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Hay Bales at Sunset
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Hay Bales at Sunset

by Craig Myers

Gallery: Man & FaunaPosted April 16, 2011318 views6 comments
Land usage near Snohomish, Washington. Taken from an altitude of approximately 2000 feet from a hot air balloon. Canon EOS 5D Mk2; 1/30 @ f/5.6; 105mm; ISO 320; 24-105 f/4L. All feedback is most appreciated.

Emendation: I fear I have fallen somewhat short of posting guideline 1 in my brief post above. I'll admit that my main intention in posting this image was simply to make a neutral depiction of "man’s influence on the natural world" as stated in the gallery mission statement. If there is any influence intended, it is simply to make the viewer think about what a farm means in this day and age and about all the attendant issues that go with farms. I think most people see a farm as something positive--rural life, simple living, hard work, etc. A positive view that culminates in a visit to the county fair. But, obviously, there is more to a farm than meets the eye. The field in the picture is a hay field located half-a-mile from a large river. Is the farmer making the best use of the land. Is the field part of a larger holding that provides a diversity of crops? Is it a single-family operation or a corporate holding. If corporate, are they cashing in on subsidies meant to keep independent farmers afloat. What kind of pest control is involved? What are their environmental impacts? What archaic water laws may be assuring this landowner an allotment that is greater than may ever be needed? And, of course, what is this farm's impact on the natural world that existed before this land was cultivated? Is the impact worth the trade-off that comes with a simple hay field? But mainly, I just wanted to show this farmer's influence on land borrowed from nature, and how nature, in the form of a sunset, can make something beautiful out of a litter of hay rolls.

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on April 16, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Interesting photo!
What environmental issues does this raise for you?
Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Craig Myers on April 17, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Sandy,

Thanks for asking. I didn't read far enough into the gallery guidelines. I have emended my original statement.

Craig
Registered on September 1, 2008, 85 Posts, 757 Comments
Comment posted by Hank Pennington on April 18, 2011 at 12:14 AM
What a compelling image Craig! The shadows really make it for me. And you raise good points. "Luring" a viewer with such a solid image is a great way to get them to read on.... If nothing else to answer the question "Whazzit?"
Registered on November 1, 2003, 226 Posts, 1532 Comments
Comment posted by Paula Dittrick on April 21, 2011 at 8:32 AM
I like the shadows and the repeating patterns. Interesting that you got this via hot air balloon.

As to the environmental questions, I think a photo of a center pivot irrigation system in a corn field might have conveyed those questions more readily than a hay field, which might or might not be irrigated or be treated for pests.
Registered on May 2, 2006, 16 Posts, 179 Comments
Comment posted by Craig Myers on April 21, 2011 at 3:09 PM
Good point, Paula. However that particular cornfield wasn't on the balloon's route that evening. :smile:
Registered on September 1, 2008, 85 Posts, 757 Comments
Comment posted by Stuart Williams on April 22, 2011 at 6:04 AM
great graphic photo - love it.
Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments