Photographing Rural Decay

Abandoned Farm House near Dean, Victoria, Australia

Photographing abandoned farm houses in rural areas can be a rewarding and interesting experience. These structures often have a rich history and can make for beautiful and evocative images. If you’re planning on visiting and photographing abandoned farm houses in rural Australia, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, it’s important to do your research before you go. Look for information about the history of the farm house and the surrounding area. This can help you understand the context of the location and give you ideas for your photos. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with any local laws or regulations that may affect your photography.

Next, consider the best time of day to visit the abandoned farm house. Early morning or late afternoon can often be the best times for photography, as the light is softer and more diffuse. This can help create a moody atmosphere and add depth to your images.

When you arrive at the farm house, take some time to explore the location and look for interesting angles and compositions. Pay attention to the details of the building, such as the texture of the walls and the shape of the windows. These elements can add character and interest to your photos.

It’s also a good idea to bring a tripod with you to help steady your camera and allow for longer exposures. This can be particularly useful when photographing abandoned farm houses at night, when you may need to use a slower shutter speed to capture the available light.

Finally, be respectful of the property and the people who may live in the area. Don’t enter any buildings that are off limits or cause any damage to the location. And be sure to ask permission if you’re planning on photographing people or private property.

By following these tips, you should be able to capture some stunning and evocative images of abandoned farm houses in rural Australia.

Note:
This blog post was written in less than 15 seconds by ChatGPT using the prompt: “write a blog post describing how to photograph abandoned farm houses in rural areas in Australia.”

Road Trip

In June I got away on the first long road trip for several years. This one took me into the depths of South Australia.

The first image I took was of a window and fence opposite my motel in Murray Bridge. The setting sun added a level of light and colour that lasted only for a few minutes.

Window and Fence, Murray Bridge, South Australia

Project

Several posts back, I mentioned that I had some work in progress, here. Over the course a a few eeks, OK, months, I worked on this until I got a look that was more in keeping with my first idea. The image in the work in progress post was too bland and dull for my liking.

I spent a little more time working on the background and getting more out of the details of the instruments.

When the look of the image was where I wanted it, I worked on 10 images of different instruments on slightly varied background. These became 10 8in x 8in prints for a folio.

Work in Progress

I have been working on a project that has involved learning some new techniques and equipment, both photographically and in post-process.

It has taken a while to begin on another body of work after my last exhibition, the pandemic and subsequent lock downs derailed me somewhat.

I have a box of the instruments and tools my father used during his apprenticeship in the 1940s. I plan to make a set of still life images for display. Currently trying to work out colours, backgrounds and textures.

Road Trip

Recently I took a short road trip to Port Fairy in Victoria’s south west. The weather wasn’t kind but I came across an old abandoned school at Ardronachie, just outside the small town of MacArthur.

I uploaded this image to my Flickr photostream and shortly after Sean O’Brien added a link to a page that listed the families and children who attended the school in 1872.

http://www.swvic.org/schools/ardonachie.htm

How cool is that!