I have driven by the big white McPolin Barn in the Park City valley dozens of times throughout my life. I have always been impressed by its picturesque presence. I’m not sure why it has taken so long to finally photograph it, one Fall weekend, I decided to make it happen. Actually, I retract that statement…
I did photograph it once many years ago, but at the time I did not have the skill sets to produce the image I had pictured in my mind.
My first plan was to photograph it with the morning sun touching the barn with those golden rays of first light. I drove to the spot in the dark and climbed over the fence. I navigated my way through the field with my head lamp.
As the valley began to light up, I began to search for my desired composition. There was still some time until the actual sunlight would peek over the mountains to kiss the side of the barn. I sat by the creek and patiently waited while listening to the sound of the water, making its way through the field.
As the light slowly filtered its way through the mountain peaks behind me, it was constantly changing as it danced its way across the barn. I was capturing each rendition as it happened. It was so peaceful, just me, my camera and this beautiful scene before me. In the distance, I could hear the faint honking of flocks of geese as they made their way to the morning’s feeding grounds. As luck would have it, the geese flew right over me. Flock after flock, flying in V formation, pushed forward by their need to fill their stomachs after a restful night. It was a sight to behold.
There was a family of Mallard ducks playing in the creek not far from where I was sitting. Mom was busy schooling her young ones as they searched the creek bottom for food.
As beautiful as it was, the light did not create the results I wanted. I would have to come back. As I drove home, I was determined to see if I could make a sunset picture work. It would be more challenging, but I was up for the adventure!
That evening, I arrived at my spot well before sunset so I could get set up for my third attempt. As the sun dropped closer to the mountains behind the Barn, I began capturing frames. My hope was to catch a starburst, just as the sun hit the edge of the horizon. Timing was everything.
To my elation, the lighting was much richer during sunset than earlier that morning. I photographed until the sun vanished behind the hills and the barn began to fade into the night. What a beautiful experience.
As I drove home, I thanked God for another experience among his creations. I just knew it would turn out to be a prize photo. A beautiful piece of art to hang on my wall at home.
If you think this Barn would fit your decor, reach out to me! I will help you determine the appropriate size for your space.
All Images taken by the author © Randy G. Barney Photography