Photographs: Central California, Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Northern California

Boat, San Luis Reservoir

December 21, 2014 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

Two fisherman in a very small boat on the very large surface of the San Luis Reservoir on a cloudy and hazy autumn day

Returning from my first Central Valley winter bird photography excursion of the new season, I passed by San Luis Reservoir in the middle of the day when soft clouds hung above the mountains across the water and the sun made the hazy atmosphere glow. I usually just drive right past this place — which isn’t easy to access, even though the road runs right next to it — but I decided to figure out how and where to stop and make some photographs.

I found a high overlook at the visitor center that stands at the north end of the huge earthen dam, and from here there was a panoramic view of the surface of the lake and the surrounding California hills, which are mostly golden at this point in the early winter season. (Before long, after the first real rains, they will turn “impossibly green.”) As I photographed landscape subjects I noticed one very small fishing boat on the otherwise-empty surface of the huge reservoir.

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Morning Musings

If You Can’t Say Anything Nice… (Morning Musings 12/20/14)

December 20, 2014 G Dan Mitchell 4 Comments

Something came up recently that reminded me that I’ve been meaning to write about a complicated topic, namely our natural inclination to see work that doesn’t impress us and wonder, “How can people like that?! And how come my work doesn’t get that kind of response?”

It is a natural reaction, and no one is immune to it. I confess that I am not. In fact, what follows may be as much a reminder to me as it is a post for others…

The explanations for how it is that some work that seems unworthy gets tremendous acclaim are complex and diverse. They range from taste to marketing and even may tell us something about ourselves. I’m not going to try to sort all of that our here. (Hmmm… that sounds like another possible post.) In truth, simply “wondering” about how and why this happens isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I would like to consider what kinds of responses are or are not useful. It is tempting to want to speak out and let the world know that “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes!” Continue reading If You Can’t Say Anything Nice… (Morning Musings 12/20/14) →

Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Sierra Nevada

The Last Leaves

December 20, 2014 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

The last autumn aspen leaves hang from the branches of nearly bare trees against a granite cliff

So many aspen photographs focus on the wild autumn colors — for good reason! But this is not the only interesting phase of the autumn transition, and I also like the reappearance of the bare, white trunks of the trees as the leaves drop away.

I made this photograph late in the day and in a canyon area where little light penetrates after mid-afternoon, and where trees grow right up against a jumbled granite cliff that is fractured and full of blocks and angles. Late in the day, when the only light comes from the blue sky overhead, the quality of the light becomes quite cold. (At this time of year the air also becomes cold quickly late in the day!) I stuck around after most others had left and photographed these nearly bare trunks into the blue hour period.

Photographs: Music & Musicians

The Choral Project (and more…)

December 19, 2014 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

Members of the Choral Project raise their hands as they rehearse for a joint holiday concert with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra

I have more than one reason for sharing this photograph. First of all, I like the photo! I think it captures the focus, intensity, and joy of the chorus members as they raise their hands and sing this gospel number at a rehearsal for this week’s holiday concert.

And the second reason? To let my San Francisco Bay Area friends know about this wonderful joint holiday concert by the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and The Choral Project, an annual tradition that brings together both groups, wonderful soloists, and a diverse range of music, old and new and from all over the planet. Here is more information about the concert:

Winter’s Gifts: Evocations

Saturday, December 20 – 8:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church
1140 Cowper St.
Palo Alto

Sunday, December 21 – 7:00 PM
Mission Santa Clara de Asis
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara

G Dan Mitchell Photography

Boat, San Luis Reservoir

If You Can’t Say Anything Nice… (Morning Musings 12/20/14)

The Last Leaves

The Choral Project (and more…)

Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.