This week, Patti of P.A. Moed asks me to focus on telling a story with my photos. “Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we can convey a story in one image; other times we need several. For this challenge, we’ll set a limit of 5 photos per story.” People-watching is a favorite pastime for me. I do not eavesdrop; instead, I try to imagine what is happening and capture the emotions.
Festivals and Events
Renaissance Fayre
Father and son act at the Renaissance Fayre
Amgen Cyclist – thoughts?
Amgen Tour of California. How would you caption this?
Summer is heating up here in Sacramento. We are alerted that a heat wave is approaching. Years ago, my grandchildren joined a swim team. That meant all-day swim meets on Saturday. I had my camera ready for action.
What is this swimmer thinking?
Such enthusiasm
Pep TalkCheeringCongratulations
Summer = Watermelon
Helping hand
Getting directions at the American Museum of Natural History
Lost visitor
Father and son. What’s the story?
Teaching
Many docents can be found at the zoo or museums. They provide valuable teachings to the community. Thank you.
Explaining tools at a Big Truck event in Roseville
Spining explained
Creative Energy
Berkeley Kite FestivalChanukah CelebrationFolsom 4th of July ParadeSpray paint art on the Embarcadero. This artist was less than friendly.Chalk it Up is held once a year in John C Fremont Park
Caught in the Act
Fisherman’s Wharf in San Fransisco provides plenty of photo opportunities for people-watching. I captured this local character as he counted his earnings.
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’s guest contributor Solander challenges me to see my interpretation of summer vibes. He wants me to make you envy and wish to be with me while I enjoy my summer and my favorite summer activities! I will share my summer vibes with my images. Click here to see Solander’s summer vibes.
I have stopped counting how many 100º days we have had here in Sacramento, Ca. I remember back a number of years when my two oldest grandchildren were on the Sunrise Sharks! That summer they lived with me and swimming was our life. Swim practice all week, and swim meets all Saturday!
Swim team practice
Splash pad fun!
More water fun!
My father used to say, “I scream, you scream we all scream for Ice Cream.”
Stopping by for some ice cream. Now I’m ready for a scoop!
Does this photo quench your thirst?
I attended many festivals and fairs over the years. Covid and the increased heat have put a crimp in my attendance.
Dixon Fair
Kite Festival in Berkeley
Chalk it up occurs every year. Maybe it will cool down, and I can enjoy all this creativity.
Wide open walls started in 2016. When it cools down I plan to go downtown and see the new additions.
Many years ago the Rennaisance Faire was held at Fair Oaks Park.
The California State Fair has been moved to July, and it is way too hot to attend this year. The fair used to end on Labor Day in September. Nights were cooling down, and I have to admit, I was younger. But I do love to photograph fair food!
Summer means getting out and enjoying food, fun, and festivals. But not so much with the very high temperatures. For August, I am thinking cool!
For this week’s challenge, we’re exploring art–outdoors, in the park, on the street–for all to enjoy. Thank you Patti for acknowledging all the art around us.
The last couple of years Sacramento has been encouraging creativity. Alley walls, sidewalks and dumpsters have provided the canvas. Artists of all ages come out to celebrate.
In 2016 alleyways and building throughout Sacramento became the canvas for Wide Open Walls (WOW). This annual event has brought art to all. This year my fellow photographers ventured out without me because Moxie’s puppy class is priority one.
WOW from 2020. One event that our group could enjoy safely.
Another annual event I usually enjoy is Chalk it Up. This artwork is not permanent, but fun to watch, and photograph. The sidewalks around Freemont Park serve as the location. Each square represents an organization, individual idea, or business venture. Again, I did not photograph it this year. Last year, CoVid protocols spread this event out throughout the city.
I came across the Art of the Dumpster in a vacant lot. Each dumpster had the artist’s statement displayed.
Glad I had my camera handy when I came across this dumpster art show in a vacant lot.
I am always on the lookout for murals that informs visitors about the town.
Stopped in Truckee, Ca. (Calif.) one winter day.
I learned something about the City of Livermore.
Lincoln pride is showing.
CCA Murals for Esparto. Their heritage is on display.
Came across this natural display of public art at Half Moon Bay, Ca.
Making the most of the space that surrounds us with art. It is nice to find such “eye candy” where you least expected! Just be ready to experience beauty.
A Photo's Worth 