The Boot

This old boot has been perched on this fencepost near the county road leading into LaPlata Canyon for decades now.
Took me about that long to realize there may be a photo here, too.

Anyway, this is just a 'sketch' for a future shoot with fresh snow and closer to sunset. This ol' boot ain't goin' nowhere, and neither am I.
Any tips you can offer to improve it would be much appreciated. Even "forget about it..." would be OK!
Thanks...

Canon 5DII w/17-40 lens @ 24mm
1/60 @ f16 ISO 100

I like it, John! It speaks to me. It's speaking in a sort of slurred, drawling twang, but it's speaking. Don't forget about it. I'll be eager to see the sunset version, but the unadorned, "lay your cards on the table" light here works with the subject matter. Don't expect no purple prose from an old boot on a fencepost.

i've seen boots on fence posts in NE and KS as well. What is the reason behind this? is it just saying "i was here"?

Your guess is as good as mine, Amy.
An old rancher once told me that they put them on fence posts thinking that the scent might keep coyotes at bay.

I certainly don't begrudge you wanting to go back and try again, but I think this version works pretty freakin' well, too. I've been into La Plata Canyon many times, but never noticed this.

John,
I really like "" This old boot aint going no where and neither am I"" This image might be a candidate for a little Topaz Adjust....cant hurt to try.
Joe Rogers

Great shot, John. I think some monochromatic treatment would really add to this. Maybe sepia, or a unique old style B&W rendition. The boot itself does appear a little soft in this web version.

That's a great idea, Paul...thanks!

I really like this shot John. I agree with Paul that maybe a little B/W treatment is something you should try.

I think you are right about the old boots on fence post to help keep the coyotes away.

Harold

I like this idea John. I agree that a sepia treatment and maybe some vignette, may work here. Though if you
are trying to emphasize the sunset, not sure how that will work out. Keep working it, I think you have
something here. And keep us posted too.

Your boot project presents all sorts of possibilities. Like the BW thought. Also like the possibility of the boot silhouetted against a sunset.

Have fun planning.

Bill Brennan

That is a great find John! And there sems to be plenty of creative things you can do with it. Can't wait to see the sunset version.

Ha! I agree with Todd--looks fine as is! But if you want more, id go B&W and maybe throw in a bit of ground fog

I downloaded this in put it in SilverEfex before reading the comments. Yes, b/w or toned!

Cool shot! I like the sepia toned idea.

There is a road about 25 miles west of Topeka called "Boot Hill Road." There is a stretch of about 1/4 mile on that road where the rancher has placed old boots on the fence posts exactly like this. I have no idea why they do it, but it sure makes for some cool photos!

Here's another recommendation for b&w or sepia. Love the composition. You could do a whole series of images like this, John.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Thanks for all of the input...I really appreciate it!
Merry Christmas to all of you, and to all a good night.

Ain't nothing wrong with this one as is, but the subject and comp is one to come back to again and again. Maybe the slightest bit more room above the boot?

John,

You are welcome to go back but IMHO you have a winner here.

RichieV