Lens-Artists Challenge #262 Framing my photos

This week Amy of The World is a Book, asks me to explore “Framing my Photos”. The purpose of framing a photo is to create a pleasing composition, so we can direct the viewer’s attention to the subject of our photo. I am always on the lookout for different ways to compose my image.

Looking through a fence

My 7 year old grandson connects with the ball. Go Lucas!

Overlooking the Russian River in Guerneville, Ca.

Peeking through a garden center in Pacific Grove, Ca

Porthole

S.S. Red Oak Victory Ship at Richmond Ca.

Between foliage

Crystal Hermitage Garden overlooking Tahoe National Forest

Red wing black bird eating a berry. Point Reyes, Ca.

Our Sacramento Zoo is protecting birds from Avian Flu so its been a while since they have been available to the public.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, Ca

Sunset over a sunflower field in Yolo County

Architecture

New York City 2023

Always on the lookout for interesting framing

Lahaina

These last images were taken in 2015 on our last trip to Maui. Seeing the images from the devestating fire in Lahaina I returned to look at these images. Some photos fit the theme of framing my photo, and some I just wanted to share. A reminder of all that was lost. As rebuilding takes place I hope that changes will be made to help eliminate another tragedy.

I hope that you can now look for interesting ways to frame your photographs. If you have any favorites, let me know!

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 Challenge #251 Buildings and Other Structures

Anne challenges me, to find fascinating structures that capture my attention, tell a story, or are just beautiful.

This gives me the opportunity to look at photographs from my New York City trip. I am originally from New York. Born in Manhattan but lived in Queens, and after the age of ten, I lived a suburban life on Long Island. Plainview to be specific. There is a vast difference between those 2 views. In 1978 the family left Queens, New York, and moved to Southern California. This was fortuitous since my husband worked on the 82nd floor of the World Trade Tower 2. Two years later we relocated to Northern California and settled in Sacramento. Did I know that my apartment in Northridge would be flattened in an earthquake? I now live in Fair Oaks part of Sacramento County for over 5 years.

In March 2020 we had tickets to New York City. At the very last minute we canceled, and New York City closed down. I don’t know why I don’t buy lottery tickets!

Leaving Kennedy Airport in Queens for Manhattan.

The architecture of the old TWA building.

But I still feel like a New Yorker, and when we visit we stay in New York City at The Lucerne.

This is a landmark building on the upper west side

We made sure to visit different parts of the city each time.

Skyscrapers

The Empire State Building

On this very foggy day, we were told that there would be nothing to view from above. We came back another day for the view.

One World Trade Center

2014 was too soon to visit the site. There were still a lot of memories and a lot of construction.

2023

Bird’s eye look at Manhattan

Going up to the One World Trade Observatory. Look at the view.

Amazing architecture

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “The Met”

This full facade was moved to The Met from Wall Street

Macy’s on 34th Street. Just think of the Thanksgiving Parade.

So much remains, and so much changes. A couple of weeks after we visited The American Museum of Natural History an addition opened up. I visited this museum often when I was growing up. My Aunt Li, Uncle Henry, and Cousin Ricky lived about 10 blocks away. And as it happened my mother selected an orthodontist around the corner. So trips to the city were frequent. Without the new addition, I was still in awe of the changes made to this museum and the Hayden Planetarium located there.

Transportation

Grand Central Terminal – outside and inside

The Oculus

So many memories, and so many new places to see.I hope you liked this whirlwind tour of New York City.

Lens-Artists Challenge #240 The road (most often) taken

John set up this week’s metaphoric theme “The Road taken” – and not about a physical road. For this week’s challenge, he wants me to think of my favorite type or style of photography as the road I’ve chosen to take most often.

I just returned from a CoVid delayed 8-day trip to New York City. Our last trip occurred in February 2014. We visited in the same season, but CoVid created many changes in the city. Last time I took most of my photographs using my Olympus OMD camera. I have since switched to the Fuji xt4, and I only brought my 18-55 lens. The cold weather dictated many indoor activities, and I found myself using my Apple iPhone 13 pro.

I visited The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) specifically to view Berenice Abbott’s New York Album 1929. Eugène Atget, a French photographer influenced her, and when I looked at all the photographs I saw my “road”. My catalog includes similar images to those taken by Etget and Abbott. Street scenes, people, and animals capture my interest.

When I go anywhere, I document. I focus on a different or unusual way to see what is there.