A Traveler and his Cat exploring America.





Saturday, September 29, 2012

I Would Like Your Input


While in what once was the Dustbowl of the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles I came across a scene pretty much what I was looking for.  I took 64 pictures of this scene from various vantage points and whittled the images down to these 6.  I want to make a print to hang at home and would value your input as to which one you would choose.  Other than converting to black & white and one sharpening step, these are right out of the camera.

#1

#2


#3


#4


#5


#6


I just realized after putting these up that 1 and 5 were taken from almost the same point, even though at different times as the clouds have changed and the sun peeked through in #5.  But I left them both here to confuse the issue all the more.

Thanks in advance for your input.


20 comments:

biebkriebels said...

That is very difficult! After a long time watching I go for #2. My husband had a look too and he went for #1. Succes, Marianne

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Number two's the one for me; it sets the homestead firmly in the landscape and emphasises the space and desolation. It's a rare thing though when you set out to find something and meet with success.

Anonymous said...

I'm stuck between 6 and 3.

TexWisGirl said...

i really like #6. the only 'distraction' is the cluster of trees/homestead in the far distance. #4 is my next pick.

i agree with the comment above that the fenceline is almost too new so feels invasive in this instance.

Linda said...

I am going to go with #2. I like the whole feeling of desolation - there is a little of it in the others, but this one really brings home the "aloneness". All are great shots - I do agree that the fence posts in the one shot make that one more modern looking...but WOW! What a great series!

John W. Wall said...

Put me down for #2 also. That one just hits the nail on the head for me. I just read a pretty good book about the Dust Bowl, and that shot captures the sense of isolation and vulnerability, the courage and grit, that I imagined while reading it.

Sharon M said...

I like #5 the best. The emptiness of #2 is great, but I like the image of the run-down shack, and you can't see that detail too well in #2. The sky in all of them is outstanding.

Becky said...

They are all good choices. I like #3 showing the passage of time. But you could have a vertical 3 sectioned frame with half of them in it.

Anonymous said...

Without hesitation - number 3.

Lúcia said...

I like the different composition you chose for #3! :)

grammie g said...

HI John...It looks like you have a lot of opinion here, and I can see why,because they all wonderful shots!!
I know that # 2 got me right off quick,it drew me in,but I did go over the rest a couple of times!
I do love the clouds in the last one though, it would be my second choose!
Grace

Furry Bottoms said...

OMG, this seriously was a DIFFICULT decision!! They're all good. At first it was a toss up between #1 and 2... I loved the distance in #2 but there was no car in it. And the clouds were unbelievable in that one. #1 has all the same, but at a closer distance and includes the car. I studied all of them, and came to the conclusion that #5 is a good one. I decided, then, that I was making it too complicated on myself. The one with the barbed fence makes it different, a more savage feel. My conclusion? #1 feels "right" to me. Maybe you should have a row of all these on your wall!

genie said...

My voices are 2 and 3 with 3 being by far my favorite. It looks so true to life. It is busier that the other because there is much more to see, but I really like the power line and the barbed wire with the gasses. They are all wonderful. genie

Randy said...

Wow, that's a hard choice. I would say # 2 is my favorite but they are all wonderful.

Sara said...

Ok, not playing by the rules: 1, 3 or 6

Unknown said...

For me, it's #3 all the way! I love the view through the barbed wire!

Carole M. said...

well all our opinions may even confuse you more (though I haven't look at what the others have chosen yet). I'm opting for #2 John.

Ms. Becky said...

one

MELI. said...

i like3 :)
a bit rough around the edges and i seem to fall for rule of 3rds ones

GreenComotion said...

I love them all, possibly equally.
Very nicely done!
Peace :)