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Empty Schoolyard Blues


Empty Schoolyard Blues
Photo Information
Copyright: Brian Hartley (akula802) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 68 W: 3 N: 135] (1099)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-11
Categories: Daily Life
Camera: Canon PowerShot A80
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Clothes Pegs from around the World, Viewer [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2006-02-01 0:20
Viewed: 910
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Well... it seems that I have been working too much lately, and trying to juggle too many tasks at once, to get out and play with my new 20D. Sigh...

This is one of my favorite shots from 2005. There probably haven't been clothes on this line in over a decade...

Taken behind an abandoned (though modern looking) school in Flaxton, North Dakota. It's 600 miles from home, at least 400 miles from the nearest major city, 8 miles from the Canadian border and an unfathomable distance away from life as I know it.

Even though I complain about going to school in North Dakota, it has given me an incredible amount of shooting locations for my Lost Highway project. What began as a photographic essay, however, has turned into a burning desire to learn the stories of where I now call (dare I say it?) home.

Who are these people? Where did they come here from? Why did they leave? Why does North Dakota continue to struggle with population? What was life like out here on the prarie during the frontier days, when one had to be strong, wise, and brilliantly self sufficient just to make it from one day to the next?

In order to learn from history, one has to see the results of it with their own eyes. I no longer see pages of statistics, dates and names I won't remember. I see fading monuments of the fight for the American Dream, a story to be told in every brick of an overtaken foundation, and most of all, though a difficult idea to grasp at first, I see hope.

Truth amidst uncertainty, beauty amidst decay, strength amidst hardship.


Enjoy.


www.losthighwayphoto.com
atarisphoto, brosnea, Tim has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To reddevil: Very Nice!!akula802 2 02-02 05:37
To all: thank youakula802 1 02-01 22:51
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Brian,

Great shot and a wonderful find. The DOF is great and the subject unique. Your notes are quite interesting. So many stories and possibilities here. Wonderful dramatic shot. Thanks Brian!

Peace and Love always!
Kevin

nice picture with good contrast.

Well done - I like this one a lot

I adore this point of view. It has a journalistic approach to it. Well done on the composition and colours. Very interesting note. Thanks.

glad to see that you posted this photo...it was a personal favorite of mine from that shoot...i also liked the school desk...maybe post that one too...anyways i love the shallow DOF and the clothesline coming directly from the upper right corner...great as always...peace***

Brain,
I love the DOF here!
I like simple shots like this. It brings out so much creativity. Making something of not much. Good notes and nice work!
Scott

Good composition you made Brian I like it a lot. I was cururious how it would like when I made this in monochrome so I made a little WS...but the original is very good ;-)

Jos

Hello. Great and strong composition. Lovely colours. Well done!!
Simple and beautiful work. :O)

  • Great 
  • nova Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2735 W: 263 N: 864] (8653)
  • [2006-02-01 22:17]

Interesting shot! NIce concept! I find this creative and original! Well done! Michel

  • Great 
  • Tim Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 188 W: 18 N: 241] (1137)
  • [2006-04-21 11:16]

Great note to go along with an awesome photo Brian. Keep up the good work my friend.

God's best,

Tim

excellent POV and composition :)
well seen angle, love the depth and colors
will be back for more :)

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