Hard winter

[tbob]

Found the skull on the roadside driving out to this spot. I suspect a coyote had hauled it away, the nearest cattle ranch is about 4 km away. The coyote had not positioned the skull artistically, so I decided to intervene to complete the job.

Art and artifice over veracity.

[Glenn P]

Hi Trevor,

Very nice. This shot has it all.

[Mike Buckley]

Such nice use of the two rows of barbed wire to frame the barn on the right side and to add interest on their own on the left side.

If you're not already aware of the debate about a Depression-era photographer that positioned the skull of a steer to make his photo, you might enjoy this.

[tbob]

Such nice use of the two rows of barbed wire to frame the barn on the right side and to add interest on their own on the left side.

If you're not already aware of the debate about a Depression-era photographer having positioned the skull of a steer to make his photo, you might enjoy this.

I am afraid I have gone over to the darkside. I spent the day moving the skull around and posing it.

There is no hope for me now. Fortunately the corner of hell reserved for people who adjust nature for an effect is full of some pretty interesting types

[Mike Buckley]

Though I like the first image, I like the second one even better. That's probably because I tend to like simple compositions more than complex compositions.

Did you also arrange the barbed wire or was it already thrown over that fence post?

[tbob]

Did you also arrange the barbed wire or was it already thrown over that fence post?

My soul is not so tarnished yet that I would stoop so low. (Also it never occurred to me).

This fence post and board fence is in the corner of an old abandoned homestead. I have shot it several times, only works for short periods of the year due to lighting, at near sunset in spring is best. It is tucked behind some bushes and an old house. In winter it is shaded and in summer the green grass does not work; needs dead dry grass to work properly.

As soon as I saw the skull I knew I needed to do this shot.

[Mike Buckley]

My soul is not so tarnished yet that I would stoop so low.

Noting the lay of the ground, you might not have had to stoop in the slightest.

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[Jim A]

I prefer the second, Trevor. The first I think needs cropping and even then there is a dichotomy between the skull and the barn. Whilst I like the inclusion of the barbed wire in the first image, I think the second image works better.

[tbob]

I prefer the second, Trevor. The first I think needs cropping and even then there is a dichotomy between the skull and the barn. Whilst I like the inclusion of the barbed wire in the first image, I think the second image works better.

Will you elaborate on the two points (the crop and the dichotomy)? They would be interesting and educational for me and others who read the post.
Thanks

[Rainforest]

So very nice! I especially like the second shot. It's wonderful to hear how intimately aware you are of the environment - it shows in both of these shots. The B&W PP is so fine - wish I had a clue!

[Wavelength]

Both are nice and well composed

[IzzieK]

I just lost my response! Grrrrr....Anyway, this shot reminds me of a famous photographer (McNally) who put his camera so low down the beach shot that made the stones looks bigger than the house in the distance. I like your idea. Conversion to b/w is also good. The old barn is very Trevor. I like the second one too, but I prefer the first one better.

[Stagecoach]

It works well for me Trevor, lovely clarity throughout the image also.

[Dave A]

Both images are very nice and I like them. Monochrome suits them well. Did you try a shot with the skull hung on a fence post.......might work.

Dave

[tbob]

Both images are very nice and I like them. Monochrome suits them well. Did you try a shot with the skull hung on a fence post.......might work.

Dave

The skull is sitting at home ready to be used as a prop in a number of images. Hanging on a fence or corral post is one if I can find the right spot. The day I found it, I shot in a number of spots. I am thinking of posting a series, have to think whether all at once or in sequential posts is best.

[JBW]

I'm in the minority but I like #1. You have captured the soul destroying immensity of the land, the transience and the interconnections.