Truckee without Snow

It’s late, so late that the clock now has a.m. after its digits and we haven't quite reached Truckee.  The windy roads were our playground for Jen’s skilled driving, squealing like little girls having too much fun.  The next morning the light was so amazing, without a second thought, I went a runnin’ out front to take pictures.  Im talking straight outside, even before any water.  I was playing with my new polarizing filter for my 50.  It will blow your socks off.  Filters are a forethought on how to create an awesome image, with a outstanding color and contrast, without the computer.  Even though photoshop is magic, I still enjoy manipulating images without having to spend copious amounts of time in front of a computer.  Using red or yellow filters for black&whites provides just the amount of depth.    

When Stella (5D) is not around I just use my sunglasses and iPhone.  I first started to experiment with polarized shades to see through the glare. I was trying to shoot what was just beneath the water and couldn't ditch glare. :lightbulb: put my shades in front of the lens and BAM, Funderland iPhone.  

Best surprise from this trip, was a visit from my honey.  My fisherman was out and I was about!  I already knew it was going to be relaxing and refreshing because I did not pack an ounce of makeup.  Dropping twenty bucks at Dairy Queen on cool treats for just the three of us was a first.  :)

These first three shots were the first of the day.

 sooc (straight out of camera)

sooc

sooc

This was taken with Stella and my sunglasses were my filter. sooc

I tried to  recreate the look from the previous morning, but no.  The light wasn't the same and the daffodils were not that happy. sooc

The same place different change of season.  Both sooc images.

If you have never been to Smoky's in Truckee? If not you are missing out.

The bomb dot com!

Get their brisket.

Taken with my iPhone and sunglasses, and nothing else.

Cropped Again

Here's the full image from above.  I always feel I've been cropped into something.  (that was funny)  So here's the scan from the full negative.

        

The focus on the book astounds me.  When doing self portraits with The Beast, I set up the shot and put my helping hand in my place to focus. We switch places and the shutter is released.  Whala.  This particular day I had a Master Fine Focuser, the lovely Cyrette.  

Daf Hill

After many years on the To Do List, Daffodil Hill came to fruition.  When the goal is to discover, you can do anything your heart desires.  Being one of those light chasers, a detour here and there is welcomed for a quick shoot.  We were the first ones to the Hill and happily brought out the beast, my Large Format camera naturally. ;)  I'm always amazed with the range of film and it's ability to capture shadow and light.  Today was 4x5 Ilford, amazing.  Assessing light is done way before the view finder is used.  The highlight of the day was hearing the rattling of Mr. Peacock’s feathers.  His sexy dance sounds similar to a rattle snake’s death warning; sh*t cray.

I learned that a quick pick up in Sutter Creek wasn't going to be quick at all.  Their Second Hand stores were quite au courant, with all the things you don't need.  Everything to fill all your Pinterest desires; I didn't know I needed silver spoons to label my future garden, but I now have them.  Vintage Pyrex’ is next, oh dear.  If you love lace they have a lot of that too.

Here are some shots.

             First stop of the day, just for the light.

           The shadows are my favorite.

           Last random turn, it was nice.

 

             Oh 4x5, you melt the soul.  Too bad my brackets didn't scan. ;)

Truckee

This trip probably wouldn’t have come to fruition if it weren’t for Dear Jennie wanting to go anywhere but here (Sacramento) for spring break.  I just happened to have the perfect solution…  my cousin Jennifer’s place in Truckee.  We knew it was going to be a great trip when the weather was so perfect we were able to drive the Prius up instead of the truck.  It was a perfectly chill vaca; a lot of eating, picture taking, crafting and snow.

This trip up I brought the large format camera also known as the Beast.  Let me tell you, it is not easy to shimpflug in the snow when your fingers don’t work properly.  When walking in hip deep snow all I could hear was Sean T telling me don’t sacrifice form.  As soon as I wasn’t paying attention, down I sank.

Here are some pictures from the trip!  A big thank you to the hostess with the mostest (as usual) Jennifer!

          Meet Jennie, she's awesome.

           I love little trees in the snow.

          I think black is an under valued in color photos.

      Thank you Prius!

      The lovely Jennifer.

      Some fancy photoshop put to work here.  Oh yea.

    One of the large format images.

Still Motion

This project has grow bigger than I thought it would; starting off as an experiment and quickly turning into the latest love affair.  One that will have to take a back seat until the return of winter months when the leaves have gone and storm clouds have come.  I hope to have a last fling before the leaves come back.  Until then, here are some of the latest.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

The Purple Victorian with Pictures Inside

I have been fortunate to have someone like Veena Lucas in my life.  She is one of the most kind-hearted people I know and consistently puts others first.  It is only fitting she is a massage therapist and the owner of Body Continuum in downtown Sacramento.  Veena has been supportive of my business and passion welcoming my photography from the beginning.  I have had many wonderful Second Saturdays with Veena and this coming Second Saturday, March 10^th will be another to put in the books.  What is currently hanging in the beautiful purple victorian know as Body Continuum, is bits and pieces of past shows as well as ongoing work.

Of late I’ve been focusing on more abstract work I’ve dubbed ‘Still Motion’.  I’m really enjoying this foray into something different.  With my eye on the new and exciting, I feel it appropriate to send some of my past work to new homes… this means SALE!!!  Come check it out and get something to take home.  Upon arrival, please enter your information to win a free portrait session or free massage.  A winner will be drawn at the end of the night however the winner doesn’t need to present to win.

Bring your friends and family for a night out on the town!  We will be open from 4-8pm.

Body Continuum : 1809 19th Street, Sacramento CA, 95811 (right across the street from Safeway)

A Rainbow on a Day of Red