Photo Friday
Friday, January 15, 2010 at 4:00AM 8 Comments All week I've been posting pictures of the natural world. Today, I bring you a couple of pictures of a man made world.
Photographers often say you shouldn't shoot in the bright sun. Baaah! I say shoot in the sun. Heck, I say shoot into the sun. Heck, I say shoot always. You never know what you might get. I've been shooting into the sun a lot this year. When something is between you and the bright sun, you can get dominating and strong shadows. I like that.
These are cement cylinders from an old munitions plant, U More Park, in Rosemount, Minnesota. A couple of months ago, I saw them for the first time. I have no idea what they were used for? There are hundreds of them. Then over Christmas holiday, I found yet another road that goes very, very close to these structures.
I really like this last photo. Not because of the quality of the image. I like that the beautiful and natural tree on the horizon is framed by man made cylinders. I like that that it looks like nature survived despite man's attempt(s).
On a lighter note, thanks to all the readers this week. Yesterday you set an all time high for page views on this site. Sometimes I wonder why I put so much time in here? Everytime I think that, someone sends me mail, makes a comment and occassionally a new record is set.
I am humbled by the support and encouragment. Thank you all for reading my little blog about life, bikes, adventure, and photography.
Hope you all have a great weekend planned. Weather permitting, we are going on a new Gnat family adventure. Stay tuned!
Ride your bike! Take some pictures
Minnesota, UMORE PARK, winter in Photo Friday
Reader Comments (8)
People read your blog because you are so enthusiastic and accessible. The Fargo has generated a ton of interest and your builds are the gold standard of the lot. The pictures and stories delight and inform so keep it up!
Thanks!
Thanks Justanoldhobo - I'm heading out for the Friday breakfast ride right now. Guess what? Itt is almost above freezing and I'm riding my Fargo! Sincerely, thank you.
your pictures are great to look at. I agree with hobo. your enthusiasm and accessibility are wonderful. It's motivating to get out and ride even if the temp is -20. the info you provide is great. I'll be picking up a woodchipper soon and possibly an enabler. keep it up.
I agree with the above comments. You seem pretty real in your posts. It's funny, I don't "know" you, but I know you. You come through in your posts and images.
BTW, I used to follow all the rules of lighting composition, etc, until I relaized it's more fun to shoot what's real instead of trying to control all the variables of a shoot. Although it can be a challenge, I love shoot into the sun. I have a tutorial planned on shooting portraits into the sun - it gives a very natural feel to an image. I love the shadows coming towards the viewer in the first shot. To me, it gives the man made shapes an intimidating feel. Like thier past experience of creating munitions is showing through in a threatning way - could be the coffee talking too.
Good job!
Oh and (sorry for the long comment) because of your blog I discovered and found the perfect ride for me. My Fargo and I are going to go for a chilly ride today. - Thanks!
To add to what others have put so eloquently...there's a genuiness that comes through your words and photos, something that makes folks feel a friendship has been formed. A bond if you will. As to the photos, I've always felt there's one basic difference between a good photographer and a great photographer. A good photographer takes good photos, a great photographer feels the photos before they're taken, you fall into the latter category.
So you made it out w/out alerting the local constabulary! Just one more break-down of the natural order of things leading to lawlessness and anarchy.
Congrats on that you scofflaw, you!
Very nice work gnat. I really love the shadows in shot #1. The textures in #2 are amazing. Makes you wish for a super wide angle lens. $$$.
I shot a little today with my old p & s but my pics are not great. They are lacking the contrast that I prefer and that you have mastered.
Wow! Thanks everyone. Kind words. I'm so thankful.
And yes.....I had no run ins with anyone but just in case, the shots were shot on public property from a public road.