Larry Treadwell  


Autumn at Gilliam Mill Bridge by Larry Treadwell

December 2024 - Autumn at Gilliam Mill Bridge

About the Image(s)

Gilliam Mill Park

Nikon D850, 24-70 mm lens, ISO 100, f18, 1/13 second, tripod and polarizer

I make no pretense about this image, but it was shot with absolute intent and as far as possible this intent was carried out. As you know I live in south Florida where the only seasonal changes are between hot, and extremely hot and vary between dry and hurricane. Last winter while visiting my son in Fayetteville, N.C. in January I discovered this restored covered bridge and captured a decidedly winter image. While processing it I pondered the concept of getting a shot of this mill during the 4 seasons to show the change throughout the year. It didn’t snow at the mill last winter but I did get a decidedly winter looking image, in the spring I managed a “greening” image and of course during the summer I captured a full green canopy scene. This left only a fall image to complete the collection. During the summer shoot I met the caretaker and bribed him to call me when the peak of color happened this fall. I heard that the color was not really good this year, but my bribed caretaker kept the bribe and never made the phone call or answered my calls. In early November I arrived in Fayetteville and headed over to the Mill. My sole intent for the image was to get fall colored trees behind the 140 long covered bridge. Well, it was a good idea, but as you can see from the image the trees are not very colorful “behind” the bridge. The only sort of good color was at the far end of the bridge. The long bridge makes for awkward composition at best but to include the colored trees, the windmill entered the equation. The mill looks best at sunset when directional light strikes the bridge, but the low angle of the sun reveals the deep gullies and holes under the bridge and there are lots of shadows. Since my intent was to get the colored leaves I made certain the colored leaves were in the image and this was the best composition I could come up with in the 5 minutes before I lost the light. The final image in my 4 part story. This project required 3572 miles of driving to capture. And for better or worse, I completed my goal. I’m a “happy” photographer. Unless of course it snows at the Mill this winter. . .

Happy Holidays Everyone


6 comments posted




Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
Looks good to me. The fall color is in the light that suffuses the scene as much as in the trees. I like that some of the trees are more advanced, as it tells the story of the annual life cycle of trees. It's also appropriate for there to be shadows under the bridge. Are you going to keep visiting this site as the years go by?   Posted: 12/10/2024 19:03:34



Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks Stephen
I agree with your assessment of the image. Personally I like the shadows as they add some character to the scene. I also like the trees that do not have "peak" and "perfect" color. It allows the leaves that hint of character a well.

For me the bridge is hard to photograph just because it is soooo long. It almost demands a pano type shot.

If it snows I'll really try to get there even thought it is a 12 hour drive, Other than that, yes I'll visit the bridge when I'm visiting relatives. I believe my next shot will be my best. Besides I just like being out with my camera.

Thanks for commenting   Posted: 12/11/2024 03:10:18



Michael Jack   Michael Jack
This is still a colorful image and some of the trees and grasses clearly designates fall. The reds, golds, and greens provide a colorful and interesting background to the bridge. I like the angle you photographed the bridge - it gives a sense of length of the bridge but also shows sufficient side detail. The time of day to get shadows and the warm color work well for my eye. The windmill gives a sense of place and time. Actually, the windmill looks in pristine shape.   Posted: 12/13/2024 23:21:03
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks Michael
This is a hard bridge to photograph just because of the length. It is 140 feet long and the longest covered bridge in North Carolina. The windmill just spins but pumps nothing and was added in the 1980s. Thanks for the comment.   Posted: 12/15/2024 02:55:31



Ella Schreiber   Ella Schreiber
(Group 31)
Hi Larry: A visitor from group 31. Originally from Illinois now living in Arizona the fall colors are something I really miss. I love your image and to my eye it really captures a time gone by with the covered bridge. Getting the windmill in frame is a plus and adds to the story. Technically well done as well. Capturing fall colors at their best is a tricky business and timing is everything with a dash of luck for good measure.   Posted: 12/15/2024 02:08:46
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Hey I'm a former Illini. Grew up in Chicago. Thanks for visiting and commenting. The first time I saw this bridge I, like you, thought of the by-gone ages of the old covered bridges. This one was rebuilt after a fire using the original plans, but with a twist. Look close, the roof is metal.   Posted: 12/15/2024 02:33:48



 

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