Photo Trek: Hwy 158, Forsyth County
Photo Trek: 12-09-2009, Hwy 158, Forsyth County
Haunting (In B&W)
As I'm sure you have probably picked up on recently, I have been spending a lot of time photographing the area of Hwy 158. There is just so much good stuff to capture, and since I am on it rather frequently these days I have the chance to see when things look their best. There is a section of the highway that runs in the middle of 400+ acres that I've spent a lot of time at since the summer. There is my favorite old Ford truck, as well as some 1940's vintage flatbeds, and a few old tractors to round it out. There is also an old farm house right off of the road which has always caught my eye, but I wasn't sure how best to capture it.
I've thought about the typical daytime shot, but I didn't think that would accurately portray what I have been seeing. I've thought about using it as a silhouette for a sunrise, but I wanted more detail present on the house. Recently, I have wanted to try light painting on it, with a long exposure to pick up the night sky. I just needed some clouds, or closer to twilight or dawn.
While doing a little bit errand running the other night I saw some promise in the clouds and thought that I might try some ideas out on this house. I had everything that I would need, so I pulled off the road and set up for a night shoot.
It was long after sunset, so the sky was pretty much dark with the exception of some light being reflected by a neighboring town. I was going to need a lot of light to make the house stand out. I knew that my standard flashlight method wouldn't be enough, but I had brought along one of those million candlepower spotlights for just this occasion. I mounted my 24-70mm f/2.8L lens which provided the perfect focal length for the perspective I was after. I set the shutter speed to "Bulb" and started shooting to get an idea on my exposure.
I realized that in order to get the sky where I wanted it, I was going to need at least three minutes worth of exposure which would give me plenty of time to "paint" the house with the spotlight. Using such a powerful light source I was able to fully paint it in about a minute and a half, which left only a couple of minutes for the complete exposure.
I only captured seven images during this Trek, and found that two of them were very good. I culled those two down to this one which I thought was the best and captured the mood that I wanted. Just for curiosity, I also processed this image as a monochrome with very good results. Actually, the B&W version posted here is my favorite version of my favorite image of the night. They both can be viewed as New Additions in the Four Forty-Six Photography Gallery.
Posted by Greg A. Kiser at 12/11/2009 12:33 AM 
Categories: Rustic,Trek,Night Photography
Tags: Black and White Photography NC Painting with light North Carolina Piedmont
Categories: Rustic,Trek,Night Photography
Tags: Black and White Photography NC Painting with light North Carolina Piedmont
HBO, you should send that shot to Hollywood!!! Looks like something straight out of a scary movie!!
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That is awesome, Greg. I love the painting with light technique that you have perfected. BTW, I'll be heading to High Point Sunday. If time permits, I'll give you a buzz.
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