Lens-Artists Challenge #258 Fences

Post Delayed

The coast has been calling my name, and after some last-minute changes, we headed off to our favorite spot, Pacific Grove, Ca. Carly’s kennel developed Kennel Cough. I needed to make new plans. Moxie’s mom, dad, and 10-month-old brother live across the street. My neighbor was happy to have her visit. I didn’t realize that there were also 9 four week old siblings added to the family. Lots to keep her distracted. Not to mention the two cats who just accepted her as part of the pack. Another new experience. Wonderful videos and photos throughout my vacation made me feel comfortable leaving my girl. Now that I am back I have plans to photograph these pups.

Dawn Miller of “The Day After” leads the challenge and the subject is fences. While I have always been drawn to this subject, this was on my mind this week away.

Historic Fence

The San Andreas Fault defines the North American and Pacific plate movement. In 1906 Point Reyes experienced the most dramatic land shift to date. The original fence was split apart 16 feet. The National Park Service reconstructed this fence to demonstrate this.

Fence demonstrates how much the earth shifted
in 1906 San Francisco earthquake

Decorative Fences

If you need a fence it might as well be interesting!

Animals and Fences

Posted Signs on Fences

Flowers along the fence

Useful Fences

Not worried about anyone escaping here.
Trying to keep people out of Sacramento Historic Cemetery for safety.
There are many downed trees from this winter’s rain.

Rural Fences

All theses fences were taken in Northern California

Coastal Fences

Shadows and Leading Lines

That’s all for today. Fences can define a space, contain things, and be creative backdrops. Any particular fence appeal to you?

Lens-Artists Challenge #257 Simplicity

Philosophy through photography provided this week’s challenge of simplicity. “The modern world is so stressful and chaotic that we are losing the fundamental clarity and simplicity that allows us to concentrate on what is really important.” So true!

Subject

Tell a story

Gull finds treasure on Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

Quiet Pomponio State Beach near Half Moon Bay

Lone pedestrian crossing the Embarcadero in San Francisco

Sense of Scale

Sailboat sails under the Golden Gate Bridge at Sunset

I had to look through my archive to find this one because usually, I will fill the frame with the people. But this time I was in awe of the surroundings.

Walking a long way down near a waterfall in Hilo Hawaii

As we got closer to the waterfall we witnessed its power.

So small on this Southern California beach

My granddaughter @ age 10 at Stinson Beach

The vastness and power of water bring perspective to our view of self. Watching how fast it can transform places. There is little a person can do to hold back the water. The world’s people are learning this the hard way.

Negative Space

Still Life

Textures

Splash of Color

Patterns

I hope that you enjoy the simple life. Which photograph spoke to you? I appreciate all comments.

Lens-Artists Challenge #256 Kitchen Inspiration

Ritva hosts this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge with a theme of Inspiration found in the kitchen. That is often a place I find something to photograph in an hour of need. It can be a view from the kitchen window or an interior shot of the kitchen.

I had an assignment to show Kitchen Essentials in my Color Photography class. My husband received a box of stuff haphazardly packed from my sister-in-law. It contained photographs, frames with broken glass, and some serving pieces from my mother-in-law. Strange stuff, but I knew it would do for my assignment. I got some plastic to create reflections and I got busy. I entered this image in an online contest and it was selected #1 for the week. What a boost to my confidence.

My parents’ last true kitchen in Sun City West, Arizona

Kitchens from a time gone by

Found at home and away

What’s a kitchen without some food? Essential!

Turkey Leg from a deep fryer. Just in time too!

Not much more to say. Except that on these hot, hot, hot days I try and stay out of my kitchen!

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

Father and son act at the Renaissance Fayre

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.

Helping hand

Getting directions at the
American Museum of Natural History

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

Creative Energy

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.