I took this photograph on Monday – the day the low-pressure weather system was sitting firmly over the UK. It was cold and windy – I was wearing three layers of clothing but was still cold – and huge grey clouds began to roll in.
Later that day, when I looked at the photos I had taken, this one stood out. It has taken me all week to sort of work out just why it stands out. It lacks sparkling greens – the type of which are in yesterday’s photo, there is an absence of golden colour in the crop, and there is no azure blue sky with fluffy clouds on show. Looking at it again this morning, I’m still not completely sure what it is that I like about it but it might be something to do with its simplicity and honesty. I don’t know ……
The Lantern Room 
I think the gap in the fence encourages you to walk further, then the grey clouds will roll past you and you can reach the brighter sky ?
LikeLike
I like it Hallysann. I think it’s something very subtle – more a feeling from it. Something maybe about the light that subtly catches the leaves? Still not sure……
LikeLike
It invites me to wonder what is just over the horizon…
LikeLike
I’m trying to remember now….. Just to the left was a long private track with a village beyond but that Barleyfield was on a slight incline and I’m not sure what was beyond…..
LikeLike
It might be that the photos gives the impression that something is about to happen.
LikeLike
Yes – it’s something maybe to do with that strange quiet feeling just before a storm……
LikeLike
There are times when I miss the English countryside, so this shot appeals to me.
It works because of the honesty and simplicity contained in the image. I also think the symmetry of the shot adds to its interest. The dark grey clouds mirror the green foreground and the lighter grey sky balances the field of barley.
For an ex-pat like me it brings back memories of England.
LikeLike
Thanks Calvin. I’m pleased you can see the honesty and simplicity too. Reflecting on your comments, I think maybe it’s this type of scene (rather than the sun-drenched fluffy cloud one) that we see most when travelling around the English countryside – whether by car, train or walking, and possibly we don’t always consciously register it, but when our attention is directed to it through a photo or painting, a thousand memories come flooding in. Like you, maybe that’s what’s happening when I look at it. Thank you for your thoughts.
LikeLike
On a purely technical level, it attends to the rule of thirds. But we all know there’s more to a photograph than the rules….
Nice layering of colours and tones, and yes, tension – will the cloud empty its load and when….!
LikeLike
Thanks eremophila. I guess it does conform to the rule of thirds thingy. It’s not something I usually try to achieve 🙂
LikeLike
I do like the balance of this a lot… it’s a very well composed photograph with the perfect amount on the right and bottom and a nice vacant space in the left.
LikeLike
Thank you Nigel. I wasn’t sure about the space on the left at first but I’m learning that a space doesn’t always have to be filled!
LikeLike
I really like this, Meanderer! While I can list the reasons why technically I think it’s good, my reason for liking it lies on an emotional level. In this, I feel the impact of the cond and wind. Wonderful! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Ted. I’m glad that it conveys the weather conditions that day; it was certainly Autumnal-type weather. It has reached me on the emotional level too 🙂
LikeLike
I love the balance and the subdued colours… very British weather, something I miss too!
LikeLike
Thanks Lu. It is very typical of British weather – many, many Summers with those skies!
LikeLike