Photography Session #2

Inspired from the previous weekend lesson from an amazing Photographer, Amanda Borozinski, Michael and I set out this weekend to find an interesting place to shoot. Looking through our Groupon folder, we happen to have one certificate that was about to expire. It was for two tickets to Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. Having never been there, we ventured out to see what it was all about. Little did I realize we were going to be taking a step back into the early 1800's. This is a community that was built to resemble a farm community from the 1700-1800's. All of the buildings on the over 250 acres are originals from that era that were moved to this location. It's pretty amazing.

This day started out to be a photo shoot, an exercise in light, leading lines, shutter speeds, rule of thirds, etc. What it turned into was a day to reset, reconnect with Michael and take a look at what life was like many years ago for some. There was a romantic element as we walked into the village and the snow began to fall. In one minute there was a blizzard, driving wind and snow, and in the next, the sun was out and the dark clouds were moving away. Having to snuggle to keep warm, bundle up with scarf, hat and gloves and massage our fingers around hot apple cider, were the making of some sweet moments between us. But a strange thing happened, as I saw the small homes that some lived in, the open fires that heated them, and the way firewood was stored and their belongings were kept in the home, I realized, it's not unlike many in the world today. In fact, people in the early 1800's lived better than many in other war-torn or under-resourced countries. Not a lot has changed....for some.

 I'm not going to dwell on this right now, more will be said in future blogs. For now, the focus is on the beauty of the Village and the spirit that moved through once upon a time. Many had walked through those same doors of the buildings and looked out the same exact windows. 

 Someone held onto the same rail as they climbed up or descended down the stairs. Little feet ran across the wide-wooden plank floors, creaking in much the same way. The black soot on the fireplaces were put there by the many logs burning to keep them warm or cook their food. Evidence of their presence is everywhere. 

 
Without a doubt, I was drawn to the windows and doors of many buildings. The contrast in color, the texture of the wood, the milkiness of the glass, were all so appealing, almost artistic. But for them, this was the style of the day.

Did the panes of glass in these windows really keep out the cold? Did they let in enough light to work by? Was looking out these windows a happy moment or a sad one? Did they like the color red? Inside this small building was a room with a bed, a table and chairs, a trunk, and a fireplace.

The wood homes were surprisingly warm, if not by the heat, then by the sun coming through the windows. Realizing that we were just out of the cold wind was enough to make us feel that we could make it. That we could actually warm up enough to continue on the walk. The light of the sun also created a warm ambient light reflecting off the wood.

Part of a small general store had goods stacked neatly on the shelf. Next to the window, there seemed to be a glow that spotlighted these particular products. Again, I was crazy for the lines and softness created by the glass.

Looking for leading lines, I found all of these. Not just on the wood, but on the shadows as well. Very soft corner of a very large room.

Loved the color red. Whatever shade it is really, contrasts perfectly with the weathered wood siding the house.

I'd love to see photographs of those who walked through these doors. Was life hard, interesting, did they laugh?

If the condition of this door is any indication of the life people led from this time period, it had to be rough. The texture was amazing.

Light, color, contrast, were all attractive to me for this photo. This was a game board with well worn pieces.

As we stood in the doorway of the barn, I could see the snow filling the air and coating the trees. I loved the lines of this fence. What looks like a black and white, was really a play on light and dark. One was in the shadows, one was rolling up the slight hill in the light.

One of the few moments the wind was still and the sun came out. The reflection of the covered bridge didn't last long, but it's eerily reflective in pond.

There's nothing that compares to walking in nature, the contemplative moments that occur between the steps you take down the path. Alone, but not lonely. As I'm just steps behind.