In the past I was never too excited about including signs of man in my nature photographs. I would work hard at making sure there were no signs of man in any of the images. Those telephone poles, houses, automobiles, fences all had to go. But as I’ve moved along in my photography, that has changed. Some of that change has been the expansion of my photographers eye and some of that change has been influenced by my travels.
I’m given opportunities to spend short periods of time in cities while on some overnights. With no vehicle, I’m mostly limited to explore the area around the hotels, so the work of man has become more prevalent in my images. I like how my vision has expanded. That expansion has allowed me to see much more around me. I now have images where including a farm within an image transformed a simple sunrise into an image that told more of a story about life. I also have images of old trucks, tractors, silos, and corrals that tell a story. While looking for images one early morning I discovered this old abandoned truck. For me it conjured up questions of a life from the past. Who first owned the truck? Was it a farm truck? How long was it used? What happened to the headlights?
7 Comments
Earl
I suspect this truck is being cannibalized for spare parts. That would explain the headlights and the missing driver side front fender.
There are certainly stories a plenty to tell with man made objects and what the story is and how we relate to it depends upon the object and setting.
While this truck may be considered an eyesore by many it certainly tells a story of days gone by and makes you wonder about the people who’ve owned it. My recent post includes a photo of the Bodie Island Lighthouse — another man made object but a totally different vibe from something like this truck. The lighthouse is consider much more in harmony with nature, more a thing of beauty and history. So perhaps being man made or not is not such a key factor.
Monte Stevens
I sort figured the same, Earl. Parts going to good use on another similar truck, which also says they liked this style of truck. I also agree that some of what man has built has added to the scences of nature but, alas, some have detracted from nature. Man do I enjoy lighthouses, both images and standing near them.
Paul
When I first saw the image, I thought of an old boxer put out to pasture. A one-time champion that had gone way past his useful years, sitting in the back room of some house, no one caring, nor remembering his name. A great shot for invoking a story.
Monte Stevens
That’s what I’m talking about, images that tell a unique story. Thanks for sharing the story you saw!
Ken
For some reason I cant explain, I’ve always been fascinated with some things that get discarded. There is always a story connected to them which we can never know, so we have the privilege of inventing our own. Another fine image, Monte.
Eric Easley
I really like this photo, especially the decision to keep it in b+w.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Eric!