As I drove through the back roads of Kittitas County near Liberty, Washington, my curiosity again led me down an unfamiliar path. This is how I often discover subjects for my black-and-white photography: exploring the Pacific Northwest and taking roads to see what lies beyond the next bend.
Many of these explorations yield little photographic interest. But they always meet my curiosity about the landscape and history of this region. On this day, my wanderings led me to an interesting subject – an old abandoned barn partly hidden by overgrown vegetation.
The structure caught my eye. Its weathered wood planks told a story of years gone by. Each board showcases a different tone in the monochromatic palette I favor for my work. Open to the elements, the roof hinted at the barn’s slow return to nature. Bushes and wild plants obscured the lower portions of the building.
As I set up my shot, the mood of this scene struck me. Abandoned structures like this evoke a quiet melancholy but also a strange beauty. The contrast between the barn’s angles and the soft, organic shapes of the surrounding vegetation created an intriguing visual tension.
In black and white, the scene takes on an almost timeless quality. The tonal variations in the wood become more pronounced, each weathered plank a testament to the passage of time. The surrounding foliage, rendered in shades of gray, provides a softening effect, contrasting with the harsh angles of the deteriorating structure.
This image encapsulates what I love about exploring rural areas—the opportunity to stumble upon forgotten places that still have stories to tell. It’s a reminder of the rich history of the Pacific Northwest and the constant cycle of growth, decay, and renewal that shapes our landscape.
Further Readings:
Photography Project: Rural Decay, Douglas County, Washington
Photography Project: Highway 6, Washington
Capturing the Serenity and Decay of the Chehalis River Valley
