suisun City, California

You just can’t predict what you’ll find or don’t find when you go out shooting. It was a gamble going to Grizzly Island, a wildlife area just outside of Suisun City, in the summer, but we hadn’t been there so…what the heck.

When our Camera Totin Tuesday group got there, the rangers told us of Tule Elk, river otters and the birds that inhabit the area. It’s a large area, and we were allowed to get out of our cars and walk. Many wildlife areas don’t allow this because they don’t want the birds to be frightened. Many other wildlife areas allow hunters to shoot in specific areas and photographers and bird watchers in another (away from the hunters). At Grizzly Island, bird watchers and photographers have the early summer and hunters have a time of their own.

However, after driving around and walking, we didn’t see Tule Elk, hardly any birds (the ones we saw were far away) or river otters. Oh, I lied, one of our photographers happened to catch a river otter as it jumped out of a storm drain. We also saw three otters cross the road, but couldn’t find them when we drove up to their crossing place. So no otter photos for us.

We did get images of pelicans at a distance and some nice landscape images. I guess we’ll have to go back after some rain next winter. The wildlife might be more abundant then. But, who knows, you can’t predict these things!

Enjoy the landscape, pelicans and and egret from Grizzly Island.

Posted on July 8, 2016July 8, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 1 Comment

One off Linda’s bucket list: Donner Lake Tunnels

I’m sorry to say that I really don’t have a bucket list. But, happily, photo buddy Linda does!

Her bucket list brought her, Marlene and I back to Donner Lake for the third time this year. I’ve lived in the Sacramento area for 15 years and had never been there. Thank goodness for photography. This hobby has taken me to more places I could imagine. And, back to those places.

During this Donner Lake trip, we specifically went to see the Donner Lake Railroad Tunnels that were on Linda’s bucket list. Fortunately, she knew of a way we could get there without hiking up the rocky mountain. Driving there and parking the car was easier, especially for three seniors.

These three tunnels totaling 1,659 feet were the first railroad line to traverse the Sierra Nevada Range. Built largely by Chinese workers, the tunnels were completed in August 1867 and the first train passed through it on June 18th, 1868. The last train passed through in 1993 when the route was changed to a new location.

We passed through it on July 2, 2016. Well, we made it through the first two short tunnels and half way through the long third one. The train rails are gone, and the walls are decorated with graffiti. It’s an experience to do at least once, and the doors in the third tunnel exit to an excellent view of Donner Lake.

After the tunnels, we drove back down and rode around the Lake. It was very different in the summer. In the winter it was serene and beautiful; however, in the summer, it was crowded. I’ll show you both images.

I enjoyed this trip, but I wonder what else is on Linda’s photo bucket list? We’ll see.

The entrance to the first tunnel.

Puddle reflection inside the tunnel.

Graffiti on the wood.

The view in between the tunnels.

We weren’t the only ones there.

Wildflowers.

The vibrant grafitti.

Another view point.

Construction: rock and wood.

Visitors standing on the roof of a tunnel entrance.

The lake view outside the third tunnel door.

An outside view of the tunnel.

Graffiti is also on the outside.

This was taken in February.

The same view, but a little more distant. Not as serene.

Paddle boarders and crowds on the beach.

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Anne Sandler

Oh my gosh, it’s Monday: The Yolo Wildlife Area

See, this is what happens. I had a very busy weekend with the grandkids sleeping over, and today, I’ve been shopping at the grocery store and helping my husband pack for his astronomy weekend in Aidn, California. I handled phone calls: 1. to get someone out here to fix my air conditioner up stairs and 2. to find a new home for my Toastmaster Photography club, All About Photography. I did a load of laundry and walked the dog. I just looked up at the clock: almost 3 p.m. I got a lot done, but didn’t prioritize in my 2 to 3 hours of editing study.

I know that a know a new habit takes a fairly decent time to implement. I’m hoping to do better next week. We usually eat early on Mondays so I can get to my All About Photography Club meeting on time. I’ll prioritize some time on Wednesday while I wait for the air conditioner repairman to come.

Okay, now that I’ve confessed, I want to show you images from another trip to the Yolo Wildlife Area. I’m still learning how to use the new/used F/4, 300 mm lens. On this trip, I found out that it’s not easy for me to handhold. And, you can’t use a tripod/monopod in a car. Normally, I’d rest it on the window (which is rolled down). But most of the birds inconveniently located themselves on the driver’s side. I was the passenger, and my friend Laura was the driver.

But it was a worthwhile trip, and I did learn more about handling the lens. Laura showed me that pumping up the ISO was necessary for a faster shutter speed. I’m reluctant to use a high ISO because of grain. I don’t think the grain is too bad.

Let me know what you think!

A Kildeer.

When they feel their nest is threatened, they will fake a broken wing.

Once they feel the nest is safe, they will fly away.

A pelican in flight.

This heron was one of two just standing at the water’s edge.

Up close.

An egret hiding in the brush.

What did you say?

You’d better not say that again!

I think this is an Avocet that’s fishing.

spotted something.

And, going for it.

This might be a White Faced Ibis with it’s winter look still on. If I’m wrong, please give me the correct name. My book doesn’t have all the answers!

I just liked the spirals in this plant.

There were a lot of bees buzzing.

Butterfly getting some nectar.

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Anne Sandler

I ran as fast as I could: Flowers in San Jose

I tried to outrun a cold, but I think it caught me anyway. That’s a bummer because I want to go learn more about lighting tonight and shoot on Saturday and Sunday. So, at least during the day today, I’m taking it easy. However my dog keeps asking for his usual walk. We all learn to deal with disappointment, even him.

When I was in San Jose visiting my friends, I wanted to go to the Municipal Rose Garden, but decided to take my camera on my neighborhood walk instead. I wasn’t dissatisfied. The gardens were beautiful and well cared for. I wish I had more time and energy for a longer walk.

This proves we really don’t have to go far to find beauty. With that in mind, here are some of the beautiful flowers I was able to shoot with my 18 – 140 mm lens. No macro that day; it was too breezy. No captions today. Mostly I know the roses, but not the names of the other flowers. All I know is that they are beautiful!

After I post this I’ll rest for a couple of hours.

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 24, 2016May 24, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 6 Comments

Night shooting on the river: Viewing Old Sacramento

Busy as a bee, I be! Okay, that’s not proper English, but it seems to fit. I’ve been learning more about event shooting at our District 39 Toastmasters Conference this past weekend. It was not only shooting, but editing, or trying to, on the spot. I was editing my images and two other All About Photography club members’ images.

What did I learn? I’ve learned the comfort zone with my speed light. I brought a chair up front and plopped it down in the middle of the stage area. I noticed that when my subjects were more to the back of the podium, lighting was more of a problem. The closer they were to the front, the better the flash handled it. Most of what I was shooting was candid so I couldn’t say, “Please come forward!” Also, the District does not have a lighting system. Working with ambient lighting was a challenge.

I worked in Lightroom mostly and did very little in Photoshop. I do need to learn how to work with layers to lighten background, etc. I hope to have that knowledge before the next conference.

I would show you the challenges and how I handled them, but all pictures taken on behalf of District 39 Toastmasters have their copyright. But I can show you my images taken a couple of weeks ago with the Camera Totin’ Tuesday group. We went down to the Sacramento River during the blue hour. I was able to use my ND filter at night for the first time. It was fun.

Just keeping busy!

One of the trains running during the weekends and holidays in Old Sacramento.

Gentleman sitting.

He turned around. I thought this would look good in black and white.

I liked the pattern created by the sun and shade on these buildings.

The color of the sun on this staircase was inviting.

An emblem on a gate.

The inside of the Tower Bridge in the golden hour.

Another inside view.

Reflection on the Calstirs building.

Looking at the Tower Bridge from the West Sacramento side.

One of the bridge’s golden towers.

This guy was feeding the geese.

The Delta King paddle wheel at night.

More of a wide angle view. The ND filter helped smooth out the water.

Restaurants and wharf in Old Sacramento.

A view of the bridge and Sacramento buildings.

A wider angle version of the picture.

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

From February to May: Donner Lake

I was surprised that there was still snow on the ground when we made our trip to Donner Lake. The area around the lake wasn’t as pretty though. The gray snow that still surrounded some houses was negligible. We did stop at the same overlook and, wow, what a difference 3 months can make. Snow still capped the mountains, and the scene was beautiful.

The overlook was the only place that we visited before. This time we went into Donner Lake Memorial State Park. It was here that I had an opportunity to play with a crystal orb. Now that was fun. It took some getting used to, but I was happy with the results. A crystal orb is now on my list.

What did I learn? I believe I’m shooting with more confidence. I’m also getting a great deal of positive feed back on my images, and waiting for the five black and white prints I ordered. I do hope there are no surprises when I open the box. Meaning, I want them to look as they do on my computer!

Here’s a glimpse of Donner Lake and the State Park.

In February, this overlook was covered in snow.

Snow is still on surrounding rocks.

This memorial to the Donner Party stands at the opening to the State Park.

Just an expressive dead tree and its reflection.

A bridge crossing the stream.

The stream.

A meadow.

Rocks at the side of the stream.

The top of a little waterfall.

When you shoot into the orb, the scene is upside down.

So, I inverted the entire picture.

Another orb scene.

The stream again.

Pretty flowers. Maybe thistles?

Taken at a crystal store in Truckee.

I cropped close to just catch the colors of the art objects.

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!

Purple in all shades dominated the gardens.

This grave site is simply beautiful. Was the palm tree there historically?

I love the red flowers.

Soft in its beauty.

The head stones were beautifully engraved. This one, a sad loss.

Can you imagine these stones without flowers?

Some of the history: The son of Alexander Hamilton is buried here.

Getting close with the macro lens.

A lone flower waits for friends to bloom.

It takes two bugs to do this flower justice.

Another grave made beautiful with a floral addition.

I loved the colors of these.

More macro.

Another bee.

Pretty pink.

Beautiful rose.

A grave site needing attention.

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Printing my pictures: Back to Effie Yeaw Nature Center

I’ve reached another plateau in my photographic journey–I’m beginning to print my photos and hang them in my home. I’ve got three metal prints on the walls now: a 6 x 9 and two 8 x 12 inches. I’m also preparing five black and whites to be printed as 8 x 10 inches. Next I’ll work on my close up and macro flowers. It’s time to do this.

I’m thinking the more I see my printed pictures, the more confidence I’ll get to enter a contest. This whole journey is a process–at least for me. I was chatting with another photographer via Facebook regarding entering a contest. She is entering an image in the California State Fair contest. It’s a great image that tells a great story. She said that I should enter. I said I wasn’t ready. She suggested some of the various county fair competitions. I may do that this summer.

In the meantime, our Tuesday group visited Effie Yeaw Nature Center. I’ve shown you pictures from there before, but you never see the same thing twice. There’s always new discoveries. And, now that Marlene and I bought a membership, you’ll see a lot more of Effie Yeaw.

From Effie Yeaw to wherever my camera takes me, I’ll take you along on this amazing photographic journey.

The trees at Effie Yeaw are so expressive.

They bend with the wind.

Turkeys are happy residents.

This one is showing off.

This young buck knows this is a safe place.

At least they are safe from man.

They are used to us.

Effie Yeaw sits on the American River.

From Caterpillar.

To butterfly.

Or maybe even two.

I love the texture and color in fallen tree limbs.

I haven’t seen a coyote at Effie Yeaw before.

It’s poppy time.

This is a resident owl who lives behind glass in the Nature Center’s office area. They have a lot of programs for schools.

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Of rocks and open space: Griffith Quarry and Traylor Bird Sanctuary and Preserve

It was hot! It seemed like summer had arrived. By the time our Camera Totin’ Tuesdays group arrived at the Griffith Quarry, the sun was baking us. I don’t carry a backpack because I just can’t handle the weight on my shoulders and back. This is just another problem of starting this hobby as a senior with certain health issues. I’ve solved the problem by wearing a vest that’s stuffed with all my stuff. Not all are like me though. We have Tom and Jim who are a year older and have been shooting for more than 30 years are more physically fit than me.

Back to the sun. Fortunately, the quarry, a registered California Historical Landmark that was a granite quarry, was mostly in shade. I guess I was expecting more, but then expectations are sometimes not met. However, I did get some good images. This is a lesson on looking for things in the not so best of circumstances. I’m learning from the experienced members. I watch, listen and then follow example. Jim is especially helpful in pointing out opportunities and how best to capture them.

While two in our party decided to call it a morning after the quarry, four of us moved on to the Traylor Ranch Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary. This is a park has 90 acres for Equestrian and hiking Trails, and is a bird Sanctuary and wildlife reserve. I really want to go back there in the winter when there’s more chance of catching wildlife and birds. We didn’t see much of either. I was carrying my 18 – 140 mm lens which couldn’t capture the few birds that were high and far away. Needless to say, we stayed only about an hour and then rewarded ourselves with a delicious lunch at a Chinese restaurant.

Lesson learned, bring two lenses or carry two cameras. Go with great people who are fun and informative. Also, go out early or late during the hot weather. Whew!