Old Barn

Just wonderful! I like this comp a lot Sandy. I also like the nice light but most of all just enjoy the feel this has. Nice work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

This is just amazing, and I'm going to comment on a few things beyond just saying that because I need distraction from dark clouds now circulating, and I think that whenever this happens, it's best to look beyond and to focus on that which is beautiful, as this images is such a great example of, and thus put positive vibes into the ether. <deep sigh>

So what follows comes from both the small view and the large view. The first thing that hit me was the diagonal l line formed by the fence posts from left to right, then horizontal line from the base of the trees back from right to left, leading to the barn, the subject, which implies the source and cause and reason for the fence and barbed wire and possibly even for the row of trees too, in the first place. This all becomes one in the mind.

It was then I noticed how the tops of the trees formed yet another diagonal line pointing inward from right to left to the center where the barn is; sort of anchored by that last tree on the left to bring the eye down again to the barn.

Even the clump of trees or brush over on the extreme left ar right leaning sort of bowing towards the barn.

And over all of this, there is a golden glow of either rising or setting sun, showing wonderful shadows on the snow.

Finally, the frame is so well thought out that I can't help mentioning it.

Thanks for posting it, Sandy Richards; It's been very helpful to me to see it.



And it was then I saw the other horizontal line at the tops of these trees, again leading from right to left

The next thing that I noticed is yet another horizontal line; that being at the tops of the trees

Speaking of all these LINES, I think I'll straighten the horizon!

Sandy

Really a great composition, Sandy. I think the plain white snow eliminates any potential distractions and lets one comtemplate on the comp and the details of fence and barn. Straightening the horizon helped

Glad you straightened the horizon. Might have caused an avalanche! This is such excellent composition! I like the fact that there are no unnecessary items here. It is not often that perfect balance is achieved in an image, but you did it here. Good job!

Hi Sandy,
I must say well done, and you won me over on this one! Looks like a Christmas Card to me. EXCELLENT Is it my eyes? or is the horizon still a tad high on the right in the repost?

Beautiful, Sandy. I am a sucker for old fences and barns. The straightened horizon keeps the snow in place :). The soft light adds a real ambience to the image.

You're not going to like this, but I prefer the initial version. Now that I really look in depth at the two, the first one has a subliminial effect that amplifies the effect of the fence in initially bringing the eye over to the right, and it also helps the eye go back down along with the tree tops to the last tree and then to the barn.

I'm sorry I didn't pick up on this last, important line last night. But I was going through a lot of personal turmoil associated with work. The new version definitely detracts, I think, and this just goes to show how sometimes our initial instincts should be allowed to override the wisdom of convention.

This is gorgeous Sandy, light, color, comp and exposure, just beautiful in my opinion. Very well seen and presented.
John

Love the warm light here Sandy. I feel like I can walk right into this beautiful scene.

Love the light and the composition. What a wonderful winter scene.

Ray

Gotta love this composition. I might be tempted to crop out a little of the upper sky, to make the image not quite so long in tooth. Perhaps even a bit from the bottom.

It looks like the image is slightly listing CCW, but that could just be an optical illusion.

One can tell that it is either early or late in the day, and possesses the warmth associated with those times. I can see from your choice of border colors that your intent is to emphasize the warm browns. I'm just not completely sold on the brownish color palette (but that could easily change). However, just for fun, I'd experiment with some other cooler tonalities just to see. This could also be an ideal candidate for a b&w, perhaps with a bit of a cooling tone. Or if you wanted, a warmer sepia tone to still relay the browns present.

But as is, even with the browns it is a lovely, peaceful image.

Excellent comp, Sandy. The exposure control is expertly done.

Wow, such a beautiful composition and gorgeous warm light. In the version with the straight horizon, it seems a little tight on the right side, but I didn't get that impression with the intial post. Beautiful either way though.

Nothing original to add to the already voluminous comments, but I wanted to add mine because I really like this. I can see this hanging in my house. Great lines and overall composition. Plus, you always seem to come up with the perfect frame.

Allan, it could be arranged to have this hanging in your home..


Thanks for the kind comments, everyone.

Sandy

Allan, it could be arranged to have this hanging in your home..

If I were to have this haning in my home, first off, I'd select the first version. Secondly, I think I would tilt the frame very slightly downward on the left side. No, I don't think I would, I know I would.

You have a good eye, Sandy. This is wonderfully composed.

Great shot. love the warm light and the feel this has.

Nicely seen, composed and processed, Sandy
Great lines and feel!

Sandy,

Gorgeous winter landscape! Good call on the horizon correct.

Normally, a fence line like this mentally blocks the viewer from entering the scene - However, this old fence in somewhat of disrepair just does a great job framing and adding character to this rural scene. I love the light and soft shadows as well.

Excellent!

Lon

This makes me actually want to live in the cold, and for a Florida boy that's saying a lot! Perfect exposure and lovely composition. Very well done Sandy.

Congratulations Sandy, I love this shot!!!

Ray

Congrats Sandy. Superb light and composition.

pat

Hi Sandy! Congrats! & Well deserved. It is a wonderful image... Nick

Just saw this, what a nice and original take on this region. Well done.

Sandy, I like the image, I do. The coloring, the lighting, the lines that lead you through the scene, the sharpness. Email me I would like to ask some questions about this image.

Sandy: Congrats on the WP. This is a terrific image and one I think is better for NOT showing the Tetons in the BG. If the mountains were visible I think they would steal the show or at least diminish the impact of the fence and tree lines. Top notch in every way. >=))>

A creative take on an overphotographed barn, Sandy. Nice. Obviously a bit of thought went into this comp.

Congrats on the WP Sandy-wonderful image. I just love winter in the north country and this image really speaks to me.