June 5, 2010

Photo Challenge: Weathered and Worn


It’s time for another Brenda Photo Challenge! The current theme is Weathered and Worn. I suggested this particular theme and knew that I could pull a few photographs out of my travel inventory to meet the challenge! Please note I will be a bit occupied today and away from the computer. So there may be a delay in posting your comments. Also, I will be visiting other participants within a few days. Thank you for your understanding!

First out of the gate is an example of the weathered and worn beauty of nature. Does it get any better than the Grand Canyon, carved by the mighty Colorado River? The canyon depth averages 4000 feet deep over a length of 277 miles. I have been fortunate enough to visit the spectacular National Park twice. I sure hope that this destination is on your bucket list! There is no picture that can do the place justice. It is definitely a locale that you have to see in person. I captured the scene below at sunset while walking along the south rim trail. The photo is taken at f/5.6, 1/250 second, and ISO 200.


Next is an example of man-made treasure that served its function gracefully over many generations. This photograph is a detail of Mecca Bridge, located in the covered bridge-rich territory of Parke County, Indiana. It was built in 1873 by J. J. Daniels and rehabilitated in 1993. It crosses over Big Raccoon Creek near the town of Mecca, and it is now open to foot traffic only. It was a drizzly fall morning for this photo shoot. But the combination of the hand-hewn stones, weathered red boards, and sky-reaching vines beckoned for an image capture. I enhanced the photo with a textured background to add richness and depth. The camera settings were f/4.5, 1/13 second, and ISO 200.


And we humans can get quite weathered and worn too! So I couldn’t resist taking a portrait of this chap who hangs around the Pasteur and Galt Apothecary Shop in Colonial Williamsburg. We enjoyed our visit in this delightful shop last year, with its fascinating collection of medicinal herbs and drugs. The skeleton specimen is one of several medical-related artifacts also on display. The walls of the shop are actually a plain cream color, but I enhanced the overall image with a highly distressed textured background to compliment the subject. The photo was taken at f/7.1, 1/50 second, and ISO 800.

26 comments:

  1. I love them all Miz Donna!! The Grand Canyon is at that top of my "Bucket List" for sure. Great captures!

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  2. I loved your choices for the Weathered and Worn theme. Perfect!

    HUGS
    Kim

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  3. Great pictures Donna! I guess that body is about as worn as a body can get!

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  4. Absolutely clever. Love your additions of textures and backgrounds. and thank you for adding the settings.

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  5. Nature blooms as they grow older, and I believe in that. Just look at the Grand Canyon, how fantastic!

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  6. Oh, Donna! Birds of a feather... I immediately thought of the Grand Canyon, too! I even considered a covered bridge. But my favorite of yours is the skeleton! It actually is beautiful! The lighting is beautiful!

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  7. Oh my those photos are weathered and worn but they are beautiful oh except the skeleton hehe. Happy Saturday!


    Weathered and Worn

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  8. Awesome photos! I LOVE the red building- the contrast with the stones is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. These are so cool. I love the weathered red boards shot. And of course the skeleton is taking the these to the limit, love it.

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  10. Fantastic shots. The Grand Canyon is breathtaking, maybe one of these days I'll get to see it for real. We have one covered bridge left in our area but it doesn't look as nice. Love the last shot, nice take on the theme.

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  11. Oh my Donna leave it to you to capture mother nature in all her 'weathered and worn' glory. Beautiful! Love those boards as well. ~Jeanne

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  12. Wonderful weathered and worn shots, I love them all. The skeleton hanging on the weathered walls is my favorite.

    I just noticed the button on your side bar for The Brenda Photo Challenge, very nice.

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  13. I remember my college days and going up to the Grand Canyon. It's a magnificent sight. Perfect for these. All of them are. I just love 'em. Have a great weekend my friend :)

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  14. Very interesting takes on weathered and worn. :)

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  15. Donna, oh, how gorgeous! Majesty and beauty of the Grand Canyon. Love the color of the covered bridge, and although its lighter than the usual red I see, it still shows it aged in time.
    And the skeleton, I remember seeing one in the trash at work, and I wanted to take it home with me after the case settled (great for decor at Halloween!

    I really enjoyed this post!

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  16. As always, I love your photos! From the humor of the skeleton to the Grand Canyon, just great! I love covered bridges and this shot is beautiful!

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  17. I love the red building and the contrast with the stones!

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  18. What gorgeous photos! That poor old skeleton takes me back to nursing school days. :-)

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  19. Sorry to be late! We went out of town!
    Hahahahaa....I'm surprised everytime I come here Girl!! Love All of these but Especially the skeleton! Since my Dad was a Chiropractor, it Really brings back the memories of His office in which he Also had one hanging in the corner...
    All beautiful, as always!
    Hope y'all aren't working too hard!
    hughugs

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  20. Wonderful pictures! I went to the Grand Canyon as a child, but would love to go back as an adult and photograph it all. Its really an amazing and beautiful place.

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  21. "This chap" cracked me up! Couldn't agree more with you about The Grand Canyon. It's one of those places that you cannot imagine until you see it for yourself and it far exceeds expectations. Your pictures are fantastic!

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  22. you have some excellent choices for this challenge...you photos are fantastic.

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  23. great "digs" Donna! LOL LOL!!!!! cindy

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  24. The Mecca Bridge picture is breathtaking! That red! Stunning. Love the skelly guy too.

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  25. i feel alot like that skeleton right now-- i can't find the words, just try to imagine tho. bleh.
    happy friday.
    i know- i'm late-

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  26. Donna, I LOVE the distressed effect you used on the skeleton. Soon I will have to look into those effects. I keep asking folks for advice and tips, but never find the time to check into them.
    I bet you can't get into your home fast enough now! I'd imagine it's a bit like Christmas opening boxes of goodies that have been put away for months. :)

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