Posted on by Anne Sandler · 53 Comments

Lens-Artists Challenge #342: It’s a Wild Life

Oh, no doubt about it, it is a wild life in more ways than one! But this week Egidio has us concentrating on nature which constantly surprises me. Egidio encourages us to show our wild side, asking us to post no more than eight images. Paring down was the real challenge, so here goes.

Effie Yeaw. This unspoiled nature center is about 15 minutes from my home and along the American River. The deer, birds, coyotes, rabbits, etc. are left to fend for themselves. We typically see deer and small animals here.

Each year, Laura and I go to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge which is a couple of hours away. It’s a great place to photograph birds. Armed with my 300 mm max lens and a great deal of hope, I usually come home with a few good pictures. Thank goodness for cropping images!

An occasional trip to Point Reyes National Seashore, again with my friend Laura (who is a great nature/wildlife photographer) usually provides a day of fun and photography. There is an elk preserve there.

And elephant seals sleep on the shore.

My go to place for swans is Mather Lake, maybe 30 minutes from my home.

And, this is my eighth and last image. Each year birds nest in trees in Lincoln. It’s not exactly in the wild, but these wild egrets and herons have found a safe nesting place.

This may be my photographic wild side, but right now the wind is gusting, reminding me of nature’s other wild side. This one, I don’t like so much!

Thanks Egidio for encouraging us to walk on the wild side. Please be sure to link your response to his post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week was another difficult challenge when Tina asked us to pick our favorites. What an array of photos we shared. It was so much fun. Next week Ann-Christine challenges us, so look for her post. Until then, stay safe and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 49 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #341: Personal Favorites

Every time I think a challenge is probably the most difficult, there’s another one coming along. This time, Tina is asking us to pick no more than five of our favorite photos. I don’t know about you, but it’s much easier for me to pick favorites from someone else’s images.

I know you expect me to post flowers, but in this photo, the praying mantis was what I was after.

You also know I’m a member of our local zoo. I happened to be talking to a docent when I think we woke up this flamingo. Quick shot!

I happened to be invited to photograph a super moon that was to appear near our State Capitol building. So glad I was there.

I miss our annual Sacramento Music Festival, especially seeing Tom Rigney and Flambeau.

My fifth and final picture is…yes, a flower. A lotus.

Thank you Tina for this wonderful exercise and trip down memory lane. When you post your five favorites, please link to Tina’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Last week we saw portraits of all kinds. It was beautiful and fun. Next week Egidio will be challenging us, so stay tuned! In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude.

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 · 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 · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #337: Bold

This week, Sofia is asking us to think BOLD. COLOR! That’s what I think of when I hear bold. I am attracted to bright, deep and bold colors. I’m also attracted to angles when I see them, especially when they are straight, angular and bold. This rooftop fits that bill.

Now let’s get to my favorite subject of color. Here are two samples of what I like.

Next are bold designs.

When it comes to flowers, sometimes less color can bring out the bold, especially in a single floral photograph. This flower just fills the frame with its bold burst.

I love signs, especially when they are meaningful, funny or just eye catching.

I’ll end with colorful wall and window designs at our local Crocker Art Museum.

Thank you Sofia, for brightening my morning. I love this challenge. When you respond to Sofia’s challenge, please link your to her original post and use the Lens-Artist tag. Last week Ann-Christine challenged us to post just one meaningful image. I enjoyed seeing and reading your responses. Next up is John to challenge us, so be sure to look for his post.

In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

If you want to know more about participating in the Lens-Artists, please click here.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #336: Only One Picture

What seemed easy ended up being a difficult challenge. Ann-Christine asked us to post just ONE picture that is meaningful, not a favorite, to us. My first choice was an image I was proud of. But, that’s not what was asked of us.

Recently my lens has found several homeless in Sacramento. I’ve shared at least one with you recently. The homeless crises is meaningful and has been for years. Just yesterday I went to Discovery Park, with friends Ray and Richard, to photograph the flooding there. With all the rain we’ve been getting, I wasn’t disappointed. I found a flooded parking lot and a building sitting partially submerged in water.

However, on our way back to the car. I found a homeless man asleep on the sidewalk of a busy intersection. His pillow was a rock. Whatever joy I felt at finding the flooding I was looking for was instantly diminished.

We can call this photojournalism, but it is sad that he can’t rest his head on a true pillow and sleep in privacy. This isn’t just a problem in Sacramento, but I’m sure worldwide. There is no easy remedy. I just hope not to find more pictures of this kind to take.

Thanks Ann-Christine for this thought provoking challenge. I was amazed at how quickly my focus shifted. This is definitely not my favorite photo, but it is meaningful. When you post your reply, please link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag.

I truly enjoyed seeing all your images in black and white and/or color last week. It was an interesting exercise and did show how subjective photography is. Next week Sofia will be challenging us, so be sure to look for her post.

Until then, stay safe 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 · 40 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #334: Cats and Dogs

It’s funny that Tina should have us talking about cats and dogs, because it’s raining here right now and at times you’d think it was raining cats and dogs!

Did you have a dog when you were growing up? I didn’t! And we spent the first 7 years of our marriage without a pet. To be honest, we moved nine times in those 7 years–not conducive to having a pet. But when we bought our first house, we adopted our first dog. We’ve had one ever since. Most were adopted; two were purchased.

You’ve probably guessed that we are partial to dogs. They listen better, don’t jump on food prep counters, etc. Mostly they give back love and allegiance. Unfortunately, I didn’t start photography until we got our latest family member, Gem our Schnoodle. He’s 20 pounds of stubborn joy. Here he is as a young dog. I made the mistake of using him as a model while I was doing the 365 challenge. Now he leaves the room when I take out a camera!

He’s now 14 1/2, has a heart condition, and we are doing the best we can for him. He’s even more stubborn in his old age, wanting his daily walk and treats. I have a stroller for him when he tires.

Here are some other dogs I’ve come across during my photo outings.

And there’s always a dog at Chalk It Up!

Now on to the feline subjects of Tina’s challenge. In the past years, I’ve softened my stance on cats, but not enough to own one; or have one own me! Here are some I’ve met.

Then there are the residents of Dead Cat Alley in Woodland, Ca. Well worn ceramic statues adorn a three-blook alley.

And finally at Chalk It Up, I found one of our favorite cat characters.

We’ve come to a difficult decision to not get another dog after Gem passes. At our ages, we wouldn’t get a puppy because we don’t want to leave a dog behind and caring for another senior dog is also something we don’t look forward to. I’m hoping Gem will make it to his 15th birthday. In the meantime, it’s love, love, love!

I enjoyed all the colorful posts last week. Egidio’s challenge put us in a wonderful and complimentary world. I also look forward to seeing your dogs and cats. When you respond, please link to Tina’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Until next week, live in gratitude and be resilient!

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 · 101 Comments

Lens-Artists Challenge #331: Resilience

Help, I’m in a deep rabbit hole—again! I was trying to find a simple definition of resilience for you, but I got into an environmental and scientific discussion on the subject. The simplest definition I could find: Resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity. It’s the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences.

Are you resilient? I’ve made this my intention for 2025. I think we will need it as we face a troubled world, especially here in the U. S. To me, resilience is the ability to make your way through adversity, finding happiness along the way.

How does that apply to photography. As photographers, we find resilience in nature and interpretate it in our photos.

Mountains in Lassen National Park can be 27,000 years old. More recent volcanic activity has created changes in the ecosystems in the park. Some haven’t changed in those years. They are resilient.

Another natural example are our trees. The General Sherman Sequoia tree in Sequioa National Park is 2,200–2,700 years old. It’s still growing taller and wider. Yes, resilience.

And what about those plants, given a small amount of dirt, that seem to push through rock and survive.

We can also photograph metal. I love to photograph metal when it ages and becomes rusty. Metal is strong and resilient, used in gates, trains, cars and more.

People are resilient also. Just ask any mother about resiliency!

Families show resilience through traditions carried through generations, like Christmas and Chanukah.

History teaches us about resilience. Wars, natural disasters, rising out of poverty, and more. Although horrific to some, in 1846 the Donner party showed survival resilience. Their story is told at the Donner Memorial State Park, and nearby Donner Lake is named in their honor. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503

The current fire storms in Southern California are testing people’s resilience. People have died, more are displaced and homes are gone. When the fires are out, residents will have to muster up more resilience as they rebuild their lives.

My challenge for you this week is to find how your photographs portray resilience. How do they speak to you?

We had a lot of fun in last week’s challenge, Favorite Images of 2024, and I enjoyed seeing and reading about your selections. Thank you John! As you respond to this challenge, please link to this post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I do want to see all your resilient images. Next week, Ritva will lead our third challenge of the year. Be sure to look for her post. In the meantime stay healthy and live in gratitude.