Ah, who can’t relate to the feeling of abandonment? But it was harder than I thought to really capture that in an image, as I learned with the latest weekly challenge from 52 Frames.
For starters, I was sort of in love with the top photo in this post (you may have to scroll up to see it by now…). Something about the games I grew up with being tossed aside, faded and weathered by time, tugged at my heartstrings. But, unsure it was really the best I could do, I kept walking around the neighborhood.
This little house, almost completely hidden behind an overgrown yard, caught my eye and I kept coming back to it over the course of a few days. And kept cropping and playing with color vs. black and white.
Still, it didn’t really work for me, and I had to admit I wasn’t satisfied yet.
My friend, Nancy, suggested going down near Depot Park, where the regional utility has a big substation. So, Saturday night after an early dinner and right at golden hour, I went looking for inspiration. The minute I drove by these two tanks, I knew I’d found it.
The only thing was, that No Smoking sign bothered me, as did the stuff to the left, so I worked in Lightroom and then Photoshop to crop and remove things. Once I did a tighter crop, I could see the rusted fence and the withered branches added a whole dimension to he idea of abandonment.
Three possibilities, one winner. Maybe 30 images total over the three locations, whittled down to this one. Not a bad ratio for me, actually.
I’m not one of those guys that has a great worldview. I kind of deal with terror and fear and isolation and abandonment.
David Bowie
I really like the last picture. It has drama.
You are so good with pictures and words. Beautifully done. What incredible talent you have.
Really like these, and since we are in the process of temporarily abandoning the world, they seem apropos.
By the way, if you want, we can play Operation when you visit. 🙂
You got great skills Annie!
Annie, again your eye and ability to add narrative brings so much to your readers. The abandoned games of our youth was bittersweet but honestly did make us chuckle as Operation was always a favorite. Photo of Depot Park gorgeous backdrop of sky.
It is wonderful to see and read about your artistic process. Thank you!
I always learn so much from you! And no, I haven’t started shooting yet, but with each of your lessons I get closer 😉
Did you save the games?
I like the idea behind the games too.