My Get Pushed partner for this week Joan @joansmor challenged me to do something in the style of another 365er, Rachel @rachelwithey . Rachel, like most of us, photographs in many different styles, but a strong characteristic of her work is that it is often suggestive - even abstract, rather than being illustrative and representative: there is often too a story or a political theme. Joan and I agreed that I would produce a photo with these characteristics, rather than attempting to produce a chinese copy of Rachel's work.
I feel strongly that modern farming methods are creating a wealth of problems for us, for the animals and for the environment. We live in a dairy farming area and all around us the fields are planted with maize under plastic to feed cows who are kept indoors rather than grazing freely in those same fields.
These maize plants are about 125mm high and the plastic sheeting between them is about 500mm wide. I have deliberately exaggerated the perspective to suggest the idea of endless unnatural plants extending to a dark horizon. The title comes from the ordered lines of planting but also from the imperative that this planting method and its associated high chemical treatment regime places on the plants themselves.
@joansmor Here's a first try for the challenge you set me Joan, and I'm also tagging Rachel @rachelwithey as it is her work that inspired you to issue this challenge.
This is superb and very reminiscent of @rachelwithey's work - love the lighting and focus and the POV.
I can also see a rather dark elephant in the background on the left...
I'm a huge fan of Rachel's photography and you have more than done her justice. Great challenge from Joan. I enjoy that your work is thought provoking.
Dang, you got this. And it isn't just me saying this I respect Graeme and Jocasta they have the knowledge that you share with me. But it looks like an elephant to me.Gotta fav it. Oh boy do I have my work cut out for me.
Looks like we share some views on environmental issues. Love the deep colours in this and your low POV. Still feeling a bit strange commenting on these shots....
@rachelwithey I guess it must feel odd Rachel - I was going to refuse the challenge at first but I know that Joan actually meant it as a compliment to both of us so, in the end, I accepted. I'm certainly grateful that it introduced me to your project.
Cornfields can present a bountiful crop of images. I really do like this capture of young growth and have been awaiting an opportunity to visit the one near me but have been deterred by the lack of sunshine ... but you managed it very well indeed, so shame on me - and I just love that worm's eye view and shallow dof. Must fave this, for so many reasons.
@wordpixman Thank you Arthur, much appreciated. Had I not been doing this for my Get Pushed challenge, I would have edited this very differently... and I may yet do that.
I can also see a rather dark elephant in the background on the left...
Ian