Magical Winter Light Photo

Photographer’s Note

The barn in the photo is part of an historical property belonging to the Thompson-Neeley House. For generations the house belonged to a family that operated a nearby grist mill. The house is unique in that it encompasses 3 distinct architectural styles that were popular in the 1700’s and 1800’s in the state of Pennsylvania. Each family who lived in the house added a wing to the original structure which reflected the style of architecture prevalent during the period in which they lived there.

The house and property played a pivotal role during the American Revolution. Colonial soldiers were camped upon the grounds in the winter of 1776. During that time the house was the headquarters of Lord Stirling (William Alexander), one of Gen. George Washington’s staff members. As a matter of fact, the soldiers in the graveyard picture I took earlier were from this encampment and the cemetery is located only a short walk from the property.

Although the scene looks very bucolic and peaceful, the photo is very deceiving. Directly in front of the barn is Pennsylvania Route 32. I had to wait for cars to finish passing before pressing the shutter. I was captivated by how the sun was hitting the grass and the barn and just had to pull over and get some photos.

Didi, touristdidi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

quegardens (1469) 2004-02-16 20:11

You have made good use of both the sun and moon in the same shot Linda...and you have also made everything indeed look bucolic and peaceful despite the traffic that we don't have to see here :-)

Do you think they ever imagined cars would oneday buzz to and fro when they were camped out on these grounds in 1776?

astrada (14) 2004-02-16 22:22

Nice shot, Linda
Looking forward for another historical sites from you

nwoehnl (118) 2004-02-17 6:46

Very nice light in this shot, Linda, I love how it brightens up the front left side in particular. Nice composition with the "naked" tree in front of the barn, and the less naked ones to the left. If it weren't for the information in your note, you'd completely have me fooled into a very pristine setting ;-)

Rockyboy (20580) 2004-02-17 14:44

An interstring historical note and a very beautiful picture, Linda! I like the way of framing here with that grass showing us the barn, the moon and this wondeful tree. Nice shot, Linda!

mitternacht (1836) 2004-02-18 13:00

Great shot with nice winter light. I think there is a little too much dark foreground. A little sharpening would be good too.

Georges (11183) 2004-02-18 15:56

Très joli cliché et tout en douceur sur les couleur avec un lieu superbe et reposant.
Les détails des branches de l'arbre sont un bon élément pour qualifier cette image de bonne netteté.
Bravo Linda

dsidwell (9745) 2004-02-21 0:37

Photography is light, Linda, and you've found some good light here!

jrj (34779) 2004-02-22 6:36

Fine light setting in a balance of sun and shadows Linda. The colours too works very well in this composition.

And again you should have some extra points for your always informative notes...

dominique (11403) 2004-02-24 17:40

Very good composition, the colors are beautiful and with snow it is very beautiful, I like yellow grasses in front.

Didi (36020) 2004-03-30 12:56

La lune c'est la cerise sur le gâteau.
Le grand arbre passe par un point fort de l'image en association avec la courbe du chemin.
J'apprécie cet éclairage qui contraste parfaitement avec les parties ombrées.

The moon it is the cherry on the cake. The large tree passes by a strong point of the picture in partnership with the curve of the way. I appreciate this lighting which contrasts perfectly with the shade parts.

touristdidi (8561) 2004-04-08 13:36

This used to be my dream of the kind of place I wanted to live....(minus the freeway).... but now I hate cold weather.....despite the nice pictures it gives you!