I ran into Shanna Branding over at the Township EMS offices. She wanted to know what on earth I was doing wandering along the shoulder of US-31 picking up big sticks. I wondered myself. Then the penny dropped. She had seen me taking pictures for Torch Lake Views and I was, uncharacteristically, lugging a tripod.
I am determined to acquire some skills, and Scott Thomas has persuaded me that the damned tripod is indispensable. If I can master it before it puts my eye out, we’ll have made some progress. I’m not sure what we can do about my reputation for eccentricity.
I think this photo is in better focus than my usual efforts, despite the miserable cold wind that threatened to blow my big sticks into the ditch. Besides, it’s an extremely attractive barn, and I thought you’d like to see it.
There are a couple of others I thought came off fairly well, too. If you have a moment, tell me which one you think is most effective. (Don’t worry – when I get home from the day job there will be an email from Babs and we’ll get back to what passes for normal around here.)
Torch Lake Views 
Katherine
January 31, 2010
Sometimes you can get away with a table top tripod or one that grabs onto trees and fence posts. They are a little easier to carry than a big tripod.
Gerry
January 31, 2010
That is exactly what I need. Something that holds on for dear life.
Connie Claar
January 31, 2010
I like the middle one.
Gerry
January 31, 2010
Thank you for the feedback, Connie. That’s the one I picked for the featured photo, so apparently I like it too.
Katherine
February 1, 2010
Link to Amazon’s Gorillapod page.
Gerry
February 1, 2010
Thank you, Katherine.
Carsten
February 1, 2010
I prefer the middle one too. My reason is that I find that the dark trees on the two other images draw too much attention from the old barn.
Gerry
February 1, 2010
Thank you Carsten. I’m inclined to agree, and I’m positive that the middle one is the best image of “barn.” I think what I see in the other two is more like “winter.” Or maybe just “black and gray and white.”
Cindy Lou
February 1, 2010
I like the featured one best, too! These are fabulous! And I love barns….these almost look like they’re in black and white?!? My son has promised me that someday (when he’s out of college and making money 🙂 ) he’ll take me on a barn tour through WI, MI and MN!
Gerry
February 1, 2010
Thank you Cindy Lou. The photos were not taken in, nor processed to become, black and white – but at this time of year our landscape is black and white on an overcast day!
Scott Thomas Photography
February 1, 2010
I like the first one. 🙂 However, the middle one is fine, too. You are right, the estate is very photogenic.
So, how are you tripping the shutter when you use a tripod? If you don’t have a remote release of some kind, use the timer at like 5 seconds.
The tripod that hold on for dear life is called a Gorillapod. It’s a handy son of a gun. I use if for flashes, too.
Don’t worry about being eccentric, that title goes with being a photographer. 🙂
Gerry
February 1, 2010
Aha! I had already learned the timer trick from reading the expert advice at Views Infinitum! It would have worked really well, too, except that the wind was blowing my big sticks around. Also I will try setting it for 5 seconds. I had used 2 seconds, as I am impatient and it was Darned Cold Out There.
I expect I will never become a photographer, but I will always be an eccentric. That die is cast.
P.S. – Thanks for the feedback, too. I like the feeling of the first one and the image of the second. If I can ever get both in one photo I’ll be downright dangerous.
p.j. grath
February 1, 2010
Maybe I shouldn’t even vote, since everyone so far has been unanimous, but for me the one on the left is the most pleasing. There is a serenity, completeness, to it because the top of the big tree is not sliced off. Also, the smaller building on the right seems to echo the large barn. The dark tree edge on the right margin of the third photo is distracting to me. Anyway, for what it’s worth, I’m obviously marching to a different drummer, and your choice is a lovely one, too.
Gerry
February 1, 2010
Thanks, PJ. I liked different ones for different reasons and was really looking for some feedback. It’s been very helpful. (I liked the first one for balance and shape, the second for the focus on the barn, and the third for the sky. You make a good point about the black blob of a tree.)
Cheri Sell
February 2, 2010
I like the one in the middle.
Gerry
February 2, 2010
Thanks, Cheri! Me too. The barn and the outbuilding remind me of some that were quietly mouldering away in a meadow near the Esopus Creek a long time ago. I love that silvery gray that old timbers achieve. They feel like satin.
La Mirada Bob
February 2, 2010
So now I must dig out the Esopus Creek barn pictures?
Gerry
February 3, 2010
Yes, please.