by Tonia, who hugs trees G.
Member since:
November 17, 2005

Looking Closer - Revisiting a Favorite Photo Subject

February 23, 2009 08:18 PM EST (Updated: February 23, 2009 08:25 PM EST)
views: 148 | rating: 10/10 (13 votes) | comments: 34

There is an abandoned building in Mountainburg, Arkansas that I have visited a number of times with my camera. I find it to be exceptionally photogenic and wanted to see what would attract my eye now that I have a new camera and a bit more experience. It was interesting to find that, having taken all the obvious shots previously, I looked differently at everything there.

 

 

 

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This is Part One of the photos taken of the building. I am exploring the ways in which photography is art and so have found myself delving more into the realm of the abstract. Those shots will follow in the next few days.

 
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Comments: 34

Sue * Feb 23, 2009, 8:27pm EST
You find beauty in things that most of us never even notice.
Tonia, these are simply brilliant. They should be the center of a photgraphic art show. I'm serious...
Priscilla P. Feb 23, 2009, 8:46pm EST
Tonia, these are some amazing photographs. I looked at them twice already and I could look at them several more times. There is something very poignant about them.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Feb 23, 2009, 8:47pm EST
So sad in a way. These old house and homesteads must be full of wonderful stories, buried laughter and wonderful memories. You breathe some new life into what is left through your beautiful photos.
Nancy L. Feb 23, 2009, 9:10pm EST
These are great shots and so crisp and clear; what kind of camera did you use?
Dorine H. Feb 23, 2009, 9:16pm EST
I can see a lot of interesting lines and angles.
Debbie G. Feb 23, 2009, 9:22pm EST
Some of my favorites from the day are here. I bemoan the fact that my eyesight and skill won't let me get the kind of pictures that you do. Our vision for the photos are so similar. You captured exactly what I would have wanted in #3 #6 and 14.
Dannielle S. Feb 23, 2009, 9:48pm EST
I'm glad you didn't ask us to pick a favorite from this collection! They're all stunning, Tonia, and as I look at each of them, they bring to mind the style of famous painters, or famous painting styles: your photography creates life in imitation of art, as art. Life reminiscent of art? Something like that.
Wilhelmine Estabrook Feb 23, 2009, 9:55pm EST
As Aaron said, your work should be in a show. You have more than enough spectacular photos to make it a success.
What an amazing eye you have.
Mugg Muggles, "The Man With the Jive" Feb 23, 2009, 10:00pm EST
I especially enjoyed the shots of "holes" in the wall(s).
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Feb 23, 2009, 10:51pm EST
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I find that I am gaining in confidence but the thought of some sort of show seems like an almost unreachable goal. I have no idea how I would go about it. But it's a fun idea to toy with :)

And Nancy, I use a Pentax k200d - it's a great camera.
Roy ☯ Hilbinger Feb 24, 2009, 12:53am EST
That's a gorgeous collection, Tonia. And there's so much variety in the color of the stones used. I especially like the third one down from the top; the combination of the varicolored stones and the peeling red paint on the weathered door and frame just grabbed me.
Madame Donna C. Feb 24, 2009, 1:35am EST
I've commented on many of these already but the collection really carries a different power than the individual shots. It's a story in the making and as Aaron's sentiments conveyed, these are worthy of an exhibition as a progressive story. Good work, T.
Aniko     Feb 24, 2009, 3:18am EST
Your eye for these perfect compositions never ceases to amaze me.
Svetlana Goryacheva Feb 24, 2009, 3:21am EST
Excellent photos, dear Tonechka! :-) Yeah... beauty often can be found in the most unexpected places...

Hugs and blessings - S.
Bart H. Feb 24, 2009, 7:07am EST
It is highly insulting to a photographer to say so, but that camera sure does take nice pictures.

Isn't it interesting how abandoned structures sometimes seem more animated than occupied ones? In places of absence, our minds are free to imagine, to contemplate.

Very nice essay, Tonia.
Sarah A. (I KANZ B UH RITUR!!!!) , YEZ!! Feb 24, 2009, 7:16am EST
These are excellent. Fascinating subject, great composition and the color is ... superb. The camera is great, but the photographer is fantastic!
marie Pinschmidt Feb 24, 2009, 9:28am EST
Tonia, in my (artist) eyes, you are now a professional! These photos are superb. You must get your work "out there". Investigate galleries who incorporate photography, call and make an appointment. Then, loaded with the proof of your talent, show them the artist that you are. Don't be discouraged if you're turned down at first; keep trying. It takes more than an excellent camera to be a photographer - it takes a keen eye for detail, composition, and atmosphere. Good luck to you. Marie Pinschmidt http://www.paintings-prose-palmbeach.com
Lainie - Just Lainie Feb 24, 2009, 9:41am EST
Tonia, these are great! And it's truly new ways of seeing something old and beautiful in its own way.

Now... I'd like to get Sue back here...

I told her the other day about a commercial I saw the other day with an extremely elderly lady. She had deep wrinkles but... She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. She looked weathered but... She looked like she had lived and enjoyed living. This building reminds me of her.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. Feb 24, 2009, 9:48am EST
Exquisite, my dear Tonia! That shot (3rd from the last) was breath-taking too. You have a great eye. Seriously. Your third shot...the doorway...is also top notch. I mean, they're all good...but those two (to my mind) are professional grade, potentially marketable photos with something that speaks to the viewer.

You have some amazing talent.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
E. M. Feb 24, 2009, 9:57am EST
Lainie, I love that you are so young, yet can appreciate the things you do. ( think I know the commercial you are talking about). I thought it was just me (and my advanced age) that forced me to see beauty in aged women (and men). I wish everyone could step outside of the narrow view of what popular culture/society deems as beauty.

Tonia, I'm so glad you published this again. These photographs are amazing. I agree with Aaron Lazar, these are art.
Lainie - Just Lainie Feb 24, 2009, 10:00am EST
Thanks, E M!
Vicky P. Feb 24, 2009, 10:34am EST
Beautiful, I especially like the one of the door and stone work around it.
This is amazing. I loved the old bathroom, among just about everything else.

I wish it was near me. I'd throw wildflower seeds all around it.
mona d. Feb 24, 2009, 2:53pm EST
a desolate, beautiful dream, my dear.
elizabeth e. Feb 25, 2009, 8:14pm EST
These are extremely interesting images...far different then the ones you published a while back. The detail of each shot...the crispness of the color and in some cases the angle you shot from... I am in awe.
Tory H. Feb 25, 2009, 10:02pm EST
I love exploring abandoned places, and this one is really a beautiful place to see through the lens of your camera! You really do find such interesting ways to show what you see.
Atticus *. Mar 2, 2009, 8:47pm EST
wonderful shots Tonia. There seems to be an endlessness to these shots. particularly the first with its bit of wide angle perspective. Quite fascinating how you breath life into these ruins with your lens.
Atticus *. Mar 2, 2009, 8:50pm EST
Looking at them again I'm sure you have captured a very beautiful contrast between the finite end, decay, of the building and the infinite nature of its surroundings. There is a strangeness and depth to these photographs.
Michael M. Mar 10, 2009, 1:17am EDT
What spectacular photos, and how sad to see such a beautiful building fall into such disrepair. As I travel the country, I am always surprised by what superb structures have been left to rot and what mindless structures people build to live and work in.
Jennifer aka Jenn B. Mar 11, 2009, 7:46pm EDT
Wonderful!
I especially liked the 3rd from the bottom...captured my eye and imagination...
Rose (just an ole GA peach) Williams Mar 12, 2009, 5:05pm EDT
I'm such a nut for old, abandoned, dilapidated buildings...so this is just my "cup of tea"...T ;-)

Love the next to the last photo (of the windows)...wow, it really grabbed me ;-) But, of course, they're ALL gorgeous..as we always expect from you!
Lucky Stars Mar 17, 2009, 2:31pm EDT
Amazing photos, Tonia.
You captured the essence of the property beautifully.

My dad just bought the same camera. He's a photog from way back but struggles with the whole digital thing.
Laurun M. Apr 9, 2009, 9:12am EDT
WOW. I love your perspective. It's good to see you.

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