This photo is a study in contrasts. The lighter tones, especially the brilliant sun star, stand out sharply against the deep blacks of the trees and the rich tones of the shadows they cast. To me, the visual contrast pairs a sense of hope, on one hand, with wariness, on the other. The vertical lines of the tree trunks lead one’s eye deep into the distance, where it encounters even more darkness, hinting at mystery. The diagonal shadow lines foster a feeling of restlessness. The scene thus invites probing questions. What might lie ahead? Should we be hopeful or proceed with caution?
I made this photo on a very cold January morning following a big snow. A stiff wind was blowing, which made use of a tripod difficult, so the camera was held in gloved hands. Fortunately, there was no traffic on the rural back road, so I could freely move around to find the best angle for the shot.
The photo was converted from its original color version to black & white to simplify the presentation. The scene was characterized by bright and dark tones, which are best expressed in B&W. Because of the snow and lack of tree foliage, the scene was devoid of interesting color in any event, so a B&W rendition was a natural choice.
This image was made in a type of setting to which I’m very much drawn—scenes with deep messages that can be simply expressed. At the same time, it represents my special fascination with black & white photography.
Prints of this photo are available for sale. The price is $95 for a matted 8-1/2 X 11 print on archival paper; shipping is included in the price. Contact me if interested.