Michael Jack, QPSA  


Barn by Michael Jack, QPSA

May 2023 - Barn

About the Image(s)

A few years ago I planned a drive for the Hoosier Audi Club through rural parts of S. Indiana. Along the route was this abandoned barn. I considered it just a record shot. I was short a new B/W image for one of the PSA recognized exhibitions so entered this image. To my surprise, in one of the judgings it was awarded a PSA Gold. Go figure.

Canon 5R, EF f4 24-105 L Lens, ISO 400, 41mm, f6.3, 1/400 sec.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted




Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
The thing about B/W is that once the color is removed the eye is drawn to structure and texture. In addition the light is soft and there are no hotspots. Altogether you have a great deal working for you. I also think that the bare trees with their vertical lines match nicely with the vertical lines of the barn. You also have a pair of strong diagonals in the roof lines that work to separate the subject from the background. I don't think those lines would be as strong if this were in color. I can see where you may think this is just a shot of record, and it does have that kind of fill the frame feel but in my opinion the use of the art elements of line, texture and contrast make this something special. You also did a nice job of processing this to bring out the details.   Posted: 05/06/2023 12:31:56



Arne Skinlo   Arne Skinlo
Congratulations, Michael! As you know, I do a lot of black and white too, and I know what it takes to make a good B&W image. When the colours dissapear, contrast, texture and greytones have to take over. In your image all these work well and that has obviously been noticed by the judges.   Posted: 05/07/2023 13:22:35



Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
It does not need to be complicated to be good and this is exactly what it is. Simple and good. The ridge line on the left 1/3 - power point. The foreground and background are secondary to the subject yet a good context. Exposure is fine. The choice for low contrast (HDR) is interesting. All good. I would like to see it in normal tonality left sided histogram.   Posted: 05/07/2023 20:26:35



Barbara Gore   Barbara Gore
Sometimes just merely capturing a scene without a plan works just as well and your award is a nice mark of recognition. The image has a nice contrast of blacks, whites and grays. There's good shape and/or form with the structure and the trees. Congrats on your award!   Posted: 05/15/2023 09:30:46



Bill Peake   Bill Peake
That's a really nice image, Michael! The barn is starting to disappear and be absorbed by nature, but is still quite visible. I think the black and white emphasizes this even more. Grats on the award!   Posted: 05/16/2023 19:32:58



Diane Ferdig   Diane Ferdig
I love old barn images! This is a beautiful one! I think it probably isn't as spectacular in color. Love the full range of black, greys and white with so much texture. It feels very well balanced. Congratulations. Well deserving.   Posted: 05/22/2023 12:23:56