Saturday, February 11, 2012

Unfamiliar Beauty

My next assignment was to step out of my comfort zone and photograph something that was "unfamiliar", taking at least 100 photos and narrowing it down to the two or three best.  Since I normally photograph things that are "pretty" I decided I would get out of my comfort zone and try to find "unfamiliar" and "hidden" beauty in something that wasn't necessarily pretty or perfect.  I chose to take photos at a 300 year old barn that is a short walk from where I live.  The owner let me have the run of the place, and except for a few chirping sparrows, I was alone in this magnificent structure.  It was quiet and wonderful. I took 166 photos, and narrowed it down to seven (sorry, I just couldn't get down to 2 or 3!)

I liked the rough texture of this old paint and the door ajar

I thought this photo captured exactly what I was trying to convey

I like the "grunginess" of the hardware and dirty paint in this photo, as well as the way the light hits the top of the door and highlights where the horses have gnawed on this door for probably centuries :)


I was drawn to the bright blue color against the texture of the barnboard
These birds were chirping away inside the barn while I was photographing, but I couldn't get a shot of them inside.  All of a sudden I looked up when I went outside and there they were, sitting still long enough on the ledge for me to get this shot, I love the beauty of the birds agains the worn, old wood.

OK I guess this guy is "pretty" (couldn't resist :)

I liked the reflections in the glass, even though broken, still beautiful :)




9 comments:

Ginny said...

I think all of the pictures are really beautiful. There are so many contrasts of colors and textures. I thought my favorite was the one of the blue pails but then the one of the birds also captured my attention immediately. You must have had a wonderful day.

Joanna said...

What a great subject. You're truly found the beauty in it. I love the photo of the barn door all worn away. The light in that one is really special. And what a great capture with those birds! Nicely done.

Kat Sloma said...

What a wonderful place to photograph! I would be in heaven. You did a great job of capturing the beauty of the texture and age in that barn. I love the beauty sign, and the pop of color of those blue buckets. It's great to see you get out of your comfort zone, and create some lovely images of that barn. Love it!

Sandra said...

I love those sparrows perched on the edge of the barn opening, they look so sweet perched there. A lovely capture.
I also like those bright blue buckets and the lighting at the time you took the picture.
A really nice series and the atmosphere of the place was really well captured.

Phyllis said...

oooh - I really like the way the blue buckets "pop" against the worn out wood. And I like the horse and adore the birds with the old wood and the black background. Sounds like a great photo adventure!

kathyL said...

What great textures! I love the first shot with the old worn door. Nice capture of the birds, too! I like the blackness in the background and how the window frames them - it accentuates them so well.

Ahayes1225 said...

I love the bird photo and the open door make me wonder what is inside. Very nice!

Ellie said...

What a great old barn - I really love all of the different shades in it but my favourite shot is the one with the 2 blue buckets. Love that splash of colour against the wood.

Anna said...

What a wonderful subject and photo shoot!!! Lots of great textures, compositions and value arrangements in these capture!. My favorites are two in a row - the blue buckets (yummy color contrasts) and the birds on the ledge (perfect, all around). Out of your comfort zone... looks pretty comfortable!