Most of my work is also of old things - not just barns and buildings, but bridges, oil rigs, anything with the kind of character imposed by age and neglect. In Arizona, most of the abandoned things are long abandoned, the owners having moved on or died. So, I rarely was approached while shooting, even when technically trespassing.

In Tennessee, however, it's been very different. A barn may be abandoned, but the family that owns it is probably just up the road and they do come down to talk to me. So far, no problems and, like you said, they seem to wonder why I even bother. I guess there are some legal issues about property releases, etc., that I should pay more attention to. Usually, I just offer to send the owner a print. Just as usually, they'll smile and say, "No, thanks". I hope the benign relationsips continue, because there's a lot of great stuff out here (see attached).

Bill,

I find for the most part what you say is true for me also. Most of the stuff I shoot happens to be abandoned. Many times I just wonder over on the property and shoot away. So far no problems with people. The ones I have encountered are nice so far. By the way very nice image you attached. I love that kind of stuff. The house is perfect for the kind of photography I like. I went into an old abandoned country church a couple weeks ago. Attached is a shot I got inside the church. Monte Johnson.

Great shot, Monte, you caught it just right. By the way, I forgot to mention that I have a reputation for leaving destruction in my wake. Seems that every time I shoot a building, it falls down soon afterward. That's one reason why I don't photograph people.....

Bill,

Probably a good idea not to photograph people. I photographed a covered bridge that was well over a hundred years old and three days later somebody burned it down. Monte Johnson.

Bill, Monte, I liked each of your shots, and considering the personal history, I'm glad you're in Ioway and Tenn., though I have occassion to vist both those states. Guess I'll just have to watch myself around old stuff.

Bron

Thanks, Bron. And if you're out this way and hear a shutter click....run like hell!

Thanks, Bron,

I am not sure Bill and I should get together at the same place at the same time. Monte Johnson.

No, be together electronically.

Fortunately, I tend to avoid photographic crowds, and the part of Ioway I go to is off the track, (Orange City).

Tough, but my true heart lies in the lower Appalachians;

just love them worn out old mountains.

Just a pic of my girls in those old mtns.

Bron

I think Bill and I would get along just fine. If he was here I could find all kinds of trouble to shoot Nice image. Beautiful country I can see you would stay where your at.. Monte Johnson.

I think you're right, Monte. Only thing is, could the Earth handle both of us shooting in the same area at the same time?

Bill,

Hard to say, Just this morning I was wondering the alley ways in town looking for inspiration then I spotted a doorway iin front of a store that might make for a good shot. While I was composing the picture a lady came out of the store and ask what I was doing taking a picture of her doorway. I tried to explain,but she didn't get it. Finnallly she went back inside and i walked on. She was not receptive to what I was doing. Monte Johnson.

Monte:

I find this extremely sad espcially a place like Iowa. You can imagine what it's like in the Los Angeles area where I live. I am actually fearfull of taking a camera out in a public place here.

Robin,

I think the lady confronting me in front of her store is one of the few times ever someone has said anything. Most of the people in this small Iowa town and the farmers around the area are always friendly and let me on their land to take pictures. When I have asked to shoot someones barn I have never been turned down. I think that is what shocked me yesterday. She really was not that bad. I stopped in a local coffee shop and asked if I could take some pistures and there were people eating but they said I could without any problem. Monte Johnson.

I've only had 1 person ask me to not shoot on their property, not sure why, didn't ask why, just collected up my stuff and moseyed.
I did a festival last year & had no problems with regular patrons but got "dressed down" by one of the performers!!