Spring – A Photo's Worth

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #143 Colorful April

Amy reminds us that “When winter melts away, spring brings a new beginning; colors begin to awaken under the warm sunlight, April showers, and gentle wind.” So our theme for this week is “Colorful April”.

Tulips abound at Crystal Hermitage Garden. It has been some time since I visited. This used to be an annual visit. Darn CoVid 19 gets in the way. Such a peaceful place set in “Gold Country”.

Another place I used to visit was Daffodil Hill in Amador County. Its popularity caused this traditional Spring shoot to close. About six years ago I visited during a cloudy weekday. The daffodils provided a backdrop for the Seeing Eye puppy Labrador retrievers out for a day with their puppy raisers. The

2019 was the last year this family opened up this “gem” to the public. Hidden away the roads were not equiped to handle the traffic.

The last flower of the spring that I just love to photograph is the California poppy. Last weekend some friends headed up to search for a field of orange. Found these beauties in flower pots in Sutter Creek, and not in the wild as I had hoped.

California poppies showing off their bright orange color.

Spring has sprung here in Northern California. I would just love this mild enjoyable weather to stick around for a while!

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #140 Change of Scenery

I have accepted Beth’s (Wandering Dawgs)challenge to get out and look for a change of scenery. It is officially Spring, and that means the natural world around me is changing. This is especially true here in the Sacramento area.

Almond Trees blossom in the Capay Valley orchards.

Almond trees blossom anywhere from February to March

Camelia showing off its beautiful flower

We have some late ripening oranges ready to pick from our tree.

This year instead of planting tomatoes, squash, and peppers my husband is preparing to plant a lemon tree (very pretty), and a mandarin tangerine.

My Subí Blue ready to search out a change in scenery!

Hanging out in Folsom

Camera Totin’ Tuesdays stayed close to Sacramento this time. The winter rain filled the reservoirs and the American River is running fast. Headed out looking for some waterfalls. With the recent rain the Salmon Falls Trail was under water. So we found another interesting path that overlooked the river. No waterfalls photographed today.

1603_22_Folsom_0547 — Not the Salmon Falls Trail overlooking American River

1603_22_Folsom_0559 — Viewing the American River from Not the Salmon Falls Trail

Puffy white clouds add interest to these photographs.

Pulled out my Macro lens for some close-up shots.

1603_22_Folsom_0552 — Macro view of Pine Cone

Use a shallow DOF (depth of field) for this picture.

Traveled on to check out the American River from another location.

1603_22_Folsom_0602 — American River in early Spring

1603_22_Folsom_0671 — Butterfly stops for a sip

1603_22_Folsom_0696 — Love in the afternoon

I’m not so sure everyone would agree with this sign. But for me, “Safety first!”

1603_22_Folsom_0703 — Interesting sign found in Folsom Historic District

The last three weeks I have been photographically very busy. Using Shutterfly.com, I created a story book using some of my photographs. Just got the book, and now I am already thinking of my next project. Then along with the weekly Tuesday trips, I took a short trip out of town to emerse myself in Sonora, a local area about 2 hours from Sacramento. This past weekend the California coast at Bodega Bay called my name. So many new images to review, edit and include in my blog. Sorry for the delay, but good things are coming!

I’m positive that being busy is just what I need. I feel productive, and energized. It also helps me appreciate all the people and places that surround me. Today is a more quiet day at home. My dog Libby is getting a bit of overdue attention. I will pick up my granddaughter from school and we get to spend some time together. And dinner will not be a last minute decision.

UC Davis Arboretum Spring Exploration

Rain is needed here in Northern California, but I’ll take the great Spring weather opportunities and photograph all the beautiful scenery. I joined Anne and Laura last weekend as we made our way to the UC Davis Arboretum. I tried out a new Black Rapid Kick sling camera strap and my neck was happy with the change. Waiting to add an Op/Tech safety tether and Kirk clamp so that I can use my Really Right Stuff L Bracket and tripod easily. Then I will feel secure with my equipment. Switched between two lenses; my Nikon 24-120 lens for my landscape shots, and my Nikon 70-300 to capture wildlife. After watching a documentary about Vivian Maier, a street photographer, I keep my eyes open to capture interactive stories. I’m looking for ways to expand my skill of observation. Spring has sprung here in Northern California. Trees in bloom, turtles sunning themselves, and ducks following nature’s call. People out enjoying this perfect weather, picnicking, catching some rays, biking and jogging, couples sharing meaningful looks, and dogs and their people spending time together. I hope you enjoy some of the images I captured. What says “Spring” for you? For those not enjoying Springtime, Winter will give way to this time of color soon.

I agree, it's a beautiful day! — I agree, it’s a beautiful day!

"I'm concentrating on dinner." — “I’m concentrating on dinner.”

Magnificent plumage on this Great Egret.

These large waterbirds are Double-crested Comorants. They have pretty green eyes.

Caught this family observing ducks. Mom grabbing a cell phone snap.

Western Scrub Jay consuming a tasty treat. Just not my first, second, or tenth choice.

"Make room for me! I'm coming aboard." — “Make room for me! I’m coming aboard.”

A family of turtles out enjoying the sun!

My kind of "Selfie" with friends. — My kind of “Selfie” with friends.

Tag: Spring

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #143 Colorful April

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #140 Change of Scenery

Hanging out in Folsom

UC Davis Arboretum Spring Exploration

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