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 · 32 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #327 : Five Elements

It’s back to school time, but this time we are learning about the basic elements of fire, metal, water, earth and wood. No, don’t open your chemistry books. Sofia wants us to delve into our archives and find these elements in photography.

Earth. It all starts with earth. From earth we get life in one form or another. As our planet rotates, we get sunsets and moonrises.

The earth also gives us wildflowers and beautiful green areas.

Wood. Trees grow from the earth.

From trees, we get logs. Once milled, we then get wood for buildings.

Water. Our earth needs water to grow the trees. Water erodes rocks and boulders over time to widen and create rivers.

It’s also used for human fun and an animal habitat. Be careful not to disturb the animal!

Fire. Here in California we are Leary of the word “fire.” It usually means a destructive wildfire somewhere. But fire also heats us, especially when we sit around a campfire.

Fire is also important in certain industries like in blacksmithing. It is also used in candle lighting, as in this Chanukah celebration.

Metal. Plastic has taken metal’s place in many areas, but just try to create a glass blown beauty without a metal oven!

The grate on an old steam engine has been replaced along with the steam engine, but there will always be a metal drippy faucet.

One thing Sofia’s challenge has shown me is that we need to take care of our environment. These elements are necessary for us to maintain and improve our world. When you post your response, please link to Sofia’s challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag.

I smiled a lot with all your posts last week. John is up for his challenge next week. Be sure to look for his post. In the meantime stay safe and live in gratitude.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 25 Comments

When the temperature rises: Pottery World

When it’s steaming outside, we go inside to take photographs. Most stores don’t mind. One such store is Pottery World in Rocklin. We look for a store that has an array of subject to photograph, and recently we went to Pottery World.

Here are some examples of what we found.

I like to go in close and sometimes crop even further. I’m looking forward to October when we can stay outside longer! It’s been a hot summer!

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 25 Comments

New England Trip: Luray Caverns

There’s so much to see in Luray, Virginia, beginning with Luray Caverns. I have visited many caverns and caves, but this was the largest. It was long and winding; not like others where you traversed down narrow steps to the bottom. And, of course you had to climb back up. These caverns were more or less level, walkable and well lit.

I was amazed by the colors and water features. In some cases, you could see the water dropping from the stalactites. There were audio tours available, but we just started out on our own. There was so much to experience and photograph.

Here are some of my favorite images.

The caverns were the stars of the show that also included a museum, a Garden Maze, Shenandoah Heritage Village, Toy Town Junction and a Rope Adventure Park. We did go into the Heritage Village and Toy Town since it was included with the cavern price. The other attractions were at an additional cost. You could spend some serious money there, especially if you have children.

By the time we got back to the condo, all us seniors were weary and ready for a relaxing evening. Our next stop is Staunton and Lexington, VA.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

U.C. Davis Arboretum

Some of us learn our lessons in a difficult way. I’m one of those people which is why I named this blog Slow Shutter Speed!

Yesterday, my friend Jean and I went to the U.C. Davis Arboretum. Fortunately we went at the golden hour before sunset because in winter the arboretum is stripped of its colorful beauty. However, the position of the sun and the still water, gave us beautiful shadows and reflections.

I brought along my two cameras and new sling. However, at the last minute, I decided not to hook on the D3100 and a telephoto lens. The last time I was at a photo shoot here, there were no birds–nothing really to shoot with a long lens. Mistake! Of course there were three birds and a hang glider!!

By the way, the sling was so comfortable; there was no need to switch it to the other shoulder. I’m also slow at learning the D7100. Things keep coming up, but the David Bush book I ordered should be coming today. He is so much easier to understand than the manual. I am becoming comfortable with the camera and the extra 1/2 pound weight doesn’t seem to bother me.

Now, back to the Arboretum which borders a creek. It’s an easy walk, and plants are along side the road. Even in winter, it’s a pleasant place to visit. In fact, we passed bicyclists, runners, dog walkers, drummers, and folks just conversing. I plan on visiting again in the spring, maybe in the early hours to catch the sunrise glow. Oh, yes, I’ll be carrying both cameras. By then I hope I’m a pro with the D7100.

Some of my images are in the gallery.