Wuthering Heights, a photo from Isle of Anglesey, Wales

Photographer's Note

I have noticed a few literary references on TE in recent days! Not least of which was SnapRJW's inclusion of ELO's lyrics to Mr Blue Sky! Usurped by Ann Jackman's Daphne Dumaurier allusions!! So in the spirit of things...

This is a farmhouse situated at Rhoscolyn Bay, Anglesey, which made me think of Wuthering Heights; being windswept and moody on this dark cloudy day! Just at the end of the wall almost in the centre of the image you can see what looks like a neolithic burial chamber. They are dotted over all the place in North Wales but this one I am reliably informed is more of a recent addition, being the folly of one of the previous inhabitants. The trees next to this folly are permanently bent in the direction of the wind due it's force as it comes in off the sea.

In the first chapter of Wuthering Heights the character Lockwood enters the house and outlines the character of Heathcliff which in some ways is similar to the character of the house itself. So I am including that quote for you to read and apply to the image and mood of this house to help with a romantic reading of this image!

"...Mr. Heathcliff forms a singular contrast to his abode and style of living. He is a dark-skinned gypsy in aspect, in dress and manners a gentleman, that is, as much a gentleman as many a country squire: rather slovenly, perhaps, yet not looking amiss with his negligence, because he has an erect and handsome figure—and rather morose. Possibly, some people might suspect him of a degree of under-bred pride; I have a sympathetic chord within that tells me it is nothing of the sort: I know, by instinct, his reserve springs from an aversion to showy displays of feeling—to manifestations of mutual kindliness. He’ll love and hate, equally under cover, and esteem it a species of impertinence to be loved or hated again"

Ha, ha! Enjoy.

jhm, Noel_Byrne, tyro, Royaldevon, EstelleJ has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

willperrett (2959) 2013-01-13 4:03

Hello Michael
Some years ago I taught "Wuthering Height" to several bunches of reluctant A-level students. A good reason to change to teaching Photography! And now I teach nothing to nobody!
This is indeed suitably bleak and windswept. I suspect you've increased the drama of the sky, but whether with an ND grad or in Photoshop it's difficult to say. This is also a crop, judging by the shape of the frame. The only thing which stops it being a ringer for WH is the evidence of habitation over on the right! I wonder if a lower viewpoint could have removed those modern houses... But good work.
Regards
Will

jhm (122490) 2013-01-13 4:04

Hello Michael,

Thank you very much for your interesting note.
Maybe is the picture a little bit dark but absolutely not bad.
Perspective and depth are absolutely nice done.
Composition and presentation make these picture attractive.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice Sunday,
John.

chrisvek (5515) 2013-01-13 4:47

Hello Michael

What an amazing capture.Perfect colors and contrasts.The atmosphere is also very unique and so nice POV on your work!Well done.

Have a nice day
Chris

Romano46 (4996) 2013-01-13 4:57

Ciao,
questa è la mia prima critica da quando mi sono iscritto, ma sono rimasto particolarmente colpito dalla bellezza di questa foto.
Mi piace in maniera particvolare la composizione e il bel contrasto tra il verde della vegetazione e il cielo tempestoso.
Molto bello il taglio della foto che sembra seguire la direzione del vento che si intuisce per la forma degli alberi
Complimenti e buona domenica
Romano

Noel_Byrne (7450) 2013-01-13 6:52

Hi Michael,
Windswept indeed, I can almost feel Rhein chill emanting from the image. A beautiful, albeit somewhat spooky house, and that is reinforced by the folly tomb in the centre. Amazing looking trees, they have hard lives to be constantly bent like this. I must admit that I have never read wuthering heights, but i will spend the rest of the afternoon mentally singing the Kate bush song "Kathy"
All the best
Noel

tyro (13149) 2013-01-13 7:26

Hello Michael,

A fine view of this old house and an interesting note to accompany it!

You have captured a wonderfully moody look here with the dark, overcast and threatening sky and the trees sihouetted against it. Fine rich colours, interesting lighting, perfect exposure and excellent detail and sharpness.

Excellent!

Kind Regards,

John.

ACL1978 (5793) 2013-01-13 7:30

I like the windswept mood created by the clouds and sparse trees, Mike. The format works nicely in emphasizing that as well. The house does have the look of something well past its golden days, waiting out the rest of time. I wonder if, given Will's point, cropping more on the right might focus the attention on the house without the intrusions of modernity? On the other hand, I actually rather like the flow of the shot within the frame you have, and the houses really aren't that intrusive. In either event, a nice moody shot.

Andrew

Kamilutka (3207) 2013-01-13 7:54

Hello Michael, your photo could be really a n illustration for this book. The picture is full of drama and you captured greatly wind in the trees. The colors are quite muted, but the green patch of grass makes the photo a little more lively. Great composition and POV!
I like it a lot!
Regards
Kamila

holmertz (26982) 2013-01-13 7:55

Hello Michael,
This is a fine composition with a suitable shape. You have captured the gloomy and kind of threatening atmosphere very well in this excellently exposed shot. There is a fine balance between the very dark upper part of the sky and the green hillside. The buildings and the trees are very attractively set against a lighter background.
Regards,
Gert

Royaldevon (17811) 2013-01-13 8:32

Ha, ha, Michael, this is going to be reknown as a literary site as well as a photographic site!
I can see why this reminded you of Wuthering Heights; it has the same windswept, gloomy character. The sky adds much to the feeling of foreboding, whilst the trees appear to hanging their heads!
The panoramic style allows time to move with caution from right to left.

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

ktanska (21527) 2013-01-13 10:14

Hi Michael,
Old architecture and windy climate of an island of Great Britain shows well on this shot. Those few trees really look windswept. Thicker cloud layer above creates special ambience.
Kari

dkmurphys (36857) 2013-01-13 11:39

Hi Mike,
Lovely capture, this looks like a scene from a horror movie. Well taken, have a good week.

Daniel