Posted on by Anne Sandler · 12 Comments

The Biggest of all Steam Locomotives: Union Pacific Big Boy

I’m not a train buff, especially in triple digit temperatures, but our friend Ken is. So when Union Pacific brought the “Big Boy” to the Roseville switch yard as one of the stops on their tour, Ken and his wife Sandy came up from Tuolumne to see it and we joined joined them.

You can read more about this train on the Union Pacific’s website.

The information from the City of Roseville states:

No. 4014 is the only Big Boy in operation today. Weighing in at 1.1 million pounds, it was restored in 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion. Twenty-five Big Boy locomotives were built for Union Pacific to haul heavy freight during World War II, but only eight still exist. The other seven are on display around the United States.

The exhibit opened at 9 a.m. and we got there at 9:30 a.m. The temperatures we already in the 90 degrees F. While we were there, we entered the triple digit zone. I will say that they were prepared–not only for the crowd, but to keep us hydrated. They had buckets of bottled water on ice free for the taking. They also urged us to drink.

I think I could have tolerated the temperatures if it weren’t for the crowd. However, everyone was nice and tried their best to help others. I didn’t walk to the museum car which was halfway down the long train. We did stay for the Q&A session handled by the train’s crew.

In answer to a question about the temperatures in the locomotive, one crew member said it was about 140 degrees F. They kept sort of cool by putting ice packs down their backs and around their necks.

We left after the Q&A. It was just too hot. When you’re in your 80s extreme temperatures are difficult. Walking back to our car, we sat in the shade at Roseville’s Vernon Street Town Square where children were cooling off in the fountains of water. I was tempted!

Even though I didn’t take full advantage of the visit, I’m glad I went. I saw a bit of history and can only imagine the Big Boy riding the tracks back then. I don’t think that crew realized the history they were making and the importance of their part in it.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 18 Comments

Dry Creek Isn’t

Crazy title, right! But it’s true. Dry Creek in Roseville has an abundance of water because of all the rain we’ve had this winter. This lovely creek is next to a community park, and sees lots of kids enjoying a summer swim.

However, when Ray and I went there yesterday, there were downed trees and broken limbs all over the shoreline. I’m thinking they will have to do some cleanup before the summer heat hits so the kids will be safe.

Here are some pictures of our short outing.

I enjoyed the short time at the creek and the sunshine. We’re supposed to get more rain tonight and tomorrow. I read in the newspaper that our snow level is way above normal which is a good sign for a long ski season and the summer. Take care everyone!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 24 Comments

When it rains it’s off to the: Antique Trove

It’s been raining in California since late December. At first it was welcomed in this normally dry state, but now in February, with two atmospheric rivers passing through, we need a break. We photographers need some sunshine or at least a cloudy day!

Here’s a photo taken this week of the little creek in my neighborhood. It just about crested after one of the storms. Don’t worry it flows into the American River. But this happened overnight! The next day it was at normal flow.

Needing to take our cameras for a walk, we visited our indoor favorite, the Antique Trove in Roseville. There’s always something new to photograph. This time I decided to give myself a macro lens challenge. I photographed everything up close. I did have fun.

Here’s a sample.

We had a respite yesterday with just clouds. That was great. Sun would be even better!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 45 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #270: On Display

Sometimes I think life itself is on display. Just take a walk there are displays all around: stores, museums, parks, businesses and, of course, people. Even the shy people are on display as they try to minimize their presence. I know this because I’m shy. At least I am until I get to know you and you know me.

But what other things are on display? Ann-Christine asks us to post displays of all sorts that we’ve found.

Gardens are a great place to find displays. The California State Capitol World Peace Garden and Rose Garden is a wonderful place for finding displays. There you’ll find many sculptures that commemorate the soldiers of the Vietnam War. There are sculptures dedicated to first responders also. This part of the garden is right near the State Capitol Building. If you walk down to the other end of the long block, you’ll find the Capitol Rose Garden. You know I can’t leave without doing some macro shots of flowers.

Let’s travel south to the Delta area and the small town of Isleton. One weekend the town hosted hosted an Asian festival, keeping true to its Asian roots, that featured dancing dragons and Taiko Drummers. We had a lot of fun watching the live displays that delighted everyone.

Coming back up to Sacramento County and the town of Roseville, you’ll find murals and a large sculpture of a train welcoming you to the downtown district. Roseville’s history is linked with the railroad, but it has grown to be a large corporate business area.

There are many farmer’s markets in the area, offering displays of colorful vegetables and fruits.

Can I do a post on displays without mentioning the Sacramento Zoo? Nope! For me, the zoo is a way to learn more about the animals and their habits. The more I learn, the better I can photograph them. Right now the flamingos and the two black crowned cranes are out of their exhibit to protect them from the bird flu. The zoo staff is careful to keep the animals out of danger, but I miss watching them.

Every December there are displays of Christmas lights. We usually go out at least one night to capture the fun and beauty. Here’s a scene as the home’s owners set their display. And, of course, I had to do some zooming!

I can’t end this post without a fireworks display. These were taken around the Tower Bridge.

Through my brief tour, you can see that there are displays all around you. All you have to do is stop, look and interpret its meaning. Thank you Ann-Christine for inviting us to take this journey. Please remember to link to Ann-Christine’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag when you do your challenge post.

Last week, we were all on the edge thanks to Patti’s edgy challenge. I saw some great and imaginative posts. Next week, Amy is our task master so be sure to look for her post.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Smoke is finally away: Downtown Roseville

Maybe it’s all in my mind, but I think I hear my camera calling to me. It’s saying, “Take me out! Use me!” But because of all the wildfires in California, the air has been too smoky to go out. But I did get out with my camera at the end of August to shoot murals in downtown Roseville.

Downtown Roseville is mainly Vernon Street and the streets surrounding their City Hall and other government buildings. Historic Roseville is nearby. But we went downtown to take pictures of murals. Quite frankly, I didn’t think they compared to the Wide Open Walls creations in Sacramento.

We walked quite a bit that morning just enjoying being out, the sunshine and no smoke. Here are some murals.

I took this wide and then broke it up into two images. You’ll have to click on the images to view them full.

Another wide and close up view.

I thought this one was very creative. Here’s a wide view and close up of her face.

This one was on the wall of a public swimming pool. I loved the colors.

And just one more.

I hope you didn’t think we’d just take photos of murals! Here’s some of the downtown shops.

And now around City Hall. The Round About, a water play area with fountain and the Roseville welcome structure, showing which street goes which way.

I hope you enjoyed your little tour of Downtown Roseville and murals. This Sunday, if the smoke is still gone, we will be taking photos of the Sacramento murals.

Cross your fingers for me. The camera will be unhappy if it can’t get out!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

It’s raining, it’s pouring: Antique Trove, part 2

Yes, it’s still raining here in sunny California. In fact, we are getting atmospheric storms. A woman in Toastmasters this morning told us that her neighbor’s tree ended up in her pool! They are preparing for floods in certain areas that usually flood in rains like this. Discovery Park, a nice picnic area on the American River has been closed off. Many years in the past, those tables were under water!

Today, I was able to walk my dog, Gem, on his usual 2-mile trek. But, as I write this, the rain is coming down.

So, back to the Antique Trove in Roseville. I always bring money in with me when I shoot inside because I mignt find something I can’t live without. It’s also nice to buy something as a way of saying thanks for letting a photography group invade the store. Here are the last of the images I took.

  • Baby owls in metal.
  • Momma owl.
  • Thirsty birds.
  • A flower cart.
  • Wheel.
  • Flying.
  • Camera with a special flash.
  • Bulbs!

  • Nice still life.
  • Baby doll in old stroller.
  • Low angle.
  • Motherly love.
  • I should have posted this yesterday!
  • Old record player.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Shooting inside: Antique Trove, part 1

If the weather is forcing you to shoot inside, try an antique store. The bigger the store, the better. One thing: always ask permission before you go. The Antique Trove in Roseville is becoming my Tuesday group’s favorite inside place to shoot. It’s huge, has a lot of vendors, and the items change frequently.

We’ve been there twice now and have not been disappointed. Okay, some of us bought things we couldn’t resist. The plaques I purchased are now hanging with my photos in the kitchen dinnette area.

I do have a problem though, I don’t like clutter and price tags. So, I tend to do closeups with a short depth of field. I look for lines, texture and items that tend to tell a story. I also don’t like to use a high ISO, but I do what’s needed. Stores don’t take kindly to tripods! Fortunately, I have a 2.8, 17 to 70 Sigma lens expecially made for crop sensor cameras. It typically gives me enough light. Flash photography is not allowed.

During our first visit in January, I didn’t find much to shoot. Maybe I was having an off day and didn’t find items that inspired me. However, last week was a different story. With our outing three weeks apart, the stock in the vendor stalls had changed and, since it wasn’t raining at the moment, the back outside stalls were open.

Because I have edited photos from two visits, this will be a two-part post. There will be more images from last week’s shoot. So here we go. Enjoy my take on the Antique Trove.

  • Texture, rust and message.
  • This vendor loved light.
  • This was some sort of harp.
  • Lines and more lines layered.
  • The windmill and open slats provided lines and circles.

  • This was painte on wood.

  • Who could resist a nice shell.
  • More lines and a circle.
  • Sky.
  • I was intrigued by the little treasures inside.
  • Baby owls.
  • Momma owl.
  • Old books.
  • I love neon.
Posted on by Anne Sandler · 4 Comments

Operating on slow shutter speed: Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights and Old Roseville

Slow Shutter Speed, that’s the name of this blog. Why? When I began this passion, I was overwhelmed with all of it. I had a feeling that this was going to be a long journey and thought that name was fitting. Of course now, it has another meaning for me: using slow shutter speed to blur objects, create abstracts and to shoot at night.

I love shooting lights at night, playing with the zoom and blurring the motion of whatever I’m shooting. So, when I heard there was a small carnival at a local mall, I took my camera and tripod down there. I had a blast, especially when people stopped and asked me whether I was from a newspaper or magazine! I’m not ready for that, but it was nice to be asked that question.

Then, a couple of nights later, I went to Old Roseville to shoot the two theaters on Vernon Street. Again, I wanted to capture the marquee and play with the zoom effect.

I’m still learning on “slow shudder speed,” but I feel like I’m not taking snapshots any longer.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 1 Comment

Birthday and practice, practice, practice

Did you ever have those days where what you did was governed by outside forces? Today, I wanted to go photograph the Sandhill Cranes–the very same cranes that have been eluding me. Well, they still are!

Here’s how the day went. With gift cards in hand, I went to Action Camera in Roseville on Friday. Now that I have two cameras, I needed a way to carry them on all-day photo meetups. I’m so glad I was using gift cards because the Yeti Slim that I bought was expensive, but durable and would hold my cameras safely. It was figuring out how the Yeti Slim worked and setting it up that closed the slim window of my being able to go to Galt and photograph the cranes.

But all wasn’t lost. I did go to nearby Dry Creek for practice with the D7100. By the time I left for my practice session it was 3:30 p.m., and a great time to shoot photos. I practiced using different exposures and close ups. The D7100 makes it easy to change the exposure, and now that I understand what the sub-command dial does, shooting on aperture priority is easy. I’m putting some of these in the gallery.

More important than the practice was my granddaughter Madison’s 19th birthday dinner. We celebrated late, her birthday was in December, because I was in Simi Valley at the time. She’s an amazing young lady and is beautiful inside and out. I don’t have too many images from the dinner to show you, but you’ll get to see all the grandkids.

Tomorrow, we are going to the U.C. Davis Arboretum. I went there with a group last year, and it is a beautiful experience. I just hope the day goes as planned!