Generations past (view larger)

What a great combination for photographs: tombstones, and old and abandoned house, and an encroaching forest.  This is a pretty straight shot under a relatively clear sky.  If you live nearby, I think you could have a lot of fun here filling in the foreground in different ways, looking for different relationships between the tombstones and the house, and trying different light conditions.  If the house is safe to enter, some views looking out (perhaps combining different exposures) might be interesting.  There is a lot that can be tried here.

I agree with Stephen's assessment, but this is intriguing as is.  There's something about old buildings that have a magnetic pull on the imagination.... Mike

I couldn't agree with you guys more!  I love these subjects as well, and I could have spent a lot longer here.  In fact, we went back the next a.m., but it was too bright with the reflections off the tombstones.  We did try to go in, but this church was built on a hill (which you can't really tell), and there was a deep crawl space underneath.  I didn't trust the floor, and believe me......I've had so many falls and accidents that I wasn't about to risk going inside.  Here is another version I worked up though......hope you enjoy this version.  Thanks for your comments!

Christal, I didn't realize the building is an old church, but that makes sense.  I really like the B&W -- I think B&W is well-suited for this composition.

Christal,

What a "gem" of a location you have found here. What more could one ask for, . . . Old Church, Old Tombstones etc., etc..

And you've done a great job here with the lighting, DOF and distinct details!

I like the B&W you offered too, but personally I like the colour version here better!

If I had this opportunity, I would visit here many times! I can only imagine the different composition's, lighting conditions and different times of the year to visit this gem! (Pretty much what Stephen said!)

I look forward to seeing more from here!

Very interesting location, and well shot!

Regards always,

Jim j.

Sorry it's taken me awhile to respond.  Yes, this is a great spot to revisit.  I didn't realize it had been a church until the locals told us.  Try as I might, I couldn't find any compelling image from any other side of the building.  But different lighting, and of course a different time of year (autumn or winter with snow) would make an entirely different image from this viewpoint.  Thanks for your comments!

Mike Mancil recently gave me some very helpful sharpening information, which I want to try on this.  If I can implement what I have in mind, then I think I would prefer this as a B&W.