An unexpected subject in monochrome

[Mike Buckley]

I walked into the area intending to photograph a very different subject. Instead, this one was just too compelling to pass up.

[dabhand]

Mike - on the whole I really like it, but the three lines of, what I assume are ropes, cutting across the clouds do detract somewhat.

steve

[Kodiak]

…just too compelling to pass up.

Aren't these nets to protect fruit trees from birds and hale?

[Manfred M]

Very effective image Mike.

I too find two lines at the top part of the image a bit distracting, but then, I'm not sure if cloning them out will strengthen or weaken the image.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, guys!

Kodiak is correct that the nylon mesh protects the wine grapes from being eaten by birds. The vineyard has also set traps because another species, they think racoons, that is eating the fruit.

Thanks for the comments about the two lines at the top. For me, they complement the other lines in the image but I'll clone them to determine if the image becomes stronger without them.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you to Manfred and Steve for recommending that I remove some of the lines at the top. Now that I've done that, I agree that the image is stronger.

[NorthernFocus]

Not sure where the vines are but racoons, opossum, and grey fox are all fruit eaters.

[Mike Buckley]

The vines are in northern Virginia. We definitely have racoons, opossum and at least some varieties of fox in that area. If it's a fox that is eating the fruit, their traps are too small.

[NorthernFocus]

There are definately grey fox in that area. Though I suspect reds eat fruit too. If they have traps out and haven't caught any oppossum then not likely them. They are dumb as a post. I used to trap back in a former life and if you release an opossum from a leg-hold trap and reset it, he'll be back in it the next day, and the next, etc. Willing to die for a free meal I guess. Or they rely heavily on man's compassion