Time to change lens!

There was a brief lull in the rain this week and of course…I had to check out the American River, so once again I headed to William Pond Park.  I sat down and looked up to see a glimpse of orange on the river, the water flow was rapid where I was sitting and it looked like the kayaker was headed in my direction.  Did what any person would do with a SLR camera–went for a longer lens as he came closer to me!

Balance is important!

I sat and shot numerous frames of this talented young man.  My first thought was that it didn’t seem like a very safe activity.  Frigid and rapid flowing water–even with life jacket and wet suit.  Figured I could call 911 if he went under…continued to watch and shoot madly!

Soon learned as more spectators gathered–he was “surfing” the rapids.  Went for the same location each time and worked swiftly to maintain balance and keep from tipping over.

More surfing!

The good news is that he had a “spotter” on the shore–also with camera that monitored his progress.  As I enjoyed his antics–he must have had 4-5 “rides”.  On one of his trips past me, I couldn’t help but ask him–how long have you been doing this?  “He said, 3-4 years.”

Additional action shots…

Intense concentration!

Down the rapids

Maintaining balance

Riding the wave!

 This just reinforced my passion for photography–not my normal subjects of landscape and nature–but seriously fun to shoot!  Always willing to try new subjects and learn.  These shots were taken with my 70-200mm and hand-held.  Truth be told–couldn’t figure out how to attach my new lens to the tripod at the time.  Was just too engrossed in the action and the “quick release plate” was attached to my camera…thanks to Josh at Ritz who set me right.  Duh!  Do love learning and am frequently humbled by how simple things are!  Will order an additional plate, to keep handy:)  Still laughing at my self–which is a good thing!

Clear creek, perfect for upside down image!

It’s always fun to explore a new area.  Last month had the pleasure to do just that.  Davis is a college town that sits just outside of Sacramento.  The campus has an Arboretum that stretches alongside a creek through Redwood trees and is just lovely.

We lucked out on the weather–a rain shower passed by quickly and we had a day of clouds and sun.

Perfect weather for shooting!

Some flowers along the way…second shot is with my Lensbaby Composer!

A touch of color

Same subject different perspective

Also with Lensbaby Composer

Love the colors reflected in the water!

A Bird Sanctuary is also located in Davis–just as you are entering the area.  One would not think that a sanctuary for birds would lie next to a major freeway–but this one does.

Couple of shots to share the habitat as viewed through my Lensbaby…

Ground view

Worth getting a bit muddy!

I shared more bird images on a previous post, but here are a few I couldn’t resist sharing again.  Simply because I do not see these birds often on my river trips, so it was especially nice to catch them in flight and enjoying the beautiful sanctuary.

Wings in the light

Hunkered down from the wind

In flight

I look forward to exploring Davis again!

Sycamore Tree

Some trees still have traces and blasts of color hanging on.  Today, I took a quick stroll trough my neighborhood with my new 70-200 lens.

Another “holdout” with golden leaves only left on the bottom half of the tree.

Just the bottom half!

Also, noticed the moon was out quite early–hand-held.  Lens is too new to let go!!

"Mr. Moon, Mr. Moon, you're out too soon, the sun is still in the sky..."

The advantage I am looking forward to with the leaves falling is learning more about which birds are really here!

Some friends I found today…this bird is in the front yard.  Fondly call him, “Walker Bird” because he walks up and down the Pine Tree snacking and searching for food.  Believe he is a woodpecker of some sort–think I will have to get my bird book out.  As always, correct names are more than welcome!!  Gotta love learning…thanks to @BirdGalalcatraz, AKA Jann Dorothy for proper name…Red-Breasted Nuthatch.

Just a quick pose!

Another feathered friend, a White-Crowned Sparrow–now able to be seen, since the leaves are all gone, where he is perched!  Thanks again Jann for ID!!

I can see you--no leaves to hide behind!

And the sun setting in the distance…

Sun going down...

Hope your week is filled with much joy:)

Caught the moment!

Back in October, I had the pleasure to visit the Bay Area, in particular–Phoenix Lake which is in Marin County.  Never would have found this hidden treasure on my own.  Special thanks to @BirdGalAlcatraz for sharing this spot with me:)

This lake is a reservoir–no swimming allowed, but you can fish.  Odd concept to me–but seems to work for this beautiful area with minimal impact by human kind.

The day was rainy and overcast–we were fortunate to catch a break in the clouds and enjoy some dry moments.  The trees dripping in moss certainly are not something we have in Sacramento!  We are much too dry for that.

Dripping in Moss

 This little stairway caught my eye with the way it twisted through the hillside…don’t know where it goes, except up!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Hidden in the hills

One aspect I appreciate much with photography is the difference a little perspective can make…

Just a bit

Broader View

One step closer

A bit more green

A few more views from the day…

A bit damp

From side to side

A lack of focus

One thing I know is that I’d love to revisit this spot in the spring and see what wonders are present then:)

Fall Reflection

Reflections are glorious everywhere you look!

Closer View

 More fall views from different perspectives…

Majestic Moment

One thing to note is about the polite manners of everyone you meet.  We are all smiling and patiently waiting to set up your shot and get the image you want.  Of course, everyone with their cameras tended to flock to the same common picture points that are so familiar to us all from years of Yosemite pictures.  I look forward to another visit with more time–so I can get away from the iconic photos and appreciate the depth of beauty and wonder here.

The advantage of a Meetup–is there are numerous views from the same day…sometimes similar and sometimes not taken by other photographers.  For superb views from this fabulous day trip visit 

Little different plus light

Last view of the Valley.  Half Dome is actually in the center of the photo and hidden behind clouds–weather can vary greatly within the park, due to various levels of elevation.

Waiting patiently

Can not believe it’s taken me so long to visit Yosemite.  Would have been longer for certain without the Meetup Trip.  Thankful I went–as crazy as the idea seemed–was well worth the lack of sleep:)  Too excited before hand and totally amped when I got home after midnight reviewing images!

Chatting Away

Thought I’d celebrate Wings on Wednesday, since I ran into a few feathered friends yesterday!

Enjoying the sun

These ducks were on the UC Davis campus–never knew there was an Arboretum and it was full of ducks. Couldn’t resist this shot–think they know something we don’t?

We are not coming up for air, until she is gone!

Also visited a Bird Sanctuary that runs next to Interstate 80 and the Yolo Bypass.  Amazed by the amount of land and birds!  I had just got my 70-300mm lens on when we spotted this Great Blue Heron and he took flight.  The advantage of being with a photographer is they know how to duck out of the way and have the window down even when it is WAY chilly–all for a photo op, thanks Andy!  This was taken through driver’s open window.  You may view Andy’s talent at www.blueturban.net worth a visit!

In flight!

I did crop this shot, so the huge electrical tower would not spoil the view of the Great Blue!

Another favorite that I do not see often is the Great Egret–there were more than a dozen.  A few images that caught my eye!

Among the grass

Hunkered down from the wind

Wings in the light

Sleek

Always nice when there are just a few traces of clouds in the sky…

Among the clouds

Heading out!

Hope your Thanksgiving holiday is filled with love from family and friends!  Am thankful for the connections that  Twitter, Facebook, and blogging have brought into my life.  Best wishes to you and yours!

Fall Colors

 Took advantage of a break in our stormy day and raced to The American River in Fair Oaks at Sunrise Blvd.  One of my favorite spots to connect and enjoy nature. 

 

I have been working with my Lensbaby Composer and shot these pics with my D40x.  (Will admit to having two cameras with me and shooting like I was trying to beat a storm.  Fabulous fun!!)

 

Blurry

 One of the advantages for me shooting with my Lensbaby are the various options you have with any scene.  Fun to take more than one version of the same subject…in my humble opinion!

Lensbaby Blur

Red by the river

Mellow Yellow

A little blustery

The following shoots were from Boeger Vineyards located in the Apple Hill area above Placerville, CA.  Quite popular this time of year and rich with colors.

In Grape Crush Mulch

 

A little bit of color

Care for a rest?

A Touch of Snow

First snow visit for me in 2010 and very welcome! 

Next, we came upon an area lost to fire.  My first thought was that it was rich in fall colors…then I saw the devastation of land wrought by heat and fire.  Still a bit of beauty left and hope future generations will enjoy.

Hidden Treasure

 Decided to break this post into two parts…the second will feature the Yosemite Valley and waterfalls.  One thing I know for certain, will not let that much time pass before returning.  Fortunate to be within a 4-hour drive–might be 3 and 1/2 hours–depends upon the driver!!  At anyrate, will revisit much sooner rather than later!

A Bit Tattered

So, where do old boats go for glory?  This one is shipwrecked in Marin County, California– near the small town of Inverness.  Can not imagine how many photographers this boat has lured in…count me in!

This day started off with a cloudy sunrise session at the base of The Golden Gate Bridge and kept getting better and better!   A windy drive for about one and a half hours brought me here.  Yes–did get turned around and had to also ask for directions.  So thankful I had not done this the night before in the dark!  But–I did find it!!

Was surprised to find cell service along this coastal inway and excitedly snapped a picture of the boat reflection with my Droid and tweeted it.  Was feeling quite smug–being able to send shots of a cool reflection and sharing with my twitter friends at the same time.  Later in the day, when I had cell service once again–was surprised by a tweet…”But, it’s upside down…”  Yep–sure as heck…this is what I posted…

Thankful for Reflections

Let’s try this view…

With my Nikon this time!

 Humor is important!!

There are advantages to routes from one place to another.  We stopped here at 9:00 a.m. when it was overcast and then swung back in the late afternoon…to find blue skies that lit up the boat again!

Beloved Vessel

Off to the side

Almost Dawn

Tall and Proud

SF Morning Awaits

Golden Moment

Life is funny.  Got up the next day excitedly awaiting another wonderful sunrise experience.  The fog was so thick couldn’t see 2 feet in front of me!  So, for now…I have the memory and will certainly need to return again:)