As a photographer I am constantly looking out for interesting subjects. When I find something, I make note of the location so that I can return to it when the light is right. This image is no different.
I spotted this gem on a recent excursion and got extremely excited. This is the kind of stuff I love to find. Sitting out in the middle of a huge field, there it was. An old cracker style farmhouse left to the elements. The weather has certainly taken it’s toll on this wonderful building. But there is just so much character contained in a piece of history like this I knew I had to come back and shoot it.
After doing some research on the angle of the setting sun and what time of day it would be, all I had to do was just show up at the right time. Oh and hope that the sky spirits would hear my call and present me with an amazing sunset ;). I think they delivered! What do you think?
Most of the time I previsualize a shot in my head which helps me to capture it exactly the way I want it to look. However all of the elements must present themselves to make it happen. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. I originally planned on a black and white image that portrayed the entire field around the house. On the day I took this, I changed my mind and zoomed in closer to show more details of the house. The color was so amazing that I decided to nix the black and white idea. I had really hoped for some birds to fly through while I was there but they didn’t. So I had to add the birds to the scene after the fact.
The idea for the title struck me after noticing how nature is taking over the structure but the field is still in use with fresh hay bales in the background.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this picture so please feel free to leave me a comment.
Click on the image below to see a larger view.
Beautiful Michael. Excellent composition and looks like you ordered up the perfect sky 🙂
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Thank you so much Edith! I was really happy with the sky!
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Good work, and great light. I’d say you nailed it.
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Thanks a lot Mike! I appreciate the compliments!
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Absolutely stunning! I don’t know that I’ll EVER be able to capture a shot like that?! I’ll leave that to you pros. 😉
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Thank you very much Christine! Don’t sell yourself short – you can do anything you put your mind to!
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This is such a great image! I love the bold, passionate colors, and I want to know more of the story behind that old farmhouse.
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Thank you Mary! I agree – I would love to find out the history of this place.
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What a wonderful subject you had to play with Miichael. And all of the effort you put into this image really shows.
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Thanks Emily! I really appreciate it!
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I think this is amazing – all your planning paid off!!
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Thanks so much Paige!
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I understanding wanting to return under optimal light, but too many times when I haven’t attempted a picture as soon as I came across something interesting, the opportunity was lost and I never did get a picture of the thing. As a result, I’ve gotten pretty good at making myself try for pictures on the first encounter, just in case circumstances keep me from coming back.
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Totally agree with you Steve. When I first saw this place I actually didn’t even have any camera with me. Since it was only two hours away from me I knew I wanted to return but I didn’t know when I would. As luck would have it the light was pretty good. But definitely if I am at a location and have my camera with me, any picture is better than not trying at all. Wayne Gretzky said “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I think that can apply to photography as well as hockey!
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Stunning, colours and composition. And the vast area of the sky and the comparatively small farm house could even show that our concerns and everyday worries sometimes are not really that big.
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Thank you Anna! I appreciate the very eloquent comment!
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What a beauty Michael! love the colors
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Thanks so much Mike!
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a layer of beauty!!!
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Thanks so much Nonoy!
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