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!
We finally decided to get out of town – an anniversary getaway (our 52nd one). We aren’t very creative when we plan our trips. The ocean calls, and Pacific Grove answers. But this time we decided to try a Half Moon Bay. I decided to change it up by staying in a small bed & breakfast inn called Nantucket Whale Inn.
I made the decision that I would also take time away from Moxie. Not an easy decision for she has never been away from me overnight in her life. I probably was more concerned. I contacted Carly, confirmed our dates and I was committed. Carly has been Moxie’s trainer, and I used to leave my Libby there many years ago. I drove up to Shingle Springs the day before we left, and heard from Carly that she was doing well.
Gas up the car at Costco – around $5.50/gallon. Vacation begins when I get home and I have no dog responsibilities. So where do we go to grab a bite to eat at McDonald’s? Ok bags are packed, and off we go the next morning at 8:00 a.m.
My first stop is Richmond. I get to see my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. We decide to go for brunch only to find out UC Berkeley is filled with graduates and families. We pick another spot, Tomate Cafe, a bit off the beaten path. Good to be guided by two Berkeley grads.
The Frankels
Then off to Half Moon Bay.
Crossing the San Francisco Bay Bridge
Traffic was light. We stopped at the Taco Bell Cantina in Pacifica. I have never been to fast food that had a fireplace. The location is right on Pacifica Beach.
We arrive in Pacifica
Looks like a class in surfboarding
Golden Retriever on the beach. Maybe next time Moxie!
The traffic was light until we reached Devil’s Slide Tunnel. I didn’t know the name of the tunnel when we were going through it. What concerned me was the information written telling how far into the tunnel we were and how far till the other side.
But eventually, we saw the light
It felt good to reach the coast. Being near the ocean relaxes me. It is not that I ever grabbed a surfboard, or that I would now lay on the sand to get that perfect tan. Watching the waves, hearing the sound, and smelling the salty air are good enough for me.
I can almost hear the roar.
Arriving at our destination I was pleased that with a simple call to Sandra we entered the Inn and found our room.
Nantucket Whale Inn
The room was nicely decorated.
Coming down to the common area we met a fellow traveler from Great Britain, and quickly we got into an interesting conversation. Heather is taking about 4 weeks to casually travel around the United States. She had just come from New Orleans, and Austin, Texas. Half Moon Bay was her first stop in California. The next morning we continued our conversation, and now became a follower of hers on Instagram.
Can’t pass up dinner at Sam’s Chowder House. We ordered Sam’s Lobster Roll – one dressed, one naked. Paired with a margarita, and a shared dessert of Italian Style Affogato we called it a wonderful meal.
Great view from Sam’s Chowder House
El Granada State Beach
Breakfast berries were served at 8:30 a.m. This was followed by scrambled eggs, bacon and an English muffin. Eggs were overcooked, and it brought back memories of traveling home from college with friends, and the driver specifically asked for a soft scramble, and not getting it. Never forget the emotional outburst. Anyway, back to to our breakfast, we did get to talking to Heather and asked what she called our English muffin. Just muffins. Cookies, biscuits, crumpets.This led us to discuss, The Great British Baking Show,Downton Abbey, and other older British television shows. Heather planned to leave this morning on her continued 2-week journey not exactly sure of her route. Would it be to San Diego? Or Palms Springs? She thought she might stop in Ojai, Ca. I gave her my webpage address, and she shared her Instagram name.
Today we were ready to explore many of the beaches from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay. Usually, there is a lock box to collect the beach parking fees. They had been vandalized, and haven’t been replaced yet. So no fees were being collected.
Quite an interesting, very busy Taco Bell. Serves wine and beer, with a view!
Red winged black birdIce PlantPacifica Beach
Inside Taco Bell Cantina
Moss Beach Distillery has a colorful history due to its location and prohibition.
View from Moss Beach Distillery
I was climbing up this bluff when I ended up on the ground. Right in front of these lifeguards. One of those embaressing moments. Knee skinned, camera safe. Pride, oh well.
These Lifeguards were getting ready for a helicopter to land and practice a rescue.
My pareidolia takes over. What do you see?
San Gregorio Lagoon
Continuing south we stop at Pomponio State Beach. This beach has some impressive sandstone cliffs
I love the shadow face created by the cliff. Do you see it too? Glad the sun was out.
Sandy beachIce plantRocks, shells, fossils make up the cliffYellow Bush LupinesPomponio State Beach
We lucked out with the sunny yet cool weather on our second day at Half Moon Bay. We found a “hole in the wall” kebab place and enjoyed a casual, but satisfying meal. Topped it off with some Baskin-Robbins. I will save our last day for my next post. Stay tuned.
This week, Patti asks me to explore the interplay of light and shadow–at different times of the day, in different seasons, under natural light, in artificial light. She encouraged me to choose whatever conditions I like. I will look at processing some images in black & white.
My film days started at age nine. I had all my photos printed in black & white. In my twenties I started using Kodachrome. My catalog is filled with silhouettes, shadow designs, and backlit images.
Photographers are often left out of family photos. When I realized this I started taking shadow selfies just to show that I was there.
Fall in the Sierras. The grass is all dried up!
The long shadows indicate that I am shooting a field of sunflowers in the afternoon. The sunflowers are saying goodnight.
On the beach in Maui!
Eventually, I started having friends join me.
Long shadows help those who are height challenged.
A happy greeting!
What’s going on? Looks like I have an unexpected guest.
You can see this in the design subject created by shadows.
Green Acres NurseryRough and Ready, CaCrystal Hermitage GardenNew York City street. What do you see?Shadows are the subject
Am I going up or down?
More shadow images
Afternoon swim practice
Light dancing through the fountain
A story told in the silhouette I captured in the park
My nature images are often backlit
Bridgeport Landscape in Monochrome
Bodie Hotel in Monochrome
What kind of creature can be found in the woods?
Does the creature appear more ominous here in black & white?
Has the creature followed me to the vineyard?
These photo challenges allow me to take another look at the images I have captured over the years. I hope you enjoyed the journey in Light and Shadows.
A Photo's Worth 