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.
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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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.
Among the spectrum of colors, blue holds a special significance for its tranquil, soothing, and often thought-provoking qualities.
After reading a post on making sugar cookies using Nordic Ware cookie stamps, I knew I had to give cookie press cookies a try. With a quick search in our local kitchen store…
Brown might not be the flashiest color, but it plays a vital role in capturing the earthy tones and textures of our natural world.
Roasting walnuts brings out the flavor, the oil, and mellows the taste of the skins. As with many of my still life photography subjects, they serve dual purposes.
A few years ago I decided to tackle the art of sourdough bread. I mixed up the 'starter' and fed it regularly until it was ready to be included in a recipe.
Wildlife photography surprises: I set out to photograph bears but discovered merganser birds instead. Learn about my unexpected adventure and tips for photographing waterfowl.
A few years ago when my friends decided to head to Leavenworth, WA to catch autumn leaves in all their glorious color, I just couldn't say 'no'. And, I'm so glad I made the trip.
A few years ago I visited Joshua Tree National Park after attending a photography conference in Death Valley in the late winter. It was the perfect time to extend my trip to Joshua Tree.
When I began learning photography, birds were not on my radar as subjects. People, nature, landscapes, still life, and general things of interest to me were my subjects. In fact, I’ve never really cared for birds. It might be because I was attacked by a rooster once upon a time.
I found the grounds of Arlington, the headstones, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to all be beyond my expectations. Watching the Honor Guard sentinels and the changing of the guards, knowing this occurs 24-7-365, is sort of hard to wrap my head around.
With the salty smell of the coast, the sounds of the squawking gulls, and the beautiful fading light, we enjoyed a serene time exploring the docks full of fishing boats.
A very popular subject for still life photography is food. In fact, many people would consider food photography a genre of its own. And, I can see why.
It’s past time to tear out the gardens - both the floral cutting garden and the vegetable garden. (My tomatoes are going crazy!!!) After all, it’s November! But, each time I go out to the garden and assess what I need to get started removing the old plants, I see bees, ladybugs, and butterflies. I just cannot begin to remove their food source.
As my interests evolved in photography subjects, I became interested in wildlife and, ultimately, birds. Because birds are everywhere, they are just such a great subject. Each year during the winter there are thousands of sandhill cranes in the valley who over-winter here.
The eastern Sierra is a huge draw in the autumn because of the beautiful fall color. From the rugged tufas and amazing fall color to the wild horses in the area, there is always an abundance to see and photograph this time of year.
If you know me, then you know I like to explore and photograph in cemeteries. I love looking at the dates on the headstones, putting together a possible story about the people who are there, what their lives were like, and how they spent their days.
Several years ago I spent time traveling America's Loneliest Highway to experience autumn color in Colorado. I just have to share some of these incredible views with you! I took a very long road trip to Colorado to see and shoot the fall color in October.
I was invited to be a guest on Grant Swinbourne’s podcast, Landscape Photography World. Grant creates a comfortable environment to share answers to his questions about landscape photography, creativity of the process, and so much more.
As I set off on a road trip to Wyoming, a friend messaged me that there was smoke blowing into the Jackson area. I decided that landscape photography and smoke don’t always play well together, so I changed course and headed for Bryce Canyon National Park; a park I had yet to visit.
This time of year can be so hectic with the holidays quickly approaching. But, every year I try to plan ahead so that I have some beautiful, fragrant blooms to enjoy during winter. I decided to spend a little 'me' time planting some narcissus bulbs (also known as paperwhites) in glasses to force them to bloom inside. It's a project I do annually usually in mid-October.
Small or huge, there are gorgeous waterfalls everywhere! Some may be a bit hidden or secluded requiring a hike in order to view them. But, each has its own personality and allure. There are so many waterfalls to explore and photograph.
Taking some time to look through photos and discovered this post from my Waterfalls & More workshop/retreat from a couple of years ago. Let me tell you, it was fantastic! The colors were amazing! The water was flowing! And, we had a fantastic group of women attending the workshop in October. The Northern California mountains in autumn are a beautiful sight!
One early, foggy morning before anyone else was up, I decided to go down to the beach to enjoy the environment and take a couple of landscape photos just to document being there. Coffee, beach chair, and camera in hand, I headed over the dune toward the waters’ edge. That's when I knew I'd be photographing shorebirds!
Autumn! Like many of you, it's my favorite time of year. After a warm summer (okay, HOT), the cooling temperatures are welcome. Crisp mornings and cool evenings with lovely, comfortable days. They're the best! But those changing colors are what I really look forward to in fall.
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Northern California, Point Reyes National Seashore stands as a beacon of natural beauty and biodiversity. This pristine stretch of land encompasses over 71,000 acres of protected wilderness.
Looking for a photography subject? Not sure what to photograph? Do your kids and grandkids or pets run and hide when the camera comes out? Look no further than your own garden, the farmers' market, and yes, even the grocery store for fantastic photography subjects.
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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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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.