North Carolina Farm Sunrise

This is not the strongest of images but then there are those images

that just make you feel good inside. I love rural settings; I guess

it's the peace and quiet but whatever it is, this picture just makes

me feel good. A brisk morning, the sun rising and the dawn of a new

day in the country. It's where my mind takes me when I need that

tranquility that lowers my blood pressure.

Thanks for the modesty, but I tink this is a pleasing shot that , personally putting it, gives me some sort of nostalgic feeling. The entry point from the right is clear and stretches in a nice curve in to the image where it ends up onto a stop- the trees out there which return the optical movement. The nature of this line -the curve- creates a tranquil mood and contributes to the entire atmosphere of the place. The building is the balancing and emphatic point with strong geometric shapes, diagonal, and vertical lines aid all those undistinguishable organic shapes ( shape contrast, light contrast and placement balance+ emphasis ). The balance itself creates a strong anchoring point and adds to the calmeness the image is trying to put across. The lighting metering you have done is a good job specially since the shadows are well-preserved, but the time you took the shot could be a little more thoughtfully chosen, perhaps, visiting the place in the late afternoon under a soft, settigng sun with less obtrusive shadows and highlights. The electricity or telephone lines out there could be cloned out to give the image a sort of antique qulaity, just like belonging to those wild west cabin days, but it is still not something to get a bellyache over. Theproportion of figure to ground (30%-70%) skews the optical movement onto the figure and this intensifies the balance and a sense of tranquility that's part of the identit of this image. The balck and white choice has been a wise move since it has turned your image into a timeless one. I have a questin in this regard though. can you enlighten me on what kind of technique you have used to turn it B&W? since The contrast is lacking here, I think a litle contrast tweak can improve things around here. I also love such images with sepia tone which heightens that nostalgic and timeless quality. I have doena version in which I have added a sepia filter; then I burned the colors (20% opacity) and used a layer mask to erase the overdne shadows plus an added layer of 20% opacity hard light and a bit of luminosity mask to tame the highlights.

Leo, in my opinion this is an exceptionally good image. It has such a luminous quality, which really makes it a joy to look at. I really like the composition too. Stunningly good detail. Very nice work, I like it just as it is. Where in NC did you take this? I have family in Fayetteville and Asheville. Cheers! Chris

Leo, I agree with Chris. I would add that this is timeless shot of rural America. I like the way the road kinda meanders up thru the photo. As a post script I would have to say that I found Arash's sepia tone very cool too,but still like the original better...RAY

Thanks for taking the time to comment. As for the electric pole, I didn't find this disturbing and in a sense added to the photograph so it stayed. This was taken on Tri-x film and given normal development based on the zone system. It was never a color shot. However I did also take a color shot. The contrast to me is prefect; anymore contrast would result in loss of detail in the dark areas of the photograph i.e bushes in front of the barn or in the long shadows. Sepia? A possibility to explore!I am very happy with way I have presented this photograph and I see no need to change anything about it.That early morning sun just breaking the horizon is strong and directional and it sure is captured here. As for a "softer lighting" at a different time of day, that too might be a good possibility. But I'm glad I took this photograph at the time I took it. I do appreciate all your input as it's always good to see how other photographers see your work. Again thanks for taking the time to comment. Leo

I can't remember exactly where this was taken but i believe it was the Asheville area of NC.