Since joining a photo exchange group called
I've been, well...charmed by barns!
With lots of pretty summer weather,
I spent several afternoons this week scouting
out the many centennial barns in my
area of Michigan.
As much as I enjoy photographing barns...
One Barn Charm photographer talked
about getting yelled at by a farmer
who didn't want the Barn Charmer to take pictures
of his barn.
I admit to a few scoldings for
taking photos on private property...
AND...for pulling over to the side
of the road and blocking other drivers.
Bad me!!
But, as a former news reporter...
we worked by the motto:
It's always easier to get forgiveness than permission.
So, I do take chances, but always cringe
when I infringe on others' property.
Last night, I left early for Photo Club,
so I could take barn photos in the rural
area of Frankenmuth, Michigan.
I saw this nice barn and was going to
photograph it from the road, but a woman
was right behind me.
I pulled into the driveway and
CRINGE!!!!!....
it was HER driveway.
So, I had to back out and let her in.
She looked friendly, so I rolled down
the window and asked if I could
photograph her barn.
"Sure," she said. "You can take it from
any angle you like!"
Her name is Suzie and she was SO friendly!
I walked around...FINALLY able to get
more varied shots closer up than the road.
I meandered around back and this kitty
scampered towards me.
I immediately crouched down...
And held the camera in front of her face...
CLICK!
Didn't even look through the viewfinder.
I was delighted when kitty was in focus.
This is my favorite photo!
Suzie's husband Jim came outside and
asked if I wanted to go up in his cherry picker
to get some aerial views.
"What???" I wondered.
Turns out Jim is an industrial painter and has
a cherry picker that can lift him
up 30-feet in the air.
The next thing I knew...I was zooming up
then zooming in on neighboring barns!
Holy heck!
I was taller than Jim and Suzie's barn.
See their weathervane?
As I clicked away, I had to pinch myself.
This was one of those ENCHANTING moments
that happen in life.
Such a special treat from two very
kind and special people.
Once back on land level...I waved goodbye
to Suzie and Jim
and headed to Photo Club,
shooting a few more barns from the road....
Yet feeling that I had experienced a little
MAGIC...
I'm about to experience even more magic as Hubby
and I leave for a vacation in British Columbia
on Sunday. I'll be gone for a week, but hope
to have lots of amazing photos from
picture-perfect Canada.
Maybe I'll see a BARN.
Enjoy the week!
23 comments:
what a treat for me....these pictures are all amazing.
i too have encountered both amazing people and people who were less then happy to see me. it never discourages me....no risk, no reward!!
i hope you have an amazing holiday!!!
Wow! Great barn photos and fun experiences.
What a great adventure! I hope you gave them your blog address so they could see these wonderful shots of their place. Such nice folks.
i came back for a scond look, i am addicted to barns. these photo's are just wonderful!!
thanks for visiting my place and the super kind comments. that gooey butter cake has 2 sticks of butter and one whole box of powdered sugar....it is sooooo worth every single calorie!!
Yes ma'am, I will absolutely link up this post to Barn Charm on Monday... I'd be happy to! Thank you so much for thinking about it in the midst of going on a trip. You didn't have to, I would completely understand... but I'm oh so glad you did! ;)
Extreme beauty... beauty in extreme! =) I love them all!
I like how you said, "I've been, well...charmed by barns!" =) Great big smile on my face right off the bat! And, oh my goodness, the kitty cat is just too cuuuute.
It actually looks like you're higher than a mere 30ft WoW! Your photos are so enjoyable, from the red barns, the blue skies, the lush green grass & crops, the aerial views, the lil purple flowers in the field, right down to the ittly bitty kitty!
I hate to hear about Barn Charmers being hollered at while out shooting these beautiful barns. In one sense, I can understand the farmer's concerns about shooting his property for possible theft or drug reasons, but then on the other hand, can't they tell the difference in the people taking the pictures & someone who is there for bad? At any rate, I'm so sorry you were scolded & I hope it never happens again!
Have a great time up north, be careful & God bless!!! =)
Don't you love moments like that ... they sort of restore your faith in humanity ... love the photos.
Special moments like that usually only happen to special people Jill and you certainly are one. Amazing photos, have a great vacation.
love those pix Ms.Jill.. it must be fascinating taking shots from up there..weeeeee..
missing you ms.Jill *hugs hugs* :)
I just posted Barn Charm for this week & I've got chya linked up... I used the kitty cat & barn pic for the thumbnail... too cute, too cute! =)
Thanks again, Jill!!!
Well the thumbnail photo of the cat roped me in to your blog. Like you, yes that was my favorite. But wow, what a treat to get a trip up in the cherry picker after getting caught trespassing. They are nice folks indeed. Great post.
That is so cool! I too stop on the side of the road and probably get people upset. There have been a few barns that I wanted to go up to and ask, but so far I've lacked the courage. I love the cat and those were some really nice people!
What a wonderful story! I believe there are two kinds of property owners - the suspicious of everyone and the proud to share. You have some great barn shots. If you see them again, thank them from all of us that he let you in and could share these!
What a nice story...there are a lot of really good people in this world n your were lucky enought to meet a few! Great photos..love the one of the kitty! :0)
I've been honked at a time or two when stopped by the side of the road to take photos, but overall, drivers in my area are understanding.
Love the close-up shot of kitty. lol
All great shots, but my favorites are the 1st and 5th.
NoteworthyMusings
Great pictures and great story. Love the aerial shots. i certainly know
all about blocking the road while taking barn pics.
WoW! What a cool experience!
I have never been yelled at for photographing a barn - YET. But I have had a couple of bad experiences photographing other subjects, twice for photographing dragonflies. Weird, eh? Well, I DO live in the country so it has since occurred to me that I might have been getting kinda close to a grow-op or two. Maybe.
Awesome photos, what a fun experience. Love the close up of the kitty ;-)
every time i pick my favorite photo, i scroll down! they are all so great, love the kitty shot too!!
Wow that is good treat. Love those photos taken from high ground. Just amazing you can find different people in one day hehe. Happy trip!
Barn Charm
You had a fantastic experience! Great series of shots.
Fantastic experience! There are good people still out there! What fun to be able to get up in that cherry picker! Wow!
All of the photos are wonderful, but the cat steals the show--beautiful markings on its face.
Just now doing a little bit more of barn charm...daughter has been here and I have only looked at a few. Sounds like you had a magical day...they do happen. Within the past year, as well as being yelled at, I also actually got to go in a barn I have loved from afar for probably 20 yrs.
You got some wonderful captures here!
Very cool folks to be so accomodating with your desires to photography their barn. I love the kitty too,very cute.
Post a Comment