Long Forgotten_(Click for larger view)

The mist, the old miners chapel and the slate fencing that looks like

tombstones seemed to create a haunting atmosphere. Your thoughts

and comments are always appreciated. Thank You!

Well done Alf, the water as a lead in to the rocks on the right, the tree, back lit and the crumbling structure, coupled with the mist is a nice artistic presentation

I like this composition very much, also the depth of field. No doubts as to where the eye should travel........Wales Indeed! Alfredo

Hi Alf, I agree with the above comments and would add that to me it has that middle-ages type atmosphere. It's almost gothic and I like it like that. It certainly takes you back in time. As always, you've chosen a perfect pov to present your latest excellent work my friend.

Best Always, Holger

Nice work Alf, this has atmosphere and drama in abundance,coupled with a dynamic composition and impressive B&W processing.

rest regards

Stephen

The land that time forgot, I can image an oxen cart on this old road as easily as a modern truck.  The mysterious atmosphere just sets the imagination spinning.  Good stuff... Mike

 

Alf,

  Beautiful b/w scene with wonderful composition & controlled lighting.  Take care, Patsy

Wonderful black and white.  I would say more, but it seems already covered by others.  All the best...

 

-Dave

 

yes, another evocative, technically appealing landscape-  top notch!

Your outdoor scenes and structures always seem iconic and beautifully composed, I don't think I would mistake your work for any other photographer's.

Three words - "brilliant".

Thank you so much! The path that turns into a stream when there's rain allows some interesting compositions, but then the whole place is just amazing, it' s like time stood still!

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

ALFREDO

 

North Wales has so many great locations and most of them within 2 hours travel of where I live.   Thank you so much for your positive feedback!

 

Alf

 

HOLGER

 

I know what you mean, and I think it's the old chapel coupled with the B & W presentation that gives that kind of atmosphere. This is a most unusual place, it can be bright sunshine just 20 minutes from here yet remain dark and ominous here.

Sincere thanks Holger!

Alf

 

STEPHEN

 

Many Thanks for your thoughtful feedback, much appreciated!

The processing was carried out using "Nik Siver Efex Pro - 2"

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

MIKE

 

I think the last resident of the miners village departed in 1957, but no electricity, and only the bare essentials for survival it must have been a hard life!  "The land that time forgot" ....Would have been a good title ....might have to steal that one : - )  Many Thanks Mike!

 

Alf

 

PATSY

 

Thank you so much. The lighting was a bit tricky with the brightness behind the tree, but I was able to process the image ok.

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

DAVE

 

I appreciate your interest and kind words!

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

Gregory & Verena

 

Thank you so much for stopping by, much appreciated!

 

Alf

 

JACK

 

That's a most rewarding compliment! Thank you so much.

Alf

 

TONY

 

I value your opinion, thank you!

 

Alf

 

 

Alf, 

This is all about mood.  The clouds and fog block out the rest of the world.  Indeed, they do resemble gravestones -- and old ones that are leaning their way to oblivion.  The rocky stream prevents one's eyes from quickly surveying the scene, as the only path you provided is tricky to maneuver.  I love the trees and the fact that there are two of them, together, weathering the solitude as a couple.  Very effectively atmospheric.

Hi ,Alf, I like the fantastic composition, the tones adds more for nice atmosphere, also the crisp details, great layers are really capture the eyes,   very well done !     Best regards

I don't know that I ever realized that slate was used for fences - I immediately thought of tombstones - yet they seemed a bit thin. But as you describe the scene for us I totally can see this place through your eyes as well. The processing I think was a big plus - such a good choice. I always love it when the detail in the foreground is so excellent. A fine, well balanced composition that truly draws the eye of the viewer and tells an excellent story!

An uproarious b/w full of charm and of mystery.

Humble apologies for my late reply! Something went horribly wrong with PN and I couldn't log on to my account, and then I have been away for a weeks holiday....which was just bliss!

Yes, I agree this is indeed all about mood, the impression you have of the place being blocked off from the rest of the world is very accurate. To access this place is a steep climb and a long walk, and deserted aura is almost tangible.  Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments and observations.

Alf

 

RICHARD

 

Thank you so much! The 14 - 24 mm  Nikkor lens is very much a favourite of mine for compositions such as this, it captures some great sharp detail.

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

GAIL

 

Slate was used to pretty much everything in these parts, simply because there was an abundance of the raw material. Even though we know that traditionally slate was used for roofs, but here even the walls of the houses were made of slate.  Of course it's completely impervious to water and it never rots :)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback Gail, it really is appreciated!

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

MAURIZIO

 

Thank you for your interest and kind words!

 

Best Regards

 

Alf

Hi Alf, a very dynamic image and the use of B/W gives this a sense of atmosphere and of the passage of time. So envious of the places you get to - I must get out more :-) Best wishes. Sarah.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and kind words, much appreciated.  You really should "get out more" only because you have a great photographic talent and you should use it. I remember the cottages in the snow that you photographed ......yes they made a lasting impression!  : - )

Best Regards

 

Alf

I'm attracted to the downward (or upward!) slope, though I do see it as downward. And I think the composition is great, sort of a linear triangle. I like the way I'm led into the frame. For me, this is a photo where the photo itself is the subject more than any single element. Great handling of the sky, by the way.

One of the best black and white pictures that I have seen of late. Very well balanced and with a great mood and details. Very well done, my friend. Best regards.

 

Dimitris.

Many Thanks for your visit and thoughtful feedback!  I see the slope as downward too, as it does head to the valley below. I think I understand your statement about the photo being the subject rather than any single element.  For me it is the overall mood which is brought about by all the elements.

Best Regards

 

Alf

 

DIMITRIS

 

Thank you so much for your interest and positive feedback!

The details are courtesy of that amazing lens once again : - )

 

Best Regards my friend!

 

Alf

Thanks Alf - learned something new today!!  I have seen some slate walls before but thought it was a designing choice - not that an abundance of it made it practical to use.  Sure beats cutting down more forests!

One of the strengths your work has is not only to present natural beauty but also to motivate us to think about the subject matter presented.   This image primarily trades on the latter.

 

I think what it must be like to travel along this muddy, stony, wet path.  Even better, I wonder what vistas await me when I reach the point around the bend or on the other side of the hilltop.  If I make a concerted effort to free my mind, I ponder the Roman occupation of Britain.  To me, that's the reference point of the two structures, which very easily the Romans could have  built.

 

The composition of this image is exceptional, as Fred noted.  To me, one of its strongest is the lone tree, which stands as a reminder that nature will prevail long after the structures are reduced to dust.

 

Magnificent work . . .

 

My best always,

michael

A very valid point Gail, if we used more of the natural resources, like slate that can be re-used and recycled for other projects, then I'm sure it would have had a positive impact on the amount of trees we cut down.

Cheers Gail!

 

Alf

 

MICHAEL

 

I'm almost sure you are right about the roman origins of this road, it carries on for miles and eventually takes an even more elevated position where you can see the coast of North Wales.

It's really gratifying to read how the image leads you to think beyond what is in front of you as it captures your imagination.  And the reference to nature prevailing is echoed in all the buildings and part surviving structures as the moss, grasses and the land takes back what belonged to her.

Sincere Thanks for your most eloquent and positive review!

 

Best Regards

 

Alf