Do you ever have those exploring moments where you wonder what it is that drives us in our hobby? I love the photography aspect, but deep down I know there's something so much more than that, and I don't really know what it is yet. What am I searching for? Do I want to share in the forgotten lives of those who came before us? Is it a means to somehow better understand whether we all play our part in history and the universe, no matter how insignificant our lives may seem? I still don't know.

This property is the abandoned homestead of a 64-year old chicken farmer, loving husband, father of one son, grandfather of six children, staunch supporter of the welfare of animals and the local humane society. It has been several years after his death, and that might be all a stranger will ever know about his life. At face value, without thinking deeper, it all seems so insignificant.

Someone - Paul's son perhaps? A best friend? - has wandered the farm before us, writing heartfelt messages throughout the property. The messages act as reminders to future visitors that we're never as insignificant as we feel. We love, we're remembered, we matter and will forever.



First Light by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



He Loved This Farm by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Springtime Memories by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Face of the Beast by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Gargoyle Insert by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Battery Cage by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



You Mattered and Will Forever by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Growth Promotion by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Wind Torn by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Free Range by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Eternal Brew by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Peeling Arch by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Timeline by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Generations by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Daylight Penetrating by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Dust Bath by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Fireplace Removed by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Vacancy by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Husband and Wife Forever and Always by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Barn Trunk by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



Crumbing Coop by Ground State Photos, on Flickr


As a last message, what better final compliment can there be?


Final Compliment to a Life Lived by Ground State Photos, on Flickr



New Beginnings by Ground State Photos, on Flickr

IN * FUCKING * CREDIBLE!!!

Wish i could of met Paul...Sounds like a really cool guy. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. His life was Well Done, and so is your fine set of photos. Interesting Gargoyle fireplace insert. Wonder what secrets are closed up in that trunk...& what is that which you have in your last pic blooming?

Great pics & location GS. I think that gargoyle fireplace insert went missing at a later date.

That's really heartfelt, I bet it was emotional seeing all those messages.

I very recently (yesterday in fact) had a similar incident in a small derelict house which put everything I do, everything I've done into perspective and left me with many more questions than answers including ultimately still wondering now whether I did the right thing by the owner of the house. I can't really go into more detail as its a sensitive issue sadly but sometimes things hit you out of left field.

I really really love this set dude. Really emotional shots that actually make you feel for the location and the people there, which is hard to do with a photo. I can tell that this place inspired you - great set!

that peeling arch shot is just amazing.

Posted by Radical_Ed http://i97.photobu...re1hb/headbang.gif

LOL! Thanks, that's a classic compliment. Listening to Horrorscope as I type this (DD Verni's birthday today... been on an Overkill kick all afternoon) and that .gif is playing right along.

Posted by Misunderstood What is that which you have in your last pic blooming?

I think you'd call them antelope horns. Dry milkweed pods splitting and letting out seeds. Canada's plants are a lot bigger than Texas green milkweed though.

Posted by superss I think that gargoyle fireplace insert went missing at a later date.

With that gaping wall hole behind it, I fear you're right. I have to tell you though, I dragged it into the middle of the room for a better shot and that thing was heavy as heck! You'd have a hell of a time making off with that thing. Hopefully family recovered it.

Posted by mookster I can't really go into more detail

Totally understand. Personal feelings like that are hard to convey adequately on UER. And even worse if someone says something semi-sarcastic about it.

Posted by Bugeater which is hard to do with a photo. I can tell that this place inspired you

That comment alone is quite inspiring too! But yes, I did feel there was emotion here that needed some extra care in trying to capture.

Posted by General Zod that peeling arch shot is just amazing.

That was a shot I wasn't even going to include because I thought it was very ho-hum. Funny, you never know what appeals.

I know this is an older thread but since I haven't had the chance to see it previously, I am commenting now.

Great job on this set GS, I really felt the emotions behind all of these photos. Really neat that somebody came back and wrote all those messages, it makes the location so much better.