The Play of Bales
Today’s image comes from a recent drive to northern Montana, near the small town of Fairfield. Only miles from the day’s final destination, I drove past the scene and almost didn’t stop…but ultimately turned around to capture what I had visualized in my mind. What might not be apparent from the photo is that the bales of hay are sitting on top of a small frozen lake. Their insulative properties have resulted in small pedestals of snow and ice for them to rest upon, several inches above the surrounding surface as it melts away. I’m not sure what purpose they serve out on the ice like this, but it was quite fun to compose. The title comes from my impression of the trees as people, waiting at the shore’s edge to snatch up the elusive, remaining few. Sadly, power lines run through the image near the horizon, and though I can’t say they’re discernible in this low resolution file, I would never produce or sell a print of the scene…pleasant as it is.
*Note - I’ve been rightly corrected; the bales are of straw, not hay. Thanks pa! 
Great angle on this photo, especially nice with the trees in the background. Those are some crazy, frozen, balanced bales.
Dave mentioned that the bales of hay on the pond could be a management tool for muskrats. Not sure of how that works, though. Oh, the power lines…I have to share the love since I fancy what perches on them.:) Understood though, the unappealing conflict they pose upon the landscape.
Love this photo for its simplicity and whimsy. The color palette is really lovely too.
Beautiful subtle palette. I love the warm tones, despite the obviously cold setting. I also love the little bit of science on display and how it makes for a slightly odd element in the scene - hay bales on pedistals.
Regarding the power lines: would you ever consider photomanipulation to remove them from an otherwise potentially saleable image? I’m of the opinion that photomanipulation is fine when one is producing art, rather than a documentary work.
I just found you via Google Reader. I really like the above image. I can’t get over how perfect that stand of trees is.
Cody, this is stunning. You’re crazy not to offer this photo for sale!
The bales look like they’re marching to catch up with the rest of the gang. The Colors are amazing - I’ll buy one, even with the power lines…!
Great color! It’s a very moody winter scene, nice work!
Sorry for the delay on these replies. I keep slipping back under project work…but hey, I’m definitely trying!
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@Vicki - Thanks again for inspiring the drive up there, m’friend, can’t imagine if you’d given in to my ‘rationale’ the evening prior! Goodness…
@Diane - Whimsy…I like that.
Thanks Diane.
@Neil - Appreciate the feedback and question on editing. The science of the bales on ice gets me quite a bit also, I do admit! haha As far as the editing goes, no, it’s just not something I employ. The only true manipulation I do is to remove dust…the rest of it is stuff I could pull off in a darkroom or by using specific film/filters/etc. Despite the convenience of digital cameras and computers, I still have too much respect for photography’s founding Masters and can’t bring myself to ‘taint’ my work. Call me crazy…
@Teri - Glad you came across my site, thanks for taking a moment to share your support. Come again soon!
@Kerri - Sold, to the highest bidder!
Thanks m’friend, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I just can’t see myself selling it…not at this point. I’m still young, gotta have my ideals…lol.
@Jay - Thanks Swiz, much appreciated. Think UT…!
Lots of quality work here. A pleasure to visit.
cheers,
Paul
Thank you for your kind comment, Paul. I’ve actually come across your mono portraits before and was really impressed…glad to get the opportunity to meet you here online. Keep on that shutter!