We can see throughout small town America today many examples of classic design utilized in structures built early in the 20th Century. Here are two examples.
Architecture
Small Town Pride
I enjoy making photos of small towns located in rural areas. I’m always on the lookout for compositions which show evidence of “pride” in living there.
A Small Country Church
As I was driving along a rural highway close to home, I happened to glance behind a popular local food market I pass frequently and saw a small church I’d never spotted before. I stopped and found this nice photo opportunity.
What made it special to me was the brightly painted mailbox out front. I’m not sure if church services are still held inside, but the building itself is reasonably well maintained to make that possible. This proves my belief that we photographers always need to keep an open eye to our surroundings, there is much to be discovered.
Contrast
You got to love Black and White. Many of us began that way on film. Much easier today with digital.
From Fields to Church
There is an Episcopal Church in Eden, NC near where we live that was built in 1926, with the help of members of the congregation who tirelessly gathered thousands of rocks from nearby farmers field’s to serve as the foundation for exterior and interior walls. That’s amazing dedication toward a spiritual purpose.
The architectural style brings back memories of my travels during several visits to the United Kingdom during the 1980’s. I’ve said it before, there is no doubt I’d have been a happy resident living there permanently, had my life turned out that way. The Eden Rock Church so close to home makes me realize that even more.
Strange Houses
I did a double-take as I drove by this house in Eden, NC recently. There was no question I needed some photos. Why was an apparent long vacant house painted bright red? Perhaps only to attract attention, which in my case worked.
Later on I saw another “interesting” house, also vacant. This time in blue complete with an American Flag on display, with an over-stuffed sofa sitting on the front porch. Another strange photo opportunity.
Old Office Building
I found this abandoned two-story office building and made a few photos. I was able to put my camera lens next to window glass on the lower level to see interesting views inside.
Iconic Race Track in Winter
I live two miles from Martinsville Speedway, which is the oldest track on the NASCAR circuit. The track is a half-mile long, in the shape of a “paperclip.” Fans have voted Martinsville as their favorite track primarily because 360 degree seating puts them within a few hundred yards of all the action. Driving by recently, I decided to stop and make a few photos.
Focus on “Little” Things
I have developed a habit over the years to view things around me, no matter the subject, and wondering whether or not what I see would make an interesting photo. That’s easy when I’m in a prime location with spectacular views all around me. It’s more challenging elsewhere. It’s in those locations where my habit has been the most beneficial. Here are a few examples.
The “little” thing here is the missing window pane. I didn’t see that until after I downloaded the image. My initial interest was the age and style of the building. The missing glass was my reward for “looking.”
The building facade of stone is what I liked about this image. One does not see this sort of early 20th Century architecture that often. The stained glass church window below, surrounded by the detailed brickwork, is what caught my eye.
I could have photoshopped this photo to “light the lamp.” That would have been fun to do, but not for publication. When I made this image I thought about returning at night to see it lit for real. But, I figured it was fine as is.
