Tag: California Poppy

Lens-Artist Challenge #285 Warm Colors

For this week’s challenge, Egidio invites me to look at my photos showing how warm colors appear in my world and their emotional significance to me.

California is taking a beating this week. Last night with no power I sat in the dark, listening to the wind, unplugging all electronics, and leaving on one light. I awoke to stillness. The electricity was restored. The skies still threaten, but the color is returning in the house.

Great challenge for the week, warm colors. Color Photography was one of the best, and most demanding classes I attended.

The warm color of food

The first Valentine’s Day I made my boyfriend (now husband of 53 years) a strawberry shortcake!
Oranges of warm colors

Flowers

Warm colors of nature

Pine Cone
Horse Chestnut
Dragon Fly with golden wings

Sunrise/Sunset

Sedona Sunrise
Sedona Sunrise
Sedona Sunrise
Maui Sunset
Folsom Lake
Sailor Bar in Fair Oaks
Sacramento River
Mono Lake at Sunrise

Abstractions created by color

Can you guess what I found?

Warm objects are seen here and there

Cork from a New Year’s past

Looking back at my collection of photographs is my best reason for participating in these challenges. I see forgotten images and the photographic journey I am on.

Just as I was about to post, our electricity went out again. Found emergency candles, and we ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. All is back to normal. So without further ado, I will post.

Lens-Artists Challenge #244 Glowing Moments

Siobhan from Bend Branches created this challenge. “What glowing moments have been special in your life?”

I looked up the definition of “Glow” and found that I was looking through my library and paying attention to lighting.

Flowers

Lighting from the back is my way of capturing flower power.

Tulips and daffodils are a sign of spring.

Backlit pink tulips, and a narrow depth of field soft daffodils
Beautiful rose
Captured this flower in high-key lighting
This little beetle found its way on a California Poppy

Sunrise and Sunset always emit a glow

Sedona, Arizona offers a great opportunity to capture sunrise and sunsets. In August, it is best to get up early for sunrise, take an midday nap, and watch the sun go down. Plan to eat a later dinner.

Water glowing

Dewdrops on a spiderweb
Swimmers splashing in the golden hour
Slow shutter speed captures a water glow of a fountain

Painting with light

Does this doll conjure up a movie?
Playing with glow stick and flashlight as I paint with light

Slowing down the shutter speed can make for some interesting effects.

Tunnel lights
I have so much fun being a passenger

Thank you for taking the time to view my idea of glowing moments. Enjoy your own glowing moments, stay safe, and be kind!

Lens-Artists Challenge #241 Spring

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.

The Crystal Hermitage Gardens bloom with tulips.

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.

What do you like about the upcoming season?

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #221 Flower Favorites – and Why?

This week Ann-Christine (Leya – To see a world in a grain of sand) hopes I will bring some colorful joy to us all. She would like a story to go with them. I have plenty of flowers in my photo library. I have a garden, but between lack of time, heat, and a puppy I don’t have many flowers. I love to visit and appreciate the efforts put in by others.

This is my unexpected flowering succulent. An ice plant relative.

Following the annual cycle of blooms, I visited Daffodil Hill in the spring. Over the years it’s popularity grew and overwhelmed this rural setting, and the privately owned ranch closed.

Daffodil Hill provided the backdrop for this photo with some visiting guide dogs in training.

Years ago I went with a friend on a cloudy, misty weekday. Few visitors that day.

So many varieties have been planted over the years. I miss this place.
A peaceful place., until word got out.
Spring and tulips go together.
The Hermitage Gardens in Grass Valley never disappoints!

With friends we go out searching, and come across many beautiful flowers as a bonus!

Mustard flowers bloom among the grape vines in Napa Valley
Sunflowers, zinnias, lotus, irises thistle and cactus flowers found on many outings around Northern California
A sea of flowers cover this hill
Love my California Poppies

Finding pollinators among the flowers is always a fun photograph.

Going to the California coast I love the different flowers I find.

Coastal wild flowers
Pride of Madeira

Botanical Garden and local nurseries display flowers of the area.

As you can see I love love being out finding flowers. My macro lens often brings a breeze, so not many macro shots. My gear now is Fuji xt4. I used my Nikon D7100 for my earlier shots. Now even my iPhone 13 pro gets some use.
i hope these flowers brought some beauty into your day, Any particular flower or image caught your attention?

Oh I forgot to say what flower is my favorite! I don’t have one. I am just not a real fan of cut flowers. I don’t like when they fade.