Cattle Grid in the Clouds

[Donald]

Over Easter I was with family in Yorkshire, England. I took the opportunity to spend a day in the North York Moors. A beautiful landscape (when you could see it). A good part of my journey was spent above the cloud line. For me, that's ideal photographic conditions. Lovely low contrast scenes to be found.

This is one of the images I made as a result.

I know that not everyone likes this low contrast approach and believes that B & W images need blacks and whites.

Your thoughts on this question would be welcomed. It's a good opportunity to explore what we feel B & W pictures should be. Any thoughts you have on this particular image will also be appreciated. Again, I know some folks don't like all that negative space I include in many images.

I'm not sure what you call cattle grids in your country. I think in some places they may be 'cattle stops'

[Rebel]

I like it Donald, nice shot. The negative space works for me and I like that the white road lines are disappearing into the fog. It has a bit of an abstract feel to it.

These types of images are on my to-do list.

[DEAN01]

A very nice shot, Donald. This is greyscale in its true form, stark blacks not needed. In Texas we call them cattle guards, but they are mostly on private land.

[Shadowman]

I've taken a few images in similar conditions and for my style I like a nice contrasting subject in the foreground. Some photographers like having a solitary figure in the background. Everyone's taste is different. I think there are enough elements within the bottom portion of your image to capture the viewers attention. At first glance I only saw the vast empty space and the open gate, looking closer I see the painted lines and find interest wondering where they lead.

[deetheturk]

Nice capture Donald, a bit of less is more, I also like it!

[JohnRostron]

Very atmospheric; very Yorkshire. I don't normally go for greyscale, but this one I can appreciate.

John

[GBO25]

As much as I like it - and I do like it, I keep thinking it should have been taken from further to the right because the angle of the painted lines jars a bit with me. I'd rather they led more parallel to the right border.
Maybe it would have been a bit dangerous to be in the middle of the road on such a foggy day.

[wilgk]

Definitely known as cattle stops, in the Deep South of NZ.
I like the mood created here very much, I would even go so far as to say, the White lines on the road detract from the overall appeal for me - I would just like the path that the road is taking to ensue discernible, the White lines ring it too much into prominence... I hope that's not too odd an observation/opinion to have.

[Donald]

I hope that's not too odd an observation/opinion to have.

Even if it was, which it's not, you're allowed to have whatever opinion you want. I see what you mean.

Thanks for all the comments, folks.

I keep thinking it should have been taken from further to the right because the angle of the painted lines jars a bit with me. I'd rather they led more parallel to the right border.

Graham - I took a couple of photos from different angles, but none felt as 'balanced' as this one to me; i.e. The compositions didn't feel right. If the lines worked (which I didn't specifically look at), then the gate was 'out', etc.

[ST1]

I do like that image Donald, I would never think to stop and make an image like this. Thanks for the inspiration, glad you liked your stay in Gods Country

[Donald]

I do like that image Donald, I would never think to stop and make an image like this. Thanks for the inspiration, glad you liked your stay in Gods Country

Thanks Peter. That was on the road from Rosedale Abbey to Castleton. Wonderful, even up in the clouds.

[Mike Buckley]

The relatively small dynamic range and large negative space work very well for me. The composition in the lower half doesn't work as well for me because that area seems to be two photos.

[bnnrcn]

I like the negative space and the fog. I think I would like the image more, if the subject was something different. But I like the mood in the image anyway

[Whistletown Wilds]

Has a wonderful feel!