by Jim M. Goldstein

Sunrise or sunset? I suppose that will depend if the glass is half full or half empty for you on this Monday. Either way I hope that everyones Monday starts off well.

Photographed below are California Oak trees in a grassy meadow. If you’ve been to California you’ll know that much of the landscape inland from the coast resembles this scene. Several years ago I would often travel from Santa Barbara, in the central coast region of California, to north of San Francisco in Marin county. Much of the view along the way was this very type of landscape. Driving by this landscape it’s easy to take for granted the forms and textures present in this environment. Only recently have I started to explore this common view by foot and each time I’ve learned something new and/or gained a new perspective. It’s amazing how a sense of discovery can be found in your own backyard, so to speak, versus half way around the world.

Springtime Oaks landscape photo by Jim M. Goldstein

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7 Responses to “Springtime Oaks”

  1. alfie mallari

    on May 12 2008

    “It’s amazing how a sense of discovery can be found in your own backyard” — i strongly agree with you on this one. oftentimes, we look hard but failed to see those wonderful things just about a step away from us.

    p.s. thanks for putting this blog up buddy. cheers!

    respect

    alfie.mallari
    bluntsight

  2. Dan Mitchell

    on May 12 2008

    Jim:

    Thanks for that post. Over the years I’ve found that a “sense of discover” can often BEST be found in your own backyard. For me, it is by returning to a well-known place over and over in all seasons and at all times of day that I finally begin to discover what defines the place.

    In terms of photography, while I often am able to create something that is very attention-getting when I shoot something completely new, the stuff that seems to have more lasting value often comes later.

    Dan

  3. Richard Wong

    on May 12 2008

    nice view Jim. yeah I agree, this is a hard place to do justice. The East Bay has a lot of this type of landscape from the couple hikes I have done there.

  4. Jim

    on May 12 2008

    @Alfie Funny how the things we take for granted most can take the most effort to notice.

    @Dan Thanks for the comment. I agree repeat visits always help me take in the essence of a location helping me hone in on the characteristics that define the area.

    @Richard I’m not so sure its that difficult as much as its often overlooked by the locals. Sometimes its easier to see unique landscapes when you’re visiting the area. Perhaps that explains the grass is greener mentality of photographers. Seldom do we see whats under our own noses.

  5. Ken

    on May 13 2008

    After seeing your post at Kelby’s blog I thought you might enjou my yarn about “rays ringflash”

    http://kblawson.wordpress.com/

    affectionately OnSite

    Ken

  6. Landscape Shooter

    on May 14 2008

    That is an interesting photo with the star effect on the sun and the slight wide angle .Very nice.
    I have started a small photo blog that you might like to comment on.
    View my photography blog :
    Framed Feelings

  7. Springtime Oaks II | JMG-Galleries - Jim M. Goldstein Photography: travel, landscape, and nature pictures - stock photos and fine art prints

    on June 11 2008

    [...] perspective in my Springtime Oak series. This is a little different than my last “Springtime Oak” in that I wanted the tree to be the sole subject. California Oak trees take on such complex [...]

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About Me

Jim M. Goldstein
Jim Goldstein is an independent photographer specializing in landscape, travel, environments, nature and event photography for advertising and editorial use.

A member of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), Jim produces the highest quality photography for both commercial clients and fine art photography collectors. Jim's photography has been featured in the Washington Post, Sierra Club, Future Snowboarding magazine, Surfmag.com, SFGate.com, and a variety of other publications