Blue Things | Northern California Photography
Some photographers see things in Black and White and their results are stunning with just enough contrast (or not) and a richness that allows the viewer to focus on the elements, the lines and shapes. While others see colors; the bold or the pastel colors that appeal to the eye. In the past I have converted some of my photos to black and white with satisfying results. But, it’s definitely not my ‘go to’. When others ask if I prefer one of their images in color or black and white, 99% of the time I will respond, “Color”. Color is what appeals to me.
Blue Things
Among the spectrum of colors, blue holds a special significance for its tranquil, soothing, and often thought-provoking qualities. Color plays a crucial role in visual arts, influencing emotions, setting moods, and conveying messages that words alone sometimes struggle to express. Whether it is landscape, nature, or still life subjects, blue is known to evoke feelings of calmness, serenity, and tranquility, making it a popular choice for photographers looking to capture a peaceful or contemplative mood.
Skies and bodies of water are natural fits for blue photography. Capturing the serenity of a tranquil lake at dusk, the grandeur of a mountain range against a clear blue sky, or the magic of twinkling stars in the night sky, blue tones can evoke a cool, calming, engaging feel.
“Great shades of blue, you find them in nature. They’re all magic.”

Blue night sky and stars over the Grand Tetons at Oxbow Bend.
The cool, calming nature of blue can set the mood for photography. I often experiment with different shades of blue to evoke specific atmospheres and feelings in images. From dreamy pastel blues for a whimsical feel to deep navy blues for a sense of depth and mystery, the color blue in its many tones and hues guides the emotional narrative of photographs. I like to play with selective editing to make blue in my photos pop. Some options include adjusting white balance, or using the color sliders in Lightroom’s Color Mixer panel, as well as utilizing the Color Grading panel. Photoshop also has an array of options for adjusting color tones as well.
Enjoy some photographs I’ve taken over the last few years of Blue Things - Landscapes, Nature, and Still Life
In no particular order:







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On my recent trip to Canyonlands, we experienced an incredible sunrise and serenity in unexpected corners of the park. Here's what I learned: Canyonlands is full of magic beyond the Instagram-famous spots.
After leaving Capitol Reef NP, I headed to Moab for a photography workshop presented by Nate Leubbe and Autumn Schrock. After our Meet & Greet, we headed out to the La Sal Mountains Overlook.
Every year, as May draws to a close and summer unofficially begins, Americans across the country take pause on Memorial Day.
A few years ago, I set a goal for myself to visit as many of our National Parks as possible. A pretty loose goal, I know. But, the practical side of me knows that I will probably never visit some of the more remote of our National Parks.
April came and went in a blink, but not without leaving behind quiet stories, unexpected beauty, and fleeting moments that deserved to be paused. As I sift through the images captured in April, I can appreciate all that it held for me including…
It’s taken awhile to edit a few photos from the Waterfalls & More Photography Workshop held in April. Fortunately, the waterfalls were bursting!
Vintage spoons and mustard seed come together to create visually captivating still life compositions that evoke a sense of nostalgia and artistic charm. If you’ve followed my photography work for awhile, you are probably familiar with my ‘spoons’ project.
In spring the wild mustard blossoms and seems to flourish here in Northern California. The agricultural landscape and the country roadsides are decorated with this beautiful, cheery plant.
Tulips, with their vibrant hues and delicate petals, have long been cherished as a symbol of beauty and elegance in gardens around the world.
When I first started learning photography, in addition to photographing ALL THE THINGS, I was incredibly interested in macro photography. It intrigued me. The details and the blurry backgrounds seemed beyond reach. Because of this allure, a macro lens was the first lens I purchased (after the kit lens).
During March it was definitely more difficult to keep up my daily shooting/editing practice, but I’m very close! Spring continues to make her entrance and the days are beginning to get warm in comparison to just a month or two ago.
These words are running through my head right now: To everything there is a season. Spring 2025 begins as winter officially ends. Time marches on.
Foxes are fascinating and elusive creatures. So when a friend said she knew the location of some foxes and suggested we go photograph them, I was all in!
When I learned that the grebes were ‘rushing’, it wasn’t long before some friends and I had a plan to photograph them. Just a couple of hours away from where I live, there were foxes in the area to photograph as well.
After reviewing my 2024, I realized that I really only picked up my camera when I was traveling. So, I decided to commit loosely to a daily shooting practice.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature as we explore cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and serene landscapes. This waterfalls and more photography workshop/retreat is perfect for photographers of all levels.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature as we explore cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and serene landscapes. This waterfalls and more photography workshop/retreat is perfect for photographers of all levels.
If you’ve followed my work/blog for any time at all, you know that the National Parks are near and dear to me. National parks hold a special place in our collective consciousness, serving as sanctuaries of natural beauty and biodiversity.
Friends have been posting photos from a very snowy Maine. Beautiful! It prompted me to take a look back at my trip there a few years ago. Several friends and I were lured there for a still life photography workshop.
Winter is the season for the elephant seals to return to Point Reyes National Seashore and other locations along the California coast. This was the first winter for me to observe and photograph them.
In a world filled with colors, red often takes center stage. Its bold and dynamic nature makes it a popular choice for injecting energy and passion into images.
Ah, the joys of embarking on a daily photography project! In January 2025, I decided to challenge myself to capture a unique photo every single day. After reviewing my 2024, I realized that I really only picked up my camera when I was traveling.
When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it's not just humans who start thinking about heading to warmer climates. Birds, particularly waterfowl, also engage in a mass exodus known as migration.
Have you ever thought that you might benefit with guidance from another photographer? Through in-person mentoring sessions, you will not only enhance your photography skills but will begin to hone in on your unique style.
It’s that time of year when I like to look back over the previous year at my photography work. Looking for improvements, changes in my shooting and/or editing, and any other little subtleties in my shooting.
The roads and trails close during the winter in Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park. But, if you'd like to snowshoe, cross-country ski, or walk the trails, you are welcome to do so.
I wonder how baking cookies for Christmas became such a strong tradition? Certainly, enjoying sweets with our family has been around for a long time.
The Mendocino Coast, tucked into the rugged northern California shoreline, exudes a timeless beauty that has captivated visitors for generations.
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As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES and WORKSHOPS. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575
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Nestled along the American River Parkway in Carmichael, California, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center offers a sanctuary for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. With its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, it's a prime location for capturing nature's beauty through the lens.