pirate festival – Slow Shutter Speed

I’m reluctant to start this post with a negative; but I really don’t like crowds. However when it comes to festivals and fairs, my camera insists on taking me to them. And, I go willing. Such is the power of photography!

This week Ann-Christine is asking us to show some of the celebrations we’ve enjoyed.

I loved the Sacramento Music Festival, in Old Sacramento, each year. We used to work the youth gig. I was always amazed at the talent of our youth. Of course, we had our adult favorites too. Each festival started with a parade down Front Street. Unfortunately we no longer have this festival, but I do have pictures and memories.

And there’s always something to photograph at small town county fairs.

One year my friend Linda found us a Pirate Festival to explore. These pirates played the part!

A nighttime carnival is something I really enjoy. We have an old shopping center that used to host a small carnival once a year. Now that they’ve decided to tear it down, we’ve lost that fun opportunity. You know how I enjoy slowing down my shutter!

Ann-Christine also mentioned markets. Not only do farmers’ markets have delicious produce, but they provide excellent photo opportunities.

Actually, I do have fun at these festivals. With camera in hand, the crowds don’t seem to bother me. Sometimes people will move when they see me taking a picture. I guess crowds aren’t all that bad.

Thanks Ann-Christine, I enjoyed reliving these fun times. Please remember to link your post to Ann-Christine’s and use the lens-artists tag. I also enjoyed seeing everyone’s lines and patterns posted for John’s challenge last week. Sofia will be challenging us next week so look for her post.

In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude.

What would life be like for us if we were young again? I’m not sure I’d want to be young in this crazy, unstable world of ours. But when I see the world through a child’s face and it’s joy and innocence, I’m hopeful. Tina’s challenge is for us to be young again through children, human and animal, we have photographed.

I’m hesitant to photograph children I don’t know, and usually ask a parent for permission. However, sometimes there’s no way to ask. As in this photo. A child strapped in on a high swing having a great time. What joy.

I did ask for permission when I saw this gorgeous red hair. The girl turned around as her mother said yes and gave me a big smile. I bet I wasn’t the first person with a camera to ask permission.

Parades are very public and a great place to photograph participants.

Even the kids were enjoying this pirate festival.

And now for a diva in the making.

Being a zoo member, I’ve seen many animal moms have babies (not literally). They are precious. Here are some.

**Baby flamingo making a first appearance.**

More animals: Swans and cygnets; Geese and goslings.

There’s a certain joy when you are in the company of children–human or animal. For me there’s three levels of childhood flooding my memories: my childhood, my children and my grandchildren. And let’s not forget the puppies that have brought joy into our household. Yes, we seniors have wonderful memories bringing us joy. Thank you Tina for challenging us with this wonderful topic. When you post your youthful images, please link to Tina’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week Egidio had us all listening to and singing our favorite tunes. I enjoyed reading about and listening to your selections. Next week Patti is challenging us, 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.

Slow Shutter Speed

Tag: pirate festival

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