This barn was one of several I was asked to shoot for a historical society barn book driving tour. The owner is an accomplished artist who does beautiful work and as soon as I saw the barn in the distance I knew it would be an awesome subject in the snow! The owners were extremely nice and said I could come back anytime to capture its beauty. Well the finished barn book did not impress me in the slightest, because I spent hours shooting various angles at a bunch of barns only to have them use a single shot sometimes. I guess the positive side was getting to meet the owners of some barns I had never come across before and being given the opportunity to revisit them. I talk about what it takes for some of my images but until you actually see it visually you might not grasp it. The top image is my final result and in the lower shot you can see me with both arms raised over my head and that big square over my head is the barn window,not my gear! I am holding things high to hopefully help the signal from the tablet in my right hand reach my camera which is a hundred yards away and that in turn sends the signal back to fire the flash that is in my left hand as I pray that it works! Sometimes I get no response, sometimes the camera fires and not the flash etc etc.
The bottom image is my first exposure as I try to get my flash to light up the snow on the roof to give it some dimension. So basically I move around lighting things I want to bring out more. In this image you can see how little detail the flat evening light reveals but by pointing my flash toward my camera with a big blast, I now have contours showing in the landscape giving it dimension! I often mention how I like a cold snowy landscape with a warm inviting structure that suggests refuge from the elements. When I arrived here the first thing I did was knock to say hi and it appeared to me as if they were home but there was no answer so I assumed they were enjoying dinner. I then went about finding a good view and started shooting as it got darker. I kept thinking how great lights on in the barn would be but hated to bother them again. I had been in the barn once for the book and knew the light switch was right inside the door! I noticed the barn door was hanging wide open so I simply hit the light switch on and that warm interior illumination transformed the shot completely in my opinion. hopefully that helps explain a little of the technique I use
Donald Reese Photography 
I love your use of lighting. I thought you were holding a square light! 🙂
I knew that would be confusing the way things were lined up!
That’s remarkable!
Was that the Manheim Historical Society barn book?
No it was a joint effort between Cocalico Valley and Lancaster Historic preservation if I remember correctly? I tried to give them nice pics in a short time frame but the book was nothing close to what I thought I was helping with. I should have stayed in my car and snapped shots as I drove by!
That’s the one I was thinking of. I did a story and the interview was at the Reist farm.
Hi Don, the Farmingdale road barn and house I helped to remodel for the Owners Jim & Kerry and LCSWMA. It was a fun project. I am glad you photographed it. It would have been great if you had turned on the lights inside th main barn floor. That switch is inside the man door by the garage door. Jim would not mind at all. He shows it off regularly. He has semi annual bands in there for invited friends. We usually attend.
Hey Jeff, thats cool and it looks great. I did not want to get too crazy messing around someones barn! They did seem very friendly but I emailed Kerry to let her know I posted the image and never heard a thing back? Thanks for giving me the info on your project. You should mention we are related next time you see them. small world
I will Don.
I am always impressed with your pictures. I look forward to seeing where you have been and what you shot. Often, I recognize the locations.
Can you change my email to jeffsnader@comcast.net jeffsnader@comcast.net please? The jeff@pahomeworks.com jeff@pahomeworks.com is an old address that I’d like to shut down. I closed the remodeling business at the beginning of 2020. The only reason I have not disbanded the email is to get your photos.
When I go for motorcycle rides, I take the roads less traveled. They are less busy and provide wonderful glimpses into our lush county’s offerings. I see many things that make me wonder what they’d look like through your lens.
Maybe telepathically, I’ll be able to communicate what I see and some ideas. Or when I enjoy candied carrots….
Sincerely,
Jeff Snader
802 Old Chickies hill Road
Columbia, PA 1752
(717) 330-8279
Seems I cant change the email,sorry.
The technology and maneuvering that goes on behind the scenes to get these shots is so complicated. And we non-photographers would not have a clue. So it’s good that you explain it! 🙂
Great barn shot!
Thanks, I like the challenge it gives me!
IThanks, I like the challenge it gives me!