March 24, 2012

Photo Challenge: A Little Bit of My World


It’s time for another Brenda Photo Challenge! The subject is “a little bit of my world.” After checking out my photos, please click on the above link to see contributions of the other participants! 

We live in a lovely valley area of East Tennessee, and it seems that there are always some picturesque spots just around the corner. So I didn’t go far to complete this challenge. In fact, all of these scenes are within a mile or two of our cottage! 

This old building sits immediately next to a meandering country road. When I say “immediate,” I mean smack dab with nary an inch to spare! It is a difficult scene to photograph without getting in the weeds or road and also risking bodily harm from drivers who aren’t paying attention. But the structure has intrigued me for many years, and it has been begging for its image to be recorded. It is clear that it won’t be with us much longer! As a result of some online research, I learned that the building used to be a general store and run by a family with a long history in the valley. The camera settings were f/13.0, 1/320 second, and ISO 500. 




The color processing turned out well. However, with a compelling subject like this, I couldn’t resist applying some Photoshop magic and creating a special vintage version. See what a different flavor it has now? 




The early emergence of spring weather has woken up the tree lines that surround the valley’s farm fields. While this hay pasture waits for its yearly duty, it enjoys a colorful show from redbuds and fresh green leaves. The image was taken at f/8.0, 1/1000 second, and ISO 500. 




We have admired from afar a newer-styled barn with a bright red roof, located down a small side road near the old country store. Upon exploring, we happily discovered that a group of handsome mules and a horse are in residence there. As soon as I got out of the car with a camera in hand, they quickly came over to the fence to greet me! And this beautiful creature decided to demonstrate that the grass is always greener (or at least, tastier) on the other side. The camera settings were f/8.0, 1/320 second, and ISO 500.


20 comments:

  1. Such great pics my friend. I love what you did with the building in the second picture. It looks liked you clipped it right out of an old newspaper. Loved that you got a little back story on it too.
    Have a GREAT day.
    Kim

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  2. I'm a sucker for anything vintagey, so my favorite is the rickety house! Those kinds of images always makes me wonder about the "story" behind the photo. Who lived there? What kind of people were they? It looks like Jed Clampett and granny might have lived here!

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  3. Beautiful bits of your world! I especially love the old general store building and can imagine all the stories it could tell if it could relate them to us.

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  4. Beautiful pictures, Donna! That pic of the mule stretching his neck to get the "greener" grass is a hoot!

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  5. What a nice share, the redbuds are just opening up here in SW Iowa

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  6. love these. that building is PERFECT for photography! gorgeous!

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  7. LOVE the old building! It almost makes me want to cry for what was! :)

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  8. All so near to your home? What a great area for you to live! Old barns, mules, cows, fields...really beautiful.

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  9. always some great subjects and photos here Donna..thank you. I love the old building!

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  10. Very nice post. I especially like the second pic. The vintage processing came out really nice.

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  11. Oh I love that picture of the old general store. Places like that intrigue me and I always try to imagine what took place there when it was new. Good that you were able to find information on it.
    Obviously that must not be an electric fence that mule is reaching through for his snack

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  12. love the work you did on these..what interesting subjects!

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  13. HI Donna, Love that old building --especially when you changed it to the vintage version. Excellent!!!

    We do live in a beautiful area of our country, don't we?

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  14. I LOVE the old store! I'm so glad you stopped to take pictures of it and I would love to come visit your part of the world too!

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  15. Cool Shots Donna! You know they keep at least one mule in with horses to fight off predators?! A mule can be vicious and a great watchdog.....
    That house is Gorgeous! I am just sitting here, Sighing!!!Hahaaaa....
    Hope the Sun is shining up there for you!
    hughugs

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  16. Wonderful photos, and there is something so nostalgic about a sweet faced mule!
    Sandi

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  17. Wonderful photos, and there is something so nostalgic about a sweet faced mule!
    Sandi

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  18. Donna, you always take fabulous photos. Love the general store and the field. Thank you for sharing a bit of your world.

    MDW

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  19. I always love your photos but this old building is absolutely wonderful. I love how you made it more vintage-y with PS. You inspire me to try harder with my photography.
    ~Adrienne~

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  20. Awww! I love these! I have a weakness for falling-down buildings.

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!