This week’s challenge by Soffia of Photographias, “may look at first a hard one but, in reality, symmetry is everywhere. It’s also not as static a concept as it may seem. Why is symmetry important as a composition tool in photography? It creates strong and balanced images, affecting the way we feel the subject. Our eyes find symmetry harmonious and pleasing.”
After I retired from teaching/librarianship I focused on my photography, and enrolled in many community college classes. There, the role of symmetry was not encouraged. During photo critiques, if a subject was “dead” center, it was pretty much dismissed. I know that there are exceptions to every rule, but I must have taken this one to heart. I had to take a hard look at my collection of photographs to come up with these.
Architecture
Looking Up @ the California Capital in Sacramento
Looking Up @ the Woodland Opera House
Parking Garage at the Phoenix Airport
Green Doors
West Palm BeachLas VegasOld SacramentoOld Sacramento, Ca.
Looking Up
Landscape
Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park
Beautiful Sedona @ River Rock Crossing
Donner Lake
Animals
Turtles along the edge at UC Davis Arboretum
Reflections
Kitchen Symmetry
Taken at Black Miner Bar on the American River
Empire Mine in Grass Valley
Abstracts & Decorations
Symmetrical Pareidolia
Ornamental Parts
I hope you like my photo selections that may have received some critique in my photography classes. I’ll await your decision.
Maybe, it’s good to look at some symmetry as the world spins in its chaos! Stay safe, and take time to breathe!
This week Sophia invited me to show you what Spring means to me. Is it about new beginnings, nature reborn, or a new chance to go and enjoy the outdoors? When I think of spring in Sacramento, I think of saturated colors. After our years of drought, California has seen generous dowsing of rainfall. Many of our old oak trees have been taken down because their shriveled roots could not hold up the tree. They are calling these rains “atmospheric rivers”. I say, everything in moderation. Nature is not listening to me.
First – Almond blossoms
Daffodils show up next
This usually got us going up to Daffodil Hill. But the crowds overcame the little town of Volcano, and the local farmer closed his farm to visitors. I remember times in the past when there were few visitors during the week. Too bad.
Located in Nevada City, and this year tickets need to be purchased before the visit. This will limit visitors, and make the visit more tranquil.
This year the rainy season has created many changes. But soon the wildflowers will be on full display. Among my favorites are the Californian Poppies.
Full disclosure here – none of these photographs were taken this year. Plans to visit Ananda and the Crystal Hermitage Garden will happen in April. I missed the almond blossoms with all the rain we have been blessed with. My own plants are also waiting for things to dry up. Maybe in a couple of weeks.
When I sit outside with my coffee, and Moxie suns herself I hear many birds, That is enjoyable. But not something that my camera captures.
Anne challenges me to take a lens for a walk. Yes, choose a lens and walk. You can also use your cell phone or point-and-shoot camera and see what you can do with it. Another trick when using a zoom lens is to pick an aperture and stay with it. I accept this challenge.
My photography friends and I headed out of town Sunday. Our destination – Vacaville. I brought along my Fuji xt4 with my 18-55mm lens and my iPhone 13 pro. In my first group of photographs, I kept my aperture set at f 8.
Aperture f 8
This sign probably wouldn’t help muchGetting ready for more springlike weatherPeeking
Lone Lady Bug
Most Used Focal Length
Most used focal length surprised me – 18mm.
Meet Xinea
Two Cameras
iPhone 13 proFuji xt4 Which do you prefer?
Taken with iPhone 13 max
Wren’s Cafe in Vacaville
So ends my photographic look on my one lens walk. Looking forward to continued sunshine this coming week, at least. Gives the gardens and dog parks time to dry out. My Moxie wants to run and play outdoors.
Patti invites me to join her this week as I explore diagonals as a way to add visual interest and depth to my photos, and a sense of action. What diagonals can you find? A line of trees or stones, a series of lights or signs, tree branches or a row of hedges, or cupcakes in a bakery window?
Looking at my library of photographs, I see that “Leading Lines” pretty much tops my composition style. So with over 400 images classified as diagonals and leading lines, I decided to first process photographs I took recently in Indianapolis where we visited family.
Trip to Indianapolis
With no direct flight from Sacramento, I had time to photographically explore the Phoenix Airport
Waiting to take off on the second leg of our trip
Looking Up
We stayed in Plainfield, Indiana at the Courtyard by Marriott. This large building crane next door helped us locate our hotel.
Building another hotel next door
Firepit outside our hotel
For me, Newfields is the best of both worlds. “A Place for Nature & the Arts.” Walking through the museum the display of colors caught my attention.
This is a wonderful little museum that engages both the young and old to really see and understand concepts of art. With the use of fun activities (puzzles to recreate paintings, beading activities) it engages the viewer.
My first image is from a day trip to Lake Berryessa, Ca. This is the largest man-made lake in California. The “Glory Hole” attracts many photographers. I wonder if it will make its appearance this year. We have been experiencing some rain lately. California certainly needs it!
I hope this post gives you a new slant on viewing the world around you.
A Photo's Worth 