Manzanar | Northern California Landscape Photographer
Manzanar Relocation Center is one of ten ‘internment’ camp locations of the 40’s after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and thus pulled us into WWII. Immigrants and CITIZENS of the USA with Japanese heritage were all required to leave their homes and belongings. They were transported to remote locations to be held for the duration the war.
Manzanar, now a national historical site, includes some of the ruins of the camp and a Visitor’s Center that includes photographs and a wealth of information of this relocation center. I hesitate to call these ‘relocation centers’, as they were really prisons. Nobody in and definitely nobody out without approval. Signs were posted around the perimeter, fences, and a lookout tower were in place to assure nobody left. Taking in the Visitor’s Center was a sobering, humbling and disturbing experience. It’s one that will stay with me for a long time.
There’s plenty of information about this event/site and others on line. I encourage you to visit Manzanar when you can and to explore all the information online that is available. I think there is so much to be learned from this part of our history. I cannot imagine the fear within that led to this decision. And, I hope I’m never in the position to witness firsthand something like this in the future.
Manzanar | Leaving Their Homes
When I told my mother about this visit, we had a serious conversation about it. (We had never talked about it before.) She was still in school when this happened and remembered how neighbors and friends of Japanese decent were required to leave. Two stories she shared gave me the greatest pause.
One, when a neighbor was preparing to leave, she came over to my grandparent’s home and gave my grandmother a beautiful china oil and vinegar set with a matching platter. The neighbor was not able to take this with her and she did not want it to be left to the thieves that were sure to come. I only wish I knew who this family was so that we could return this to them. Certainly, it was a precious thing to her.
Second, while at school, the children were being loaded on buses to be taken away. My mother said she observed the principal of the school as she stood on the front steps of the school and sobbed as they left. Teachers and students were all in disbelief as their fellow students were taken away.
I have no way of knowing if Manzanar was their ultimate destination. But, I’m sure it was a scene that was repeated all over.
Above: one of the barracks and another archway made of small logs
These are posted in the entry to the Visitor’s Center as an introduction to learning about this location, the events that took place to create it, and life in the internment camp.
My narrative here is only a snippet of this history. I encourage you to learn more by visiting if you can and researching on-line.
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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 finally 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.
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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.
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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.
I love this time of year in northern California for many reasons. But one big reason is because the farmers' markets are stuffed full of all the fresh, yummy produce you can imagine! Last week I totally went overboard and bought more than what I should have - blackberries, garlic, mint, peaches, strawberries, kohlrabi.
Have you ever wanted to apply a texture to an image, but just weren't sure how to go about it? I'll give you some simple steps in this tutorial to add that little bit of something extra.
The Diverse Beauty of Point Reyes National Seashore beckons nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike to explore its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity located on the rugged Pacific coast of California.
The calm of feeling unattached to the sense of self while so absorbed in the work becomes a creator's persona. I am not aware of myself nor my surroundings when I am immersed in the frame I am laboring over. I mentally disappear into Still Life photography.
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Have you noticed how some photographers create sunbursts (also called starbursts, not to be confused with the candy!) in their images to enhance the feeling and elevate the image a bit? It just seems to add another dimension of interest to the image. I use this technique from time to time in my landscape work. Here are some pointers for you.
Observing the loon care for their chicks was fascinating. Known for their haunting calls and striking black and white plumage, common loons are iconic waterbirds found in North America. These incredible birds exhibit remarkable behaviors during the nesting season, especially when tending to their chicks.
A few years ago on a road trip north, I managed to stop to photograph the Milky Way and a few waterfalls. I was on my way to attend a workshop in the Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Despite there being so little rain and snow in northern California the previous winter, the waterfalls did not disappoint. And, the Milky Way, well, it's always awesome!
I am thrilled to announce my upcoming photography retreat, Waterfalls and More, is now open for registration. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, this workshop is designed to enhance your skills and ignite your creativity. Enjoy the benefits of a small group setting that encourages personal interaction and fosters a supportive learning environment. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for photography.
Common loons, known for their haunting calls and striking black-and-white plumage, are iconic waterbirds found in North America. Their fascinating behaviors during the breeding season, particularly in caring for their chicks, offer a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of avian family life. Unfortunately for me, we do not have many loons in Northern California near where I live.
Bald eagles hunting midshipmen in Washington showcases a captivating interaction between predator and prey in the Pacific Northwest ecosystem. The majestic bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom, exhibits remarkable hunting prowess as it targets midshipmen fish in the waters of Washington.
From the first time I heard the call of loons on a nature program on TV, I was captivated! The calls of the loons seem a bit forlorn, mysterious, and a somewhat haunting. I wanted to see, hear, and photograph them in person. British Columbia was just the place!
I am thrilled to announce my upcoming photography retreat, Waterfalls and More, is now open for registration. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, this workshop is designed to enhance your skills and ignite your creativity. Enjoy the benefits of a small group setting that encourages personal interaction and fosters a supportive learning environment. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for photography.
I am thrilled to announce my upcoming photography retreat, Waterfalls and More, is now open for registration. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, this workshop is designed to enhance your skills and ignite your creativity. Enjoy the benefits of a small group setting that encourages personal interaction and fosters a supportive learning environment. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for photography.
Fresh in my garden, bachelor buttons self-seed every year. They make beautiful subjects for still life when fresh or dried.
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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
Join other advanced photographers who are recognized for their technical and creative work. Learn more HERE.
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.