Foma Retropan 320, Mamiya 645 1000sFoma Retropan 320, Mamiya 645 1000s
I had a completely different post in mind for today. I was going with a warm and colorful fall post from our annual fall time in the woods expeditions. However, that seems rather inappropriate as we had to dig out from over six feet of snow on Saturday. Since I have not heard any official names for this event, I termed it Snowember 2.0 in loving memory of that 2014 winter storm.
As a result, I am going with a winter theme. Right now, the forecast calls for a warm up during the week and a significant snow melt, as it often happens when snow arrives this early. On one hand it is quite a waste as this would serve as a super snow base for the season but on the other hand a thaw can provide the needed relief for maintenance crews as well as our roofs. There have already been a number of collapsed structures and having so much snow above my head does not make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.
To get a dose of happy winter mood we're heading just a little bit south to the rural Southtowns on Buffalo, New York. There are some roads I really enjoy exploring and visiting repeatedly in different conditions. And sometimes the equipment or materials contribute to the difference. I've posted winter scenery captured on Foma Retropan 320 before but the more I look at this combination the more I like it. I think the grain combines very well with the mostly high key images. And I will admit, I have also been moving more and more away from perfection full of detail. I enjoy many forms of photographic imperfections. And a grainy film like the Retropan 320 fits the bill quite well.
Draudt Road Barn and SilosOrchard Park Winter
Draudt Road Barn and Silos, Orchard Park Winter
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL
The first photo shows my favorite angle on the old barn and silos. I like that the structure is fairly prominent while still showing the surroundings, the charming narrow road running by, the utility poles, and of course the trees. Lately, I have been more and more of a fan of wider views though allowing my main subjects fall further into the background and leaving plenty of room around them in the frame, when such a photo is possible. I was glad that for this scene I chose to do both, the closer angle as well as the wider one.
Winter On Draudt RoadOrchard Park Winter
On Draudt Road, Orchard Park Winter
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL
And then there are views that speak to me all of a sudden. I passed them as many times as the sights photographed lot more often, yet, I may not have raised the camera and clicked the shutter before. That is the case with the photo below. Somehow, this winter scene was what I needed to change that.
Farmhouse in Trees in WinterOrchard Park Winter
Farmhouse in Trees, Orchard Park Winter
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL
What do you think? A worthy trade off of fall and winter photos? Or would you have preferred I went with my original colorful plan. If that is the case you won't have to wait too long, I have that post planned next and the weather will determine when that is.
Thanks for visiting! Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy
Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If black and white is your cup of tea, why not head over to the World without Color photo collection? And finally, if you enjoy looking at winter scenery, I have the Winter collection just for that purpose.
Farmhouse in WinterWestern New York Winter
Winter on a Country RoadWestern New York Winter
Utility PolesWestern New York Winter
Beautiful Barn in WinterWestern New York Winter
Railroad Crossing, 3 TracksWestern New York Winter