100 Summer Days with My Lensbaby Weeks 11-14 plus 2 Days
Out the Window Day 73
Lone Tree Day 74
Summer Views Day 75
Macro Veins Day 76
Sunshine Day 77
Jessie Girl Day 78
Floral Wallpaper Day 79
Early Blossoms Day 80
Crossing Intersection Day 81
Ahead of Time Day 82
Cropped Color Day 83
Couple In Love Day 84
Mid-Day Sun Day 85
Harris Ranch Dusk Day 86
Palm Lane Day 87
E-Ticket Ride Day 88
Kayak Accents Day 89
Harbor Pano Day 90
Captain at the Wheel Day 91
Top Shelf Day 92
Childhood Memories Day 93
Spot of Sun Day 94
Fisheye Fun Day 95
Spirit Tree Day 96
Burst of Color Day 97
Breezy Blur Day 98
Monkey See Monkey Do Day 99
Lady Bathing Day 100
The best part of our 100 Days of Summer with my Lensbaby…the talented women who let me join them and of course–enjoying the world with my Lensbaby lenses and optics!
To celebrate our completion, we will have a Lensbaby Circle from one blog post to another. When we “go live” I will happily share the first person, so you can really see our summer across the globe with Lensbaby. Thank you to Ana Marie Rosenberg for her coordination of our project! See her amazing talent here: http://anarosenberg.net/…/100-day-of-summer-with-lensbaby
100 Days of Summer with my Lensbaby Week 5
Wow! This time of summer is just moving at an alarming rate. Does remind me of how quickly summer vacation passed as a child. Here are the images I shared during Week 5 of the…
100 Days of Summer with my Lensbaby
Hi Riley! Day 29
Bokeh in Back Day 30
Opposites Attract Day 31
Drought Humor Day 32
Sunshine Globe Day 33
Long May She Wave Day 34
Light blue, white, and pink! Day 35
May your summer days be filled with joy and creating memories!
How to Create Enjoyable Images with Ugly Sky Conditions…
Had the pleasure to shoot briefly with a friend that rented a Nikon D800. I had been drooling over his D700 when we met around 3-4 years ago–seemed only fair it was his time to check out a new camera that I am so fond of!
Taking Advantage of subjects nearby on the water
Although the Sacramento Area has 2 rivers and a couple of lakes near by, it is SO different to be along the shores of the San Francisco Bay with no waves.
A Little Saturation
Most of the boats were alone with their sales wrapped up and covered. The reflection of the bigger boat caught my eye when I was looking and walking around. Our access was limited, as there was a locked gate only available to Marina members with a key.
Baby Boat and Big Boat! Theme: yellow!
The glare from the sun made this image more difficult, so I kept shooting in continuous high mode as the bird moved across the sky.
As Afternoon Fades, the Boats Return to the Marina…
This was actually the first time I even took my Lensbaby Muse off my camera–since I got it about 2 weeks ago. I kept seeing locations that would be better shot with my Lensbaby. I will admit, the newer tag of, “See in a New Way” fits
Lensbaby Fun– Focused on the hull of the boat
Once again, the bird caught within the same frame as the sailboat–I couldn’t resist! I also liked this composition better with the shore rocks and the breaker behind–may “move” the bird & update this after I visit Photoshop CS6.
A Trace of the San Francisco Bay Bridge–far left through the haze/fog
The yellow boat draws your attention right in. Lack of wind allowed the reflections to show and be a bit more dramatic trip to the marina.
Found another boat with a great reflection…
Another view of sailing–a bit closer to the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
Another view through the haze with Treasure Island and the bridge beyond
Think this is my favorite view from the day. Framed Sailboat via the marina parking lot.
Framed View Low haze
Thanks again to my friend, Ben for driving me around, so I was able to shoot and not worry about a conflict with my meds.
Lensbaby Lens Lessons
Hmm, you know it has been too long since your last post when you have to reset your password! I dislike how sophisticated the password resets are…we won’t count how many times it took me to make one up that worked…or, the likelihood I will remember it next time I want to post a blog…time will tell:)
With the start of the official Fall season, I am sad to awaken to darkness–but constantly looking at the trees all around town and checking their colors. Living near Sacramento, which is “The City of Trees” and seeking fall changes means my eyes are checking out every parking lot as I drive by. Some Maple and Sycamore trees have red and the Walnut trees seem to have little patches among the branches of orange.
I have been enjoying a return to the Double Glass Optic and using an old favorite lens to many–but new to me, the Lensbaby Muse. So exciting to be challenged with a new lens and fun to see the results.
One of the best attributes for me, is the fact Lensbaby Lens are lightweight–for now, my biggest concern due to back and neck injuries.
I happily gave up carrying a purse for a photo bag, so I would always have my Nikon with me and not miss opportunities. This means I am very content to get out of my car and check out views from various parking lots!
We are just getting a little bit of color in town…here is a shot from a tree surrounded by concrete.
All you need is a little spot of color!
One of my favorite locations is 5-minutes away by car. I do not visit there during the summer, as it is pack jammed with happy rafters on The American River. But now, I can return and run into very few folks. Just perfect for reflecting and shooting.
The seemingly foggy image is taken using the Zone Plate Optic on my Lensbaby Muse. The Pinhole/Zone Plate Optic uses Litho film which creates the hazy effect. My original subject was the weeds in front taken with a Plastic Optic.
Artistic Haze
A Little Prickly
Our water level is low due to no real rain to measure yet this calendar year. Hoping our fall and winter are wet.
A View among branches
A final view to share of The American River. This location is accessible by car, parking just a few 100 feet or so away.
Slippery when wet
Happy Autumn or Spring, may you enjoy the colors that come with your season!
Nest Preparation
While waiting for the Amgen race to “whoosh” though Olema, CA was distracted by a little flutter and thought I’d share what I saw with you!
These images were taken with my Nikon D600 and severely cropped in Lightroom 4.
Don’t think anymore will fit!
Just perched there for a minute or so…
Under the Eve, she rests and waits
Nice to see the delivery.
Here it is, dear!
Not as crisp as I would have liked, but going for the complete story!
Nice to see both birds contributing!
Just to show how much I cropped, which explains the noise–here is the original size…
Complete View
This eve is above the same apartment room we stayed in, which was literally, “above” the town deli!
I will admit I tried to open the window screens–would have been a super view to shoot the Amgen!
The Deli even opened early for folks to get coffee!
Great place to visit!
This “room” is part of the Pt. Reyes Seashore Lodge which was built in 1988–this building is MUCH older! The grounds were full of such beauty–another blog to come!
One Poppy Plant
The time has changed–we have “sprung forward.” The sun sets later, our days are getting longer , which always makes me happy. Equally exciting is that spring is springing with the blooms and blossoms in Northern CA. Just beginning.
I have started my watching for Golden Poppy plants at the American River. Eventually, the hillside will be covered with Poppy plants and Lupine, but not yet.
There was one plant blooming with the river in the background. SO–one plant, made the most of it…
Lonely Poppy
The beauty and complimentary colors of the poppies and green grass just makes me smile and be thankful that we have such any spring growth. We have such a lacking of rain, believe we are more than 8 inches below our norm at this time of year.
So, I was thankful there was one plant with blooms and took in the beauty to share!
Half and Half
We did have rain on Easter morning, not too much–but any rain is fabulous at this point! Felt bad for anyone celebrating the holiday with any outdoor activities, rain was gone almost as soon as it came. Love the clouds and stormy views!
Storm Watch
More dramatic sky view!
Wide Angle
One last view to tide you over–I realized that the header on my blog is exactly what I am hoping to find once again.
First One…then more
Crocker Art Museum Visit
We have many local and smaller museums in the Sacramento area. After living here for almost 20 years, finally visited the Crocker Museum and fell in love with the art world. The museum has recently been expanded and a new wing added. Previously, I had little exposure to enjoy other art mediums besides photography. Just thought I knew where my interests and focus really were.
The new exhibit featuring landscape paintings by Kondos is entitled, “A Touch of Blue”. It opened on Sunday with a preview on Saturday for members. What a grand experience it was becoming acquainted with Gregory Kondos and his landscape work of our local areas. This is the first chance and exposure for me to see and really appreciate paintings of the Sacramento River, vineyards from Napa, and his Yosemite work. Looking at his paintings and knowing specific places where he stood to create his scenery was awe inspiring and empowering. Equally impressive was seeing the presentation of his work and the massive changes the gallery made to set up such a complimentary space to feature his paintings.
A benefit was the chance to not only view his work, but one could purchase his book and meet him face to face for his signature. What a kind soul…imagine it was a long day for him, meeting and greeting folks that appreciate his talents.
It was an honor and pleasure to connect with him for a few moments. Mr. Kondos was so polite and patient! I was taking photos of him and the signing process, as we waited in line for our turn. Another exclusive option were two screenings of a movie with the history of his journey as an artist. Loved it! So glad we were able to view this and I can’t wait to dive into his book and be immersed in the stories and tales that accompany his works of art!
A few images of Kondos signing and signing and signing. Felt honored to be in his presence and he was so generous with his time! Many admirers were snapping away with their phones. I brought out my Nikon and raised the ISO to accommodate the lack of flash. In the first image below, he caught my eye as he saw the camera, we were still in line with about 10 people in front of us–very kind to maintain his eye contact and to me it shows how “real” he is and can certainly connect with people.
Eye Contact
Yes, I did cut off part of his arms in order to not have other patrons appear in the image!
I asked for permission to take his photo when we finally arrived in front of him. Already determined the ISO I needed and snapped off two shots and thanked him. Surprising me–he asked if I got it–what patience and thoughtfulness he shared! I said that I had.
Looking Up
Another reason why it was a bit challenging to get his portrait was the glare from the windows! However, the black background was perfect.
I just love the contours of his hat and it sure suits him well. With the focus of his exhibit on blue–the striped blue shirt seemed perfect for him.
Concentrating
He was gregarious and focused when signing every book. The couple in front of us purchased four–gifts for their children, they shared. He chatted with them for a bit as he signed the many books.
When he was signing our book–I was thrilled to capture his hand with my lens. I shot quite a few images of his hands–interesting to note–he was signing books with his right hand and yet, in the movie he was shown sketching a river scene in charcoal and used his left hand for that! I have just started to read the book and wonder if his ability to use both hands will be mentioned.
An Artist’s Hand
The author of the book, Scott A. Shields is also a man with connections to the Sacramento art world. Another exhibit featuring the paintings of Kondos will open in April at the Sacramento City College Gallery. This will also coincide with his birthday, he will be turning a young 90 years old in April. Kondos attended the junior college as a student as well as Sacramento State University. He returned to the junior college as a faculty member sharing his knowledge and passion with the next generation for decades. Clips in the movie also showed him working with artists in the field–what a memorable experience that would be!
I will certainly revisit his exhibit soon, after I have spent some time enjoying the book and gaining more knowledge of his life story as an artist.
WINDOW VIEWS
Understandably, photographic images are not allowed on the second and third floors of Crocker in honor of protecting the artists and their work. I still had my camera ready for any non-art photo options and connected with the window view looking out into the courtyard separating the two portions of the museum. The first image struck me with the symmetry and shapes within the view.
Here are a few of my favorite window views….
Symmetry
On the first level, I was really fascinated by the floor to high ceiling walls of windows looking into the courtyard. The line to obtain his signature was long and not moving rapidly, so I had plenty of time to look from where we were patiently waiting to meet Kondos. So, had some fun with my Nikon and a few presets in Lightroom to share my viewless window images. I appreciate the ability to make images of the same subject from various angles and process with different results.
Added Grain
For the next image, I tried different lens corrections and liked the curve gained when I shifted the horizontal perspective.
Angles & Details
Equally fun was the elongated image I acquired with the vertical lens correction. The sepia tone gave me a greater shadow at the bottom, which I chose to keep.
Vertical Play
A few more window shots–some with a view of the courtyard!
There is such a lack of color with these shots that even the first image in “color” appears to be black and white.
Reservation Required
Amazing what a few preset changes and slider movements can really change in an image.
Building with a History
Be sure to check your local museums and look into becoming either individual members or a family membership.
We will be back soon!
Drmarm's Blog 