Assynt's history

[Donald]

With the last image I posted (here), I wrote about my quest to try and capture the mood and atmosphere of a place. The same applies with this.

The highlands of Scotland have a turbulent history that includes the forced eviction of thousands of people to make way for the creation of large sheep farming enterprises by people who had acquired rights to the land through very dubious means in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of us believe that land reform is amongst the most important political developments that is required in 21st century Scotland.

As always, the critical assessment of colleagues on here is appreciated.

[Digital]

Donald, very nice image. I like the use of leading lines in this photo.



Bruce

[Rebel]

Very nice Donald the vignette and leading lines work well to bring out the building.

[FootLoose]

Your treatment certainly makes it appear very bleak and cold.

[Shadowman]

Eerie capture, when I squint I see the formation of a skull. Nicely captured and processed.

[Brownbear]

Beautiful image... I also love the leading lines. I find it to be an uplifting image with hope for a bright future.. Maybe because of the beautiful light on the house and stone walls/fence.

[Kris V]

Dark----brooding----my kind of image. This is sooooo awesome, Donald.

[DEAN01]

Hauntingly beautiful, Donald.

[Rita]

Donald, I see this as being quit symbolic of those that lost their land. Just as the house is against a big hill the people that were evicted must have felt that their backs were against a wall at the time.

[rpcrowe]

I think you hit the nail on the head with this shot! It shows the pathos of eviction and isolation...

Although the evictions were certainly terrible for the Scots and Scotland; America (as well as Australia and New Zealand) were the beneficiaries. We gained many wonderful Scottish immigrants due to the loss of their land resulting in emigration to our countries....

However, my Scottish ancestors arrived in America via Northern Ireland due to other infringements upon them by the ruling class...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05z5ZXKHKbY

[TrishBJ]

Brilliant and the B&W captures the mood perfectly whereas colour may not have. I like the way the building ruins are highlighted. The ribs of rock on the hillside speak of desolation and deprivation.

[shreds]

The wonderful thing about this photo for me is the fact that whilst the house is clearly derelict, the remains of the wall in the field above the right hand side chimney, looks like a pall of smoke rising, suggesting the house is still living and in use. I love the subtle light on the face of the building that cements its place as the focal point.

[Donald]

Thank you all for your comments. Even for me, this one is very dark and sombre. The dynamic brightness slider on Silver Efex Pro was pulled to places it has never been before. I'm very pleased that it generally meets with your approval.

[Ndukes]

Very strong image, Donald. Like rural Scotland, Ireland with its shared history, in part at least, has many derelict cottages which tell a similar tale of dominance and exploitation. I think your composition around the story works really well. I have to say though that for me the vignette does not really add to the image and I would love to see it without.

[flashback]

Even without the back story this is a great shot; somber, moody, full of pathos. With the back story all the more so. I strongly agree with Neville, I don't think it needs the vignette, it's a powerful image and doesn't need any band-aids. Makes me feel like I'm squinting.

[Chri5]

I love it. I think the contrast is perfect and I love how you have framed the image. It gives a feeling of isolation.

[Donald]

Thank you guys. I love it when get some differences of opinion coming in. Whether or not you agree with particular views, at least it makes you stop, think and re-assess.

[JohnRostron]

This is mesmerising!

John

[Manfred M]

Donald - I'll have to go with the consensus and complement you on the moodiness of the shot. Dark and foreboding.

I'm not 100% sold on the square crop, through. Square crops tend to be neutral. balanced and not particularly dynamic; yet the message you are trying to portray is anything but. The shape and the crop seem to send out a conflicting message.

[bnnrcn]

Great image , IMO it would also look good with a less strong vignette