Barns

Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

One of my favorite photographic subjects is barns and farmsteads. Old barns, shiny new barns, grain bins and silos are all photogenic in my view, but I particularly like the old, weathered wood and rusted steel, slate, or shingle roofed barns that have some “character” to them. The opening image is the farmstead of my Uncle, Holden Doane, and his son Tennyson, who have farmed this working Vermont Dairy farm for over 60 years. I have never gotten an image of the farmstead I was satisfied with. Playing around with my newly-acquired Nik Viveza software a few months back, I found I was able to make adjustments to this one that made it as pleasing an image as I have been able to make of this farm so far.

There are barns I have driven by many times with the thought that I would like to photograph them. Too often, I am on my way somewhere for work, or with family members, or passing during a time of day when the light is just not right. Often, the barns are visible from a highway and I pass them 55-70 miles per hour, thinking that one day I will have time to slow down, explore and maybe find a vantage point from which to shoot them. Other times, I have actually found the time to stop and spend some time photographing them. I have accumulated a few barn photos in the last several years. I recently did a major upgrade to my Light Room Software (from the original version all the way to LR4 in a single step). After struggling with the upgrade to the catalog file, I decided maybe simply starting from scratch was a better idea, and used the opportunity to better structure my image management categories. Barns became a category, and as I collected them, I started to see images I had, frankly, forgotten. The next few Blogs will be a series on barns.

Vermont is a good place to start, since I have probably photographed more barns in Vermont than in any other place. In Vermont, barns were often built so close to the road, it sometimes seems they are on the road (indeed, there is a barn near Stowe where the road actually passes under it). This barn was on Route 15, just outside of Hardwick, Vermont. I drove by, turned around, and came back, finding a place a ways down the road where I could get my car off the road and out of the image, then hiked back along the narrow shoulder with my gear, to set up almost in the traffic lane to get this image. There is no doubt this image would be nicer in better light, but again, Viveza to the rescue, yielded a passable result.

Copyright 2006 Andy Richards

There is no “barn scene” that says, “traditional Vermont working dairy farm” better than the Hillside Acres Farm in Barnet, Vermont.

Copyright 2006 Andy Richards

Barns can play a critical part in a pastoral, or village scene, especially, it seems, in New England. Two famous village shots involve barns as a central element. Waits River Village, a scene, made famous by (among others) Massachusetts photographer Arnold John Kaplan, uses traditional, gable-roofed, weathered barns to frame the church in the center of the village.

Copyright 2005 Andy Richards

In this oft-photographed view of the quaint, “Northeast Kingdom” Village of Peacham (home of famous photographer Robert Brown), the rustic, old, traditional hip-roofed red barn counterbalances the white “New England” church and gives the scene its essential rural Vermont character.

Copyright 2005 Andy Richards

One of the things that can make a barn stand out is its traditional, red color. Red draws the eye, is an active color, and emerges in any image. I liked the way the red barn balances the sweeping fenceline and the lone, grazing horse in this image.

Copyright 2006 Andy Richards

The small, red, barn on the Upper Hollow Road in Stowe, Vermont is another iconic traditional Vermont Barn. This barn is maintained by a conservancy and is perhaps one of the most photogenic barns I have ever shot.

Grand View Farm, Stowe, Vermont
Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

Red barns, and weathered wood barns are ubiquitous in the United States. But another Vermont tradition is the whitewashed barn and there is no better specimen than this barn on Burton Hill Road in Barton. This is far and away my favorite “Vermont” image.

Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

Fall Foliage Photography “Checklist”

Grand View Farm, Stowe, Vermont
Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

I did a Fall Foliage shooting checklist in September 2009 and that blog is worth revisiting. With Fall coming on quickly it is timely to think about what you might “carry” into the field as you shoot foliage this Fall. As I did in 2009, I want to make the point that being properly equipped for a successful and enjoyable outing means more than just a checklist of your photography gear. It also means consideration of essential items for comfort, convenience (and perhaps even survival).

I have been guilty of carrying a narrow notion of pre-conceived images into the field

Mental Preparation

But perhaps most importantly, it also means consideration of what you “carry” in your head. What mental preparation have you made for your outing? Are you prepared to see? I have often been guilty of carrying a narrow notion of pre-conceived images into the field. In 2010, after some conversation with a couple professional photographers and some serious thought about what I wanted to “bring home,” I believe I had one of my most successful outings, with some unique approaches to images that had already been shot, as well as some completely new images.

One thing about that outing surprised me. Mental preparation takes work just as the other preparation does. It is important to know your equipment, your theories, and your craft. Indeed, the best pros will tell you they know them so well, they never consciously think about it. It is internalized in their shooting and they are free to be creative. But the creativity (for many of us, at least) take work. It takes proverbially “thinking outside the box.” My friend and ultra-talented pro, Ray Laskowitz, has suggested a very useful approach to shooting.  Ask, “what is it like to be . . . . . . ?” If you were shooting travel photography, what would it be like to be the tourist, the local citizen, the captain of the boat, the fisherman, the shopkeeper, or the shopper? From a nature perspective, what would it look like from the point of view of the bird, or beetle; or, from the point of view of the hiker, hunter, or biker?

Focus on the elements that make a great image rather than the subject matter

I also found that when I started to focus on the elements that nature brings to us that make a great image, rather than the subject matter, things opened up differently to me. In that outing I concentrated on light, atmospherics, and form. Sure, when I go to a place I haven’t been before, I want to photograph those iconic scenes. I did it then, and I’ll do it in the future. But doing it with an eye toward these elements is bound to yield more pleasing and possibly unique results. Of course, it helps when Mother Nature cooperates, and she did, providing fog, mist, and cloud formations for much of the early part of the week.

In one of my earliest blogs, I talked about the intimate perspective. There is much to be gained by getting a different perspective, up closer or down lower. I know from experience, that it’s tough to pull off the “Grand Landscape” successfully. More often than not, I am underwhelmed and even disappointed with my result. It’s much easier to take a small slice of a visually interesting part of that grand landscape and work with it. This is particularly the case when the atmospheric conditions do not create the drama necessary to make the landscape image unique and interesting. Plain, cobalt blue skies and dull grey skies actually have a lot in common; they are both kind of plain, and therefore often boring. Clouds and color, in the right combination, provide drama and interest. If they don’t, consider a different perspective, either getting much closer to the image (or a part of it), or trying to find a way to have the light strike it in a more dramatic way, while excluding the sky.

The reason, in my view, that the “classic” barn scene in Stowe, Vermont “works” is because all the elements came together; a picturesque subject in the red barn, the perspective created by the road going into the center of the image, punctuated with the repeating utility poles, the magnificent mountain backdrop in fall foliage splendor, but most importantly, the cloud formations adding color and interest to the blue sky.

Clouds and color, in the right combination, provide drama and interest

Cool early morning temperatures following a heavy rainfall created magical atmospheric conditions for this image
Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

Likewise, the “atmospherics” for the Burton Road Farm shot came together perfectly. The clear, very cold morning, followed a weekend with 5 inches of rain in Vermont. Everything was saturated and the very cold temperatures created wonderful fog and cloud banks which created the layering effect seen in the sky. Without the cloud bank, I would probably not have included much of the sky in this image at all.

Lower Pleasant Valley Road, Cambridge, VT
Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

For the Barn on Pleasant Valley Road, the sky was mostly gray, but that small break of blue letting the sun through created just the drama I was looking for (sometimes you get lucky, but there is an old saying about “being there”).  The late afternoon lighting on the mountainside was nice. I got in as close as I could to the barn while still having some of the lighted mountainside showing. In all of these images, the subject was—of course—the barn. But my point is I used the compositional and natural elements around each subject to make it interesting.

Poplars in Fall Foliage; Santa Fe National Forest, NM
Copyright 2008 Andy Richards

The image made in the Santa Fe National Forest of the Western Fall Foliage in New Mexico was challenged by a mostly gray sky and a mix of sun; what I refer to as a “bright overcast.”  The light falling on the foliage was nice, but the sky, blah. So I composed without the sky, trying to emphasis the golden yellow and oranges of the Western foliage.

Essential Gear Update

I cannot really add much to the gear list on the 2009 Blog. There is one important item I can add to that list, though. If you are going to be anywhere in the woods or wilderness where there is even a chance of an encounter with a bear, do yourself a favor and get yourself some bear spray. After my trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, I am convinced of the utility of that move. As we sat in a restaurant on the last day of that trip, I struck up a conversation with a “local” who told me stories of his two bear encounters. One, a lone grizzly, he was able to avoid without confrontation. But it was a nervous experience and he did have his spray with him and ready for use. The second was with a Black Bear. We have Black Bear in Michigan (indeed they have become more prevalent in recent years). In this case, a mother who thought he was a threat to her cubs, charged him. He used the bear spray and it worked.

I would also recommend, to go along with the map(s) of the area, that you carry a good old fashioned compass (when the gps batteries run out, it might just be a lifesaver), and be familiar with how to use it.

Photographic Gear Update

Again, this list hasn’t changed much. In addition to your camera, I re-emphasize a tripod, polarizer (especially useful for foliage) and cable release. I have recently added to my own gear, a backup camera and a backup tripod.

I will be out of the so-called “blogosphere” the next couple weekends, shooting in Michigan’s UP.  I’ll try to follow some of my own advice here.  I hope you have great success this year in your Fall Foliage outing(s), whenever and wherever you go!  See you soon, and thanks for reading!

“THE Photographer’s Guide To Minnesota’s North Shore”

Recommended
Over the past month, I have blatantly and egregiously trumpeted my new eBook, “Photographing Vermont’s Fall Foliage.” Nearly simultaneously, my great friend and talented photographer, Allen Utzig was working on his own eBook Guide, “THE Photographer’s Guide To Minnesota’s North Shore.” Available since early August, Al’s book is available for iPad in the iBookstore, Kindle on Amazon, Nook at Barnes & Noble, Kobo in their own bookstore, and a few other notable places, such as ebookpie.com.

The North Shore is 100 miles of pure magic!

For those who didn’t already know this, Minnesota is a vast state in the heartland of our country, bordering Canada on its Northern Border. The “North Shore” is a roughly 100-mile shoreline that borders the northwest of an arm of Lake Superior’s westernmost end (maybe 1/3 or so of the entire lake) which juts down along the northern borders of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s UP (bordered to the east by Michigan’s “Keweenaw Peninsula.” But it is 100 miles of pure magic!

Copyright Andy Richards 2010

Beginning at the town of Two Harbors, just under 200 miles from Minneapolis-St. Paul, there are numerous rivers with spectacular waterfalls as they drop to Lake Superior. And, in my personal view, the “crown jewel” of The North Shore is the Split Rock Lighthouse, arguably the most spectacular and photogenic of all of the lighthouses on the Great Lakes!

For years, Al (who I met on the Scenes of Vermont Forums) has been cajoling me to join him on a photo trip to the North Shore, where he has spent many hours photographing. Two summers ago, in 2010, I joined him for a long-weekend on the North Shore. And what a weekend it was. We only scratched the proverbial surface. But Al knows the area, where and when to be, and how to get the images.

Split Rock Light is arguably the most spectacular and photogenic of all the Great Lakes Lighthouses

Al has been a career teacher, but spent most of his years in the insurance and actuarial industry. He has been fortunate to travel over the country, including to my beloved Vermont, which is our connection. But once a teacher, always a teacher. Al is a teacher at heart, and I have observed him working with beginners, amateurs and his equally talented fellow photographers alike, always sharing his knowledge of places, techniques equipment. His GoldImages Website showcases his personal work, as well as his business, consulting with companies for their logo, brochure and multi-media needs, and sales of his imagery. It’s worth a look – and bookmarking.

But about the book. “THE Photographer’s Guide To Minnesota’s North Shore” is classic Allen Utzig (for those of us who know him well). Before taking us to the places, Al puts on his “teaching hat.” The first part of the book prepares the would-be North Shore photographer for what to expect, and how to capture the images they are going to be presented with. A substantial part of the draw of the North Shore is its many waterfalls. For those who haven’t attempted these images, waterfall photography is notoriously challenging. So we have a chapter explaining how to shoot water and waterfalls, and some tips on how to get those silky, flowing, artful images of water, as well as proper exposure techniques. The Split Rock Light affords some wonderfully diverse opportunities. When I was there, I photographed it in early morning with the sun rising behind the light, in the late afternoon with the “golden light” lighting it, and at night. Because there are some great night time photographic opportunities on the shore, Al gives us another chapter on shooting night time photographs.

Reflections; Cascade River, Minnesota
Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

In his introduction, Al indicates that the book is intended for photographers of all skill levels. Thus, there are chapters in the beginning covering compositional rules, exposure theory, and essential equipment. The experienced shooter can skip those chapters and move right on to the chapters describing the scenes. Or, they can take advantage of Al’s considerable knowledgeable as a refresher course. It never hurts to go back and review the fundamentals, and I found myself enjoying reading these sections from a different photographer’s perspective.  But the point it, there is something for everybody in this eBook.

Starting in Duluth, (about 25 miles southwest of Two Harbors), Al takes us on a tour of the main attractions, from Gooseberry Falls, in Gooseberry Falls State Park (we spent parts of 2 days there), to Split Rock State Park and the lighthouse, all the way up to Grand Portage, at the northern end. Beyond is Canada. This is about a 100 mile stretch and it appears that a photographer could spend a week there and still only be starting to see all there is to see.

Get the North Shore on your “Bucket List” and don’t go without Al’s eBook

Throughout most of the book, Al gives us narrative, directions, time of day, and GPS coordinates. I have to admit my bias, I know and love Al. And, I spent time with him as my personal guide in this beautiful area. But even so, I find it hard to find any criticisms of this eBook. However, I have shared a couple with Al. First, I want to see more images! The book is well-illustrated, but I know there’s more and I know Al has made them. Second, I would hope that a subsequent addition would “flesh out” some of the areas given coverage (but not as detailed) in the final chapter, “Other Photographic Locations.” I have seen some of the weathered old buildings Al mentions. But we haven’t been there at a time when conditions were right to photograph them. Still, I would like to see directions and GPS coordinates, and, one day, when you hit them right Al, illustrative photographs. I am certain there will be updates, as I know Al will continue to travel to the North Shore to photograph its wonders. If you haven’t planned a trip there, get it on your “bucket list.” And don’t go without Al’s eBook!

Recommended

It’s That Time Again!

Porcupine Mountain State Park
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Copyright Andy Richards 1997

Predictably, I do this every year. We are a month or less away from Fall foliage season, and I feel compelled to write about it in my blog. Sometime in about the middle of August, things start a natural progression that show that Summer is winding down and Fall approaching. It has always been in a sense a bittersweet time for me, as I have never been a Winter person. I love being able to get outside, get into the woods, onto the water, or even occasionally, the golf course.

Craftsbury Common, Craftsbury, Vermont
Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

Early Fall is, has always been, and probably always will be, my favorite time of the year. Ironically, it seems to be one of the most short-lived seasons, and is a time when things are dying, turning, or being harvested. There is something exciting about the sights and smells of that time of the year and I am always sad when, sometime in November, things turn grey and snow is in the air. But from now until then: exciting times.

Glade Creek Grist Mill
Babcock State Park, West Virginia
Copyright 2011 Andy Richards

Fall always has been, and always will be, my favorite time to photograph

In my view, Fall is the best time to be a photographer. Along with the sights and sounds, comes clear air, with puffy clouds, low-angled light, and shorter days. Why are shorter days good? It means that we don’t have to roll out of bed quite so early to beat the sun, nor wait quite so late for the evening light. And of course, there is the foliage. There is nothing wrong with green foliage (or even the pastel “colors” of early spring). Spring itself rivals Fall with everything coming into bloom. But the Fall foliage is still the “king” of photographic subjects. It makes everything come alive and give color and interest to scenes that might otherwise be “just nice” or even “ho-hum.”

Jordan Pond
Acadia National Park; Maine
Copyright 2009 Andy Richards

Fall foliage is the “king” of outdoor and nature photographic subjects

Foliage need not be just the traditional reds, oranges, rusts and yellows of large, deciduous trees. Sumac, grape vines, corn and beans nearing harvest-readiness also provide some wonderful, colorful photographic subjects and backdrops.

Harvesting Soybeans
Saginaw County, Michigan
Copyright 2002 Andy Richards

One of my favorite image subjects is the reflection. And nothing brings a reflection more interest than the vibrant colors of Fall foliage.

Kit Carson National Forest
Copyright 2008 Andy Richards

In years past, I have traveled to Vermont, Maine, Virginia, West Virginia, California and New Mexico. Each has their own “take” on foliage. We were too early for foliage in the San Francisco Bay area and wine country and I will undoubtedly return there in the late Fall in the near future, for the colorful vineyards. The “bucket list” also includes the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, The Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Alaska and closer to home, Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio. I also hope to spend some time in Canada just to the Northeast of our Upper Peninsula and on the Bruce Peninsula, just East of where I live, and in an area surrounding the North Channel of Lake Huron known as “the Canadian Shield” one day.

Boley Lake
Babcock State Park, W. Virginia
copyright 2011 Andy Richards

As football season starts up, students go back to school, the vacationers close up the summer cottages, and things begin to gear up for Fall, excitement builds for my own photographic senses. I always have a week-long, dedicated trip planned for foliage photography. This year, I travel to the familiar, Michigan UP for a week-long workshop by my friend and mentor, James Moore, where I will have the great privilege of serving as the “local guide.” We have locations lined up, and I have watched the later summer rains and now-changing weather with great anticipation.

The Common Road
Waitsfield, Vermont
Copyright 2010 Andy Richards

I hope you have a plan to get out during the “season” and photograph some of the wonderful foliage on our continent!