I recently went up to visit my grand parents a few weeks ago. I had been meaning to stop and photograph their old barn, but never seemed to make time. The sun was giving some trouble with bad angles and lots of shadows, but when something begs to be photographed like this…..well it just comes together. I am planning on heading back out there with some better lighting and really explore all the character the old barn has to offer.
There is something truly unique about how a wood barn ages. Once smooth and colorful wood is eaten and faded away by the passage of time. The rust on the hardwear speaks to the changing of the seasons year after year. Memories of the bales of hay brought in and handed out during the winter. The shade that was provided during the brutal mid-summer days and the ability of the dirt floor to cool the surrounding air.
I am not usually a fan of overly contrasted photos, but I had to play a bit different with this one. The sunlight was very bright and tended to bleach out the coloring of the wood and surrounding plants. I took it to black and white and played a bit with some more settings. I like how this accentuated the lines the wood and also really makes the shadows pop.
The best thing about old wooden barns, is the propensity for there to be wooden fences surrounding it. There is nothing more unique than weathered wooden fence posts and the rusty old barbwire that stays attached. I was really intrigued by the mix of lines and uneven ends on the top of this post. The smallest bit of lichen makes for a neat addition as well. Of course the memory holding barn in the background finishes out the picture.
Flies, Lies, and Other Diversions 