Anne-Christine is the host this week. She challenges me to find something surprising in my archive of photographs. She is sure I have something hidden in my archives that once surprised me or filled me with awe… I hope you enjoy my finds this week! And, perhaps the story that goes with it.
This is not an easy challenge, and with all that is going on around me, I need to make some quick decisions. Shall I go with the natural world? Shall I look to look to my collection that tells a story (ie: street photography and candids)? Shall I look at my many photos of household items? Public art? Hmmm?
Decision made. I will combine my collection that tells a story with public art. The 32nd Annual Chalk It Up! Chalk Art & Music Festival this Labor Day Weekend! I have attended this event and these images of the people and their art were taken then. I’m hoping to get down to Fremont Park this very hot weekend.
Chalk it up!
Then there are the artists creating art for sale. I found these artists in Old Sac, the Las Vegas strip, and on San Francisco’s Embarcadero.
This week Sylvia would love for me to share a few appealing or distinctive doorways I have discovered. Do you feel some have more character than others or evoke a particular feeling or mood? Hope you have fun viewing this challenge!
Old Sacramento has many historic doors, While I was enrolled in a Color Photography class at Cosumnes River College my professor gave us an unusual assignment. I was given an adjective., a noun, and a verb. My three words were Flaming door expanding. So off to Old Sacramento in search of a good door.
Flaming door expanding!
I have always looked for unusual doors. Some tell a historical story, some make a statement, some are inviting, some provide a different message, and some provide a frame for a photo,
Fire House Door established in 1853.
Port Richmond, California.
Half Moon Bay Review established in 1898.
Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.
Orange’s First Bank established in 1886
Orange County Fruit Exchange – Sunkist established in 1922. A landmark building in Orange, Ca
Doors, and more doors at the winery.
Niles, California
I wonder what was taking place behind closed doors?
Half Moon Bay decorated in the Halloween spirit!
Sending mixed messages.
Entering a wine celler creates a nice frame.
Looking through a doorway in Bodie, Ca.
This is just a small sample of doors and doorways that I come across when I am out with my camera. But the best door I enjoy opening up is the one I call home. My dog Moxie (14 months) agrees! Here she is after her spa day at Sunflower Pet Salon.
Sofia’s challenge is called Minimalism/Maximalism. It could also be Simplicity/Complexity or Sparce/Full. It’s up to me to show how I approach this challenge. I’ll have to think about this as I look over my library of photographs.
Life during the pandemic gave me time to think. Since I was home, as many of you were, I had time to look around my house. The idea of ‘Decluttering” and “Reimagining” space in our homes found its way into the media. Television, podcasts, and how to books popped up. I think I vacillate between the two. When I have my cleaning staff come to may house, I put away many things on my counters. The house is cleaned, and when I look around I have some satisfaction. But I still need some eye candy. On my new kitchen counter I place a Nixplay Frame. In the morning I turn it on, and throughout the day I am reminded of times in my life. l love my frame, and I am constantly adding new photographs. I also have some kind of silk flower arrangement, and two plants that require little water. Anything else makes my kitchen feel cluttered.
I ebb and flow between straightening out things, and letting life happen. But then the sentimental side shows up. I enjoy having things around that bring back good memories. Some items came from my parents house from when I was younger. Other items were given to me, and I remember the occasion. And other objects just seem to fit in a particular space.
My photography finds new ways to grow. Looking over my library I discovered that the coast is a great place to create minimalist photographs.
Taken on Florida’s beaches with my Nikon D70, my first dslr
Seagull enjoying SF sourdoughLone remaining leafHangin’ OutFishermen All alone
Simple structure at Pt.Reyes
Seagull joins the family on the beach.
Many of my photographs have a busy quality. One teacher criticized me for this. I just say that it is my artistic preference. Sometimes I like to let my eye wander.
Taken on a photo shoot to Bodie, Ca. with my class. This is an example of “arrested decay”.
More from a town frozen in time, Bodie, Ca.
In the following photographs I like to look for familiar things within. Pareidolia used to be seen as a mental illness, but now is considered normal creative thinking.
With Three of a Kind, Anne Christine wants me to think about things related to my main photo – maybe a book, a flower, a room, a piece of art… Almost anything will fit in here – I could make my three images tell a story too! Simply put: My post should have three separate images that are somehow related. (Another option is splitting one photo into three parts.)
Walking along the shore
Driving south from Half Moon Bay we drive into Pescadero. We visit Arcangeli Grocery Co. Norms Market. This original cash register reminded me of the one I first used at Food Fair in 1966.
Strolling down the isle.Downtown Pescadero
Let’s go surfing now, everybody’s learning how…
What is the message?
Half Moon Bay Feed and Fuel – Home of San Mateo County Farm Supply. Found along Main Street this certainly catches everyone’s attention. “The Best Place in Town to Pick Up Chicks”
Dinner at It’s Italia on Main Street in Half Moon Bay. “
Setting sun seen through the window.
Fantastico!” “Generous Spirit”, followed by Pesto & Proschiutto Flatbread, and finished with Key Lime Pie. By the way, I am looking for a good recipe for Key Lime Pie. Cam anyone help?
So this ends my quick trip anniversary trip to Half Moon Bay!
A Photo's Worth 