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 #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.

Nothing like a hot dog on the New York City streets

Capturing a fun moment at
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Serious moment with Daisy Duck in Disneyland

Animal Stories

Can you think of a story for these images? Something was going on.

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

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #211 What’s your photographic groove?

Anne’s challenge this week is, “What’s my photographic groove? What type of photography do I truly enjoy doing? I will show you wonderful images and tell you about them.

This challenge has me thinking. When I was enrolled and pursuing my Photography Certificate, I was exposed to many photographic experiences. My practical mother continued to ask me what I intended to do with my photography. One idea was to start a Pet Photography business. Another idea I had was to author a picture book. I had just retired from a Library/Teacher career of 25 years. I didn’t know way direction to take. Life happened. My parents and grandchildren needed my attention. By the time I finished 40+ credits I decided I was going to do photography on my own terms – for my own personal enjoyment. I didn’t need another job. So I guess you can say my photographic groove is “Focus”. I use my camera to help me see the world around me. I capture whatever I come across.

Often, my camera helps me connect to my surroundings. Sometimes nature, sometimes people, and sometimes taking a quirky look.

My camera connected me to a good group of friends. This group has taken me to many places and spaces in the area. Visits out of town to Niles, Ca. Trips to the Sacramento Zoo. Visiting a local urban micro Farm at End of the Road in Orangevale, Ca.

My photography helps me focus on the present, and preserve memories to reflect upon in the future.
I have been raising my second puppy in the past 2 1/2 years. Glad I have photos of my Charlie.

Puppies grow into dogs and seem to change overnight. Waiting for them to calm down may take just a bit longer. This is where my iPhone comes into play.

My 4 youngest grandchildren have moved back and forth from Sacramento, California to Knoxville, Tennessee (about 2500 miles). They returned last week for the third time in less than three years. Photos and FaceTime helped during these times of separation. I so enjoy my Nixplay digital frame.

But as of last Thursday, I can see my grandchildren in person. We celebrated the first day of TK and First Grade, and the last day of vacation for my 5th grader with some ice cream at Handels.

Nature Calls for my Fuji xt4 and my iPhone 13 pro

Great challenge. Sorry for the late post. I have been having “words” with my WordPress!

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #189 Odds & Ends

This week Tina offers me quite a challenge. I need to look into my photographs and display those Odds and Ends that I have collected over the years. My friend Anne likes to say that I shoot unusual things. And I do. But when I import my images I like to place each photo into a category. Sometimes the categories become so large that I then subdivide it even further. And when I am feeling some stress, I will review and make even more changes. Probably fits in with my professonal career as a librarian. I took my catalog quite seriously, and I wanted everyone to be able to find what they needed. So how does this make the challenge more challenging for me? Many of my odd photos have found their way into a larger group, and so they are not so odd after all. But I digress.

In my first digital photography class I was to decide on a subject and take 100 images. Then another 100 images. My subject was Garbage Cans. My professor said that by the time I was finished the subject would always have a special place in my heart. And she was correct. I will always be on the lookout for a new and different garbage can to add to my collection.

This can fulfills a stated purpose. Recycle aluminum cans!

I found design element in some cans.

Some Garbage Cans served a double purpose by providing the user with location information.

After getting off the plane I am welcomed!

Some creative ways to make the garbage cans fit with its surroundings.I found this garbage can near an airplane ride at Bishop’s Farm in Wheatland, Ca.