Tag: Docent

Lens-Artists Challenge #255: Telling a Story

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 Talk
Cheering
Congratulations
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 Festival
Chanukah Celebration
Folsom 4th of July Parade
Spray 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.

San Francisco Bush Man
Geyserville, Ca
Nothing like a hot dog on the New York City streets
Capturing a fun moment at
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Keeps traffic flowing on N.Y.C. streets
Serious moment with Daisy Duck in Disneyland

Animal Stories

Ducks at the Sacramento Zoo.
Can you think of a story for these images? Something was going on.
We know what this photo is all about.

And that’s all folks. For now! Check back soon for more of my photographs.

Nature and my camera (Part 2)

Sacramento is located 2 hours from the Northern coast, and during the hot summer days this is a welcome relief. This location takes a bit longer (about 5-6 hours). The central and northern coastal beaches are beautiful, rugged and cool.

_DSF0728
The fog is dense. Feels like cool misty rain.

We drive north  on Highway 1 from Cambria, and about 4-5 miles north of Hearst Castle and come to Piedras Blancas Rookery.  This is a most amazing place.

_MRF2056
Elephant seal line the shore, take over the beach.

The seals started coming to this beach in 1992 when one pup was born. In 2016 5300 were born. There are always some seals here, and we arrive at a time when the seals are molting. Shedding and growing a new skin layer. When at the rookery the animals fast, and they conserve their energy. No eating or drinking at the Rookery.

_MRF2060
Different colors represent molting stages

_MRF2050

_MRF2045
“Make way. I’m coming through!”

_MRF2004
“Don’t mind me. Just out for a stroll!”

_MRF2026
Young juvenile males sparring on the beach. 

_MRF2048
Sparring at the shoreline the juveniles are playing. This time it is not serious. 

 

_MRF2020
Males sparring in the ocean

_MRF2047
Time to cover up.

_MRF2067
I’ll just quietly make my way down the beach.

_MRF2041
Do you mind if I get some sand on you?

_MRF2065
Love the way I captured the sand motion.

_DSF0721
A docent from Friends of the Elephant Seals provides information. Docents train for 20 hours and commit to 4 three hour shifts a month.

Male elephant seals develop their distinctive nose (Proboscis) after they mature at 5 years. The nose is part of their status during the breeding season.

_MRF2040
At peace. 

_MRF2013
Able to get a good view from a safe distance. I am using a 150mm lens. Equivalent to 300mm since this is my Olympus OMD E5 camera. Pictures are not cropped.

_MRF2023
All quiet on the Central Coast of California

One of the best parts of this experience is that there is no fee. Plenty of parking, easy access, wheelchair accessible,  knowledgeable guides, no reservations, and the ability to safely watch these magnificent animals. WOW!!!

_DSF0722
Amazing place. Elephant Seal Rookery now covers two beaches. Docent will point out best spot if they see you are a photographer!

For more information follow my links provided above. You can even watch the elephant seals be web cam.