As the temperature rises here in Fair Oaks, California everyone is attempting to stay out of the sun. My next challenge comes from Ann-Christine. How do our photographs use light? This time I look for photographs that use shade and shadows.
On this sunny beach in Carmel, Charlie’s shadow appears.
When I am out with friends I like to grab a shadow photograph
Chalk It Up and Me!
We stop for a shadow image on the Island of Kawaii with my photo friends Anne and Laura.
Interesting shadow forms from one leaf to another.
Shadow pattern on the leaf in the shape of a heart! Love it!
A dragonfly casts a shadow on a lotus leaf!
Looking through my library I notice that I take many more shadow images. But working with some of my images I now see that the contrast of shadow and sun can highlight a subject.
Capturing this golfer from my hotel window, the shadow and sun contrast draws my attention to his swing.
These ducks are framed by the shade.
The shade and sun helps to draw the eye to the subject.I
Thank you for following along in my photographic journey. And if you decide to step into the sunlight be sure to protect your skin.
Camera Totin’ Tuesday folks are looking to get out of the Sacramento heat. Petaluma is located south west of Sacramento, and less than 2 hours away. The day we visited the weather did not disappoint.
Founded in 1858 Petaluma makes an effort to maintain a mid-19th century charm. Located on the Petaluma River and close to the Bay area, Petaluma provided locally grown food to San Francisco and Oakland starting during the Gold Rush. Today, it can serve as a jumping off spot in Sonoma County. Close to the coast of Point Reyes, 30 minutes outside of the Bay Area, and near Napa and there is plenty to photograph is this town.
The Petaluma River provided easy access to transport goods to the coast. Today, it serves as a focal point for the town’s center.
Bridge over the Petaluma River
Decaying pier no longer supports train tracks.
The Free Public Library building is filled with such classic details. This library built in 1904 with money donated by Andrew Carnegie is one of over 1600 library buildings constructed in the United States between 1886-1919. The town had to come up with money for books, salaries, and maintenance. Born poor, Carnegie was denied use of a public library because he couldn’t afford the $2.00 library card. He proclaimed “Free Public Library” on the front of this building to show that all could make use of the facility. Carnegie understood that access to information improves a person’s ability to better oneself.
Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie gave away 90% of his wealth.”The man who dies rich dies in disgrace,” Carnegie said. In bestowing charity the main consideration should be to help those who help themselves,” he wrote.
The buildings are impressive. I photographed this one in Eureka, California. Many serve another purpose now such as museums, and community centers. As a retired librarian, I hope that these buildings continue to serve the public need for information.
Lunch was enjoyed at The New Yorker Pizza & Restaurant. I’m always on the lookout for “New York Pizza”. Though this time I enjoyed the meatball hero. Afterward we wondered into the Shutterbug Camera Store. Money was safely tucked away. This time.
Faded sign on side of building
Spider makes a home
One of many Victorian Era houses
Arch and picket fence detail draws me in
Always looking for signs. So polite!
Bee sure is enjoying a drink
Bee has moved on. What is this flower called? Be Gone!
Soft purple frilly flower. Do you know the name?
Love the lighting on this pretty coral rose. I do know the general name.
He loves me. He loves me not? He loves me!
There are many churches in Petaluma. Taking a walking tour we came across a church on nearly every block.
Stain Glass found in St. Vincent de Paul Church
Abstract lines
A friendly, portable tripod
We ended our walk around town. Taking in the architecture, nature, and friendly spirit of my photo buddies. Good bye Petaluma. May be back again.
The Sacramento Historic Cemetery is a great place to visit throughout the year. The changing foliage adds to the visitors experience.
Recently a controversy arose regarding the “historic” title of these grounds. It seems that some want to remove anything that was not in the original design of the cemetery. Specifically, the City Counsel wants to remove the Historic Rose Garden. I spoke to one person and I was informed that plans to remove roses and trellises was underway. She explained that this would be disappointing to many visitors who travel here to see historic roses. I looked around and imagined the surroundings without the flowers.
The first blooms of the season done, and to encourage new ones they were dead-heading the bushes. The morning that my Camera Totin’ Tuesday group arrived I saw many volunteers busy pruning the roses.
Volunteers are given instruction on how to best prune the roses.
This is such a special place. History, nature and architecture combine. Today, nature seemed to be my focus.
Using my Macro Lens to get close-up
Iceland Poppies
I like how the blue flower plays off the red and yellow blurs
Capturing some nectar
Petals spread out
Carpenter Bee stopping for a drink
Pretty, but I’m not sure what this purple flower is called. Do you?
Wheel Barrows in a Row
Daylily in such a bright color
Lots of bees out today
An Iris in soft purple
So many textures
Gazanias spread out
Hornet visits pink flower. Not familiar with this one. Anyone?
This rose bud is one of my favorite colors.
This place is special and the gravestones are surrounded by beauty. I hope you enjoyed my little tour.
A Photo's Worth 