I want to address a question I was recently asked. After I retired from teaching I enrolled in Photography classes at the local community colleges. Then, I found a fun group of retirees to put my learning into practice. Are these class assignments? No. Lens-Artist Photographers create these challenges weekly. This small group of talented photographers from around the world creates interesting assignments to share. These challenges allow me to revisit and share my images. If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.
Back to this week’s challenge.
Anne asks the question, “Is monochrome black and white? Is black and white monochrome?”
Monochrome
Monochromatic photographs= photographs of one color variations
Most of my monochrome images are straight from the file with little processing, except for this first one. I added a sepia finish.
Found mortar and pestle in an antique shop in Nevada City.
Mushrooms found at a local farmer’s market
Monochromatic nature
Shades of the same color.
Alligator Lizard finds monochrome useful for camouflage
Dragonfly camouflaged
Fiddletown, CA at the Chinese Apothecary
Black & White
Sometimes I can find black & white naturally, but most of my photographs have been processed in either Adobe Photoshop or Topaz plug-ins.
When processing an image for b&w I look for contrast.
This week Sofia of Photographias invited me to play with primary colours. I can pick one color or show examples of all 3, separately or together. What kind of feelings or moods do any of them instill in my photography, do you actively look for them or enjoy being surprised by the possibilities they present?
Red
Red peppers from the local farmer’s market
One of my favorite berries is the strawberry
Members of the Red Hat Society
Red cars grab my attention especially when they are vintage automobiles.
My challenge this week is to share images featuring faces, in a crowd or standing alone, human or animal. Selfies are approved. I look forward to seeing which one of these “Faces in a crowd” speaks to you! Thanks, John from Journeys with Johnbo for providing this forum.
For this challenge, I limited myself to the more formal definition of a portrait.”A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expressions are predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person.” My professor did not accept snapshots or photographs where the person’s eye was not directed at the camera. It took a while before I was comfortable asking a stranger to allow me to take their photograph. I was strolling along the street in Sedona. An artist was working on a sculpture in the front of the shop, and I wanted that image. I passed on the image and talked to my brother. He said, “Let’s get that photograph.” I learned that the worst thing that could happen is to get an answer of “No.”
Sedona artist
Festivals and Parades
It is fun to photograph people dressed up and in a festive mood. The first two images were taken in December 2019 (pre-CoVid) at a Victorian Christmas in Nevada City. The bagpipes were brought out in 2007 for a July 4th parade. I liked the way the little boy was paying attention.
Back when parking was “the” problem attending large gatherings!
Folsom 4th of July Parade
Selfies
One of the problems for photographers is that they are often not included in the picture. This may be the reason some of us pick up a camera. We are more comfortable behind the lens. But then when looking back over time there is no history of our changes. I try and remedy this by looking for reflections.
Environmental Portraits
One type of portrait is Environmental Portraits where the surrounding is essential to the subject. Given this assignment, a friend and I entered a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle store and we asked the employees if they would pose for us. It was easier to do this with a fellow photographer.
The Bird Shop is now located in Roseville. Great employees, experienced staff.
I have been returning to Pacific Grove for over 20 years. We ate at Fishwife and sat near the door. As each customer was leaving, the owner would rush from wherever she was and personally thank the men with a hug. We watched, as some tried to leave quickly, but she was quicker!
My husband and the “Fishwife”
These images were taken in 2005. Sadly, she is no longer there.
Namaste! A local farmer’s market in Carmichael, Ca
I want to thank all the volunteers who help make the experience at the zoo, museum, and visitor center so much more informative. Docents add to the community.
Old Sacramento GuidesRailtown in Jamestown, CaDocent at Sacramento ZooThe Old School House in Old Sac.California Railroad MuseumSutter’s Fort DocentDocent at Hearst CastleModel Art2WearRumsey Post Office WorkerPlein Air artistHwy 1 closed in 2018. Slide ahead! Photo op!
Portraits
Ironwood Winery
ClassmateClassmateClassmateSmugMug MeetupDownieville CaMasked up at Crocker MuseumShe asked me to take her photo!Anne and I visit a farm
Docked in Old Sacramento Trowler and owner pose
2010 Amgen cyclist in Sacramento expresses his feelings.
My husband enjoys a New York hot dog.
And that’s a wrap! Any favorites? Let me know. Come back for more!
This week Amy of The World is a Book, asks me to explore “Framing my Photos”. The purpose of framing a photo is to create a pleasing composition, so we can direct the viewer’s attention to the subject of our photo. I am always on the lookout for different ways to compose my image.
Looking through a fence
Chicken Coop at End of the Road farm
My 7 year old grandson connects with the ball. Go Lucas!
Overlooking the Russian River in Guerneville, Ca.
Peeking through a garden center in Pacific Grove, Ca
Crystal Hermitage Garden overlooking Tahoe National Forest
Red wing black bird eating a berry. Point Reyes, Ca.
Our Sacramento Zoo is protecting birds from Avian Flu so its been a while since they have been available to the public.
Flamingos at the Sacramento Zoo.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, Ca
Sunset over a sunflower field in Yolo County
Architecture
Half Moon Bay Doorway looking in
Sutter’s Fort framed by a window.
New York City 2023
The Oculus in New York City
Hayden PlanetariumView from One World Trade CenterThe MetCentral Park from the American Museum of Natural HistoryViews from New York City March 2023
Always on the lookout for interesting framing
Using a coffee cup to frame my subject
Lahaina
These last images were taken in 2015 on our last trip to Maui. Seeing the images from the devestating fire in Lahaina I returned to look at these images. Some photos fit the theme of framing my photo, and some I just wanted to share. A reminder of all that was lost. As rebuilding takes place I hope that changes will be made to help eliminate another tragedy.
A Photo's Worth 