Barn Board

[luxborealis]

A typical (stereotypical) "photographer's" photo of barn board - but I like it. Why?

[Rob C]

A typical (stereotypical) "photographer's" photo of barn board - but I like it. Why?

Why ever not?

Rob C

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Sometimes a photo is just about patterns, textures, balance, and the nice way that the light interacts with them.

Very pleasing (except for the type of viewer who is offended by any image that remotely resembles one s/he has seen before).

I'll admit I even still enjoy (some) photos of Antelope Canyon.

Eric

[Roberto Frieri]

Just for the light and shadows...

[Rob C]

Sometimes a photo is just about patterns, textures, balance, and the nice way that the light interacts with them.

Very pleasing (except for the type of viewer who is offended by any image that remotely resembles one s/he has seen before).

I'll admit I even still enjoy (some) photos of Antelope Canyon.
Eric

Dangerous territory, Rob, play on mute!

;-)

Rob C

[ivan muller]

Yes. I like it very much too...it just has uncle Ansel written all over it....!

[francois]

Sometimes a photo is just about patterns, textures, balance, and the nice way that the light interacts with them.
…

Yes, I agree and Terry's image is a perfect example. Simple but beautiful!

[jalcocer]

the texture is really nice, the lighting and the shadows make it more appealing, nice shot

[Jeremy Roussak]

A typical (stereotypical) "photographer's" photo of barn board - but I like it. Why?

Because it's likeable. I like it too: it's my kind of photo.

Jeremy

[Isaac]

A typical (stereotypical) "photographer's" photo of barn board - but I like it. Why?

• because it's your photo
• ¿because it places you within a particular photographic tradition?

[luxborealis]

• because it's your photo
• ¿because it places you within a particular photographic tradition?

Actually, neither. It's not a unique photo by any stretch, yet when I see photos of this same type/genre done well, I get a visceral response to them that I can't exactly explain. I don't subscribe to the "I can do what Ansel can" mindset, so I guess I'm trying to nail down what it is that makes subjects like weathered wood (and rusting metal) attractive in the first place.

[Dave (Isle of Skye)]

... so I guess I'm trying to nail down what it is that makes subjects like weathered wood (and rusting metal) attractive in the first place.

I think we like these types of subjects because they look old, weathered, seasoned and interesting. We love chaotic patterns in nature and the beauty of detail, because it is always more deeply and infinitively defined than anything man could ever create.

Dave

[churly]

Terry - I think you are posing an interesting question and there are clearly several factors at play.  For me - I think the image frames complex patterns inside of a simple and comfortable geometry that is enriched by the tonality.  Perhaps you could say that it is cozy and provocative at the same time.

I hope you don't mind - I have added a different example that to me does sort of the same thing.  It doesn't stand up to your image but perhaps it adds to the conversation.  By the way - I just managed to pick up the copy of PhotoLife with your article.  It is well done and I like the focus on really exploring the near-far possibilities.

Cheers,
Chuck

[Isaac]

... when I see photos of this same type/genre done well, I get a visceral response to them that I can't exactly explain.

I thought you were asking about that specific photo rather than photos with that kind of subject.

I'm trying to nail down what it is that makes subjects like weathered wood (and rusting metal) attractive in the first place

Well, attractive or attractive as a subject for photography?
As a subject for photography they have -- texture, colour, regular shapes, irregular shapes -- and the huge benefit that they stay put and change little over the years, so we can keep returning to play our photographic game.

It's the rich reddish-browns of weathered wood I find attractive-- so the B&Ws (this one of yours and those by AA) leave me cold ;-)