The answer to that question is everything! In a photography competition, your title tells the judge what story your picture is telling. So, I didn’t know what to expect what I would see in Dead Cat Alley, Woodland, California. Needless to say I was curious. I had been to Woodland several times and never saw this Alley, but there was a write up about it. So intrigued by the name I just had to visit. My friend Diane came with me. Although she’s not a photographer, she was great at spotting the cats.
The alley is three blocks long and is difficult to find. There are ceramic, iron, and painted cats. The write up says to look high and low, and it was right. A lot were on roofs, some on gates and some on fences. A lot of the ceramic cats are getting old and could use some rejuvenation.
But it was fun. We parked and walked the three long blocks back and forth. With eagle eyes pierced for finding the cats. Here’s what we found:
Check out the above link to find out more about this historic alley.
When you’re a suburbanite, driving on various country roads that are labeled County Road __ or __, can be confusing. And you can never count on your GPS to get you there. That’s why I appreciate directions given by the organizers of the Yolo Arts & Ag visits! The visit to the Pollock Farm in Woodland was no exception.
Fortunately, we only had one wrong turn. This farm is 137 acres of olive trees. The owners Lynnel and Herb Pollock have left the original structures dating from 1861 – 1872 to decay at their own pace, giving photographers and artists a wonderful opportunity to capture those times. They live on the property in a 1950s house.
Here’s a glimpse of what we saw.
An artist chatting with a photographer.
I love how carefully the wood is chopped and stored in this last photo. Might we expect a cold winter? That would be great!
You don’t tell a type “A” wanna be “B” person that they will be walking and driving after three days. On day four after surgery on my right foot’s big toe joint, I was already frustrated. The truth was, I didn’t truly walk or drive until a week after the September 8th surgery, and I’m still having trouble doing both today–October 1st.
Both Gem and I are yearning for a nice walk. And, I’m yearning to get out and shoot. Thank heavens I have wonderful friends who understand my limitations and help feed my soul. I’m able to driving shoots. We go to towns, park, shoot, get back in the car, drive, park and shoot. Even at that, I get tired and wait in the car. I know I’m whining. But, I believe I’m entitled to!
It has affected my images also. I try to concentrate, but have a difficult time doing so. With this in mind, Marlene and I went to Woodland for a short visit. We were out about three hours, including lunch, and found enough to shoot in that small town. It’s Yolo County’s seat and has some fun stores and a beautiful old Courthouse which is now closed. We will go back, because there was more to photograph and it is close to Sacramento. Maybe by then I won’t need to whine about foot surgery. I may also have made the transformation to a type “B” person!
A gazebo in a small park. I processed this in black and white.
Here’s the same gazebo in color.
The front of the old courthouse. I’m hoping they make it into a museum. I hear the inside is beautiful.
One of the statues that are on the top over the doorway.
The new courthouse. It is beautiful also. I like the front design.
Another perspective.
And more. I used my ultra wide lens for these shots.
An old drug store.
Outside eating tables.
A small table outside another eatery.
I just liked this old carriage.
We hit photographic meca when we walked into this surfboard shop.
The colors were enticing.
I liked the reflections in these glasses.
This was shot through a window of a music store. A person was repairing some of the instruments.
We are now in an antique store. I liked this old puppet.
I shoot so many old cars and trucks. Why not toys!
Slow Shutter Speed 