This continues my collection of barn photography as seen on the Blackland Prairie. Since I began taking photos here in 2009 a number of them have left us. Progress (so-called) is taking hold. It’s important for me to document these sites before they’re gone. The ones posted tonight are still with us.
Soaking Up the Rain
Every year about this time I aim a camera at red poppies, mostly in Georgetown, where these bloom are cherished. This is, however, the first time I’ve seen them after a day of needed rain. The flowers are looking quite healthy, drinking in those raindrops. Poppies will continue to flourish in the area for a few weeks. Georgetown’s Red Poppy Festival is celebrated near the end of April. Hopefully, a few will still be around by then. I wish the city would hold the festival sooner, but it’s always inspiring to see these flowers. They’re happy blooms.
At the Texas Photography Festival
Rain didn’t damper the enthusiasm of attendees to the 5th Annual Texas Photography Festival, held on the square in Georgetown today. Formerly the Georgetown Photography Festival, the event was founded by David Valdez, shown in the opening photo, with the Williamson Museum serving as host. Several photographers from around the state were showing their work at locations around the square. Attendees enjoyed joining fellow photographers in photo walks around town. The group was particularly fond of a 1924 Ford Model T on display during Pistons on the Square, a monthly car show in Georgetown. Although some attendees are full-time working photographers, many were just very serious enthusiasts. I liked seeing the fellow toting a vintage Yashica Mat, a twin-lens reflex film camera. I used one of those to shoot high school football games in the early-1970s. These are just some highlights. Photography can bring folks together for a common purpose not focused on political discussions. Politics is important, but space from it can also be healing.
March Granger Skies
A view of West Davilla Street in downtown Granger on a pleasant evening this week. Locals know this, but that spire is Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. This community of around 1400 residents is quite nice.
Independence (a town in Texas)
It’s been a few years since my last visit to Independence, Texas, a picturesque and historic community in Washington County. Founded in 1835, it’s the original site of Baylor University, also the home of Sam Houston and his family for a time in the 1850s. Like many others I go there to see the wildflowers. We were fortunate to find a place to park. I can only imagine what weekends are like when flowers are blooming. Wildflowers are the draw, but the site is adorned with historic structures. Sometimes you can go inside these places, but not on the day we were there. Photographers were everywhere. That makes perfect sense to me. Note I don’t usually watermark photos on this site, but this time I did.
A Nice Encounter
Recently, while watching a collection of reeds and water, a sweet little Red-winged blackbird hopped on board, staying there long enough to give me what appeared to be a smile. I usually see these birds in groups, and from a distance. This was a nice encounter.
Sunset Nears in Bell County
This is a Bell County, Texas scene I almost passed up, but then decided to go back. The photograph involved traipsing through some very high grass. Thankfully, no slithering critters came to call. Barns and sunsets do well together.
Planting On the Prairie
Crops are planted. It’s my hope that they will be given a chance to thrive. Offered tonight are photographs from the last few days. Take particular note of the dark soil. You see me occasionally referring to the Blackland Prairie in posts. Look at that dirt. It’s some of the richest land on the planet. I’ll leave it at that tonight.
Monday Evening Sunset
This could’ve been just about anywhere in rural North America, but this was Monday night’s sunset in Granger, Texas.
More Barns
This pair of barns were recently photographed near Beyersville. They’ve been a subject for a few years. The skies above them on this evening made them a candidate for my continuing barn interpretations.