Tag Archives: ground

Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Sierra Nevada, Photographs: Yosemite

Cones and Needles

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Cones and Needles
“Cones and Needles” — Cones and needles litter the ground beneath old Sierra Nevada lodgepole pines.

I made this photograph at that time of day when the shadows were long and most areas beneath trees were in the soft light. That seems to work better for this sort of photograph, which would have way too much contrast in full sunlight. Photographs of largely random subjects always end up being trickier than I think they will be. Once I see the subject framed in the viewfinder, it turns out to be a challenge to find a composition that works.

This area beneath large lodgepole piles was completely covered with a layer of fallen cones, intermixed with some pine needs and a few branches. The number of cones was actually remarkable, and it reflects the impressive fertility of these trees.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

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Photographs: Europe, Photographs: Spain, Photographs: Travel, Photographs: Urban/Street

Street Scene, Calle el Temple

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Street Scene, Calle el Temple, Zaragoza
“Street Scene, Calle el Temple” — Blocked-off ground-level units and weathered walls at Calle el Temple, Zaragoza.

I am always a bit of a sucker for old buildings that show the effects of time, especially if they are on narrow, car-free European streets, and perhaps more so when they are a bit messy around the edges. This building puzzled me. The ground floor seemed abandoned, with doorways sealed of its bricks. But the second story and above seemed well-maintained.

We stayed in the old part of Zaragoza, Spain. This location is mere footsteps from our hotel, and we walked past it a number of times. ON this morning we were just starting a walk that would take us the Central Market, then to some historical buildings, followed by a walk along the river back to the center of this part of town.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” from Heyday Books, is available directly from G Dan Mitchell.

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Photographs: Central California, Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Wildlife

Ground Squirrel

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Ground Squirrel
“Ground Squirrel” — A ground squirrel perched on winter plants.

This time of year I head to the flatlands of the Central Valley, looking for migratory birds to photograph. But these are not the only critters I see. As I drive along backroads and levees and across pastures I see some distinctly less exotic animals such as ground squirrels. At one location they make their holes everywhere, including next to and under the gravel roadway. I’m used to watching them race away as a I approach. But not this one.

This squirrel had climbed up the stem of a dried plant, positioned itself in the “v” between two branches and under a loop of dried seeds. It was just… sitting there. It didn’t react to the presence of our vehicle, it didn’t appear to be feeding. Other than providing an excellent target for hungry raptors, I have no idea what it was up to.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.

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Photographs: Central California, Photographs: Nature

Lone Tree, Morning

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Lone Tree, Morning
“Lone Tree, Morning” — A solitary tree silhouetted against dawn sky on a foggy morning.

I traveled to California’s Central Valley back in late December, when I saw a weather report calling for thick fog. Now normal people would specifically NOT choose to go there on one of its infamous fog days, when the tule fog can make driving nearly impossible. But I wanted to photograph in those conditions, so I headed over a few hours before sunrise. The fog was extremely thick along the way, and I was looking forward to even “worse” conditions at my destination. But a mile before I got there the fog thinned, dawn light shone through, and high clouds were visible in the soft light.

At first I was disappointed. I had gone to a lot of trouble to be there for fog, and now the fog was dissipating! But it didn’t take long to notice the compensatory visual appeal of the thinner haze and how it glowed in the early light. I found a slightly higher view point, located a lonely tree on the horizon, and made a few photographs.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.

Blog | About | Instagram | Flickr | Facebook | Threads | Post | Email

Links: Articles, Sales and Licensing, my Sierra Nevada Fall Color book, Contact Info.

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All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others as indicated. Any use requires advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.