I have taken this shot before and will most likely shoot it again in different light. Today, I was testing some new settings on the Sophie with long exposures.
Barn at Bobcat Ridge, Loveland, CO
Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 58.9mm • F/18 • 30s • ISO 200
“I see this life like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
And my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and you shall find
Old, but I’m not that old
Young, but I’m not that bold
I don’t think the world is sold
I’m just doing what we’re told
I feel something so right
Doing the wrong thing
I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I could lie, coudn’t I, could lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive”
It will take two hands to count the internal rules I broke today with this post. First, I went dumpster diving on my computer to retrieve this shot that I took over a month ago! (So, no, I didn't shoot today, yet.)
I had trashed this file because apparently there was way too much thinking happening the day I assessed this image as unworthy and thought there would be no use for it, ever. Now that I look at it again, aside from it fitting the theme, the flares remind me of the quilt patterns that often hang on the outside of barns. Their placement actually add to the subject and accentuate what would otherwise just be the side of a big, old barn.
Now that flares are allowed in my picture vocabulary, I am growing fond of their appearance. What was once taboo is opening a new world of artistic expression.
Feels very freeing to break the rules and even more freeing to let go of the rules all together.
Drake Barn, Fort Collins, CO
Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 45mm • F/36 • 1/20s • ISO 400
“The buildings tell the story of pioneer settlement, farming, and cattle ranching dating from the 1880’s through the late 20th century. ”
Today sadly concludes the theme of barns for me. It was a truly a wonderful week of shooting as I met the friendliest people along the way and discovered an amazingly rich farm heritage that made this place I call home.
I couldn't decide which picture to post today so like a Fourth of July fireworks display, the grand finale is a collage of photos from the beautiful historic farm at Bobcat Ridge.
Discovering this natural area today was such a delightful treat. Strolling around the property, I realized there is a lot to look at and photograph as the preservation of the structures is phenomenal. I am looking forward to revisiting for another shoot, hopefully when the sunshine returns, as well as taking a hike on the trail.
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins, CO
Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-200mm lens • ISO 200
This picturesque barn resides in a neighborhood park in Fort Collins. I couldn't find any information about its history, whether it has always lived on this piece of land or if it was moved here. Every door and window is tightly buttoned up with nails. Even the knot holes don't allow for peeking inside. Who knows? It could be a secret lab for experimental time travel using park squirrels as subjects. Or, maybe there is a host of farm animals like chickens, pigs, cows, ducks and of course goat, living in an alternate universe that just happens to fit nicely within the illusion of these four crimson walls. Either way, the security cameras hanging at the peaks on the outside make me curious about both its history and its contents. I smiled for whoever is watching.
Neighborhood Barn, Fort Collins, CO
Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-200mm lens • 20mm • F/20 • 1/10s • ISO 100