Time Travel?

[lobofw]

Well, maybe not as this were taken only a month ago.
I had to go up to Ohio to take care of some things for mom, she's now 94. So as I was traveling around looking for shots I remembered Middlefield. The 4th largest Amish community in the world I believe.
It was a Sunday morning and they were walking here and there and going to their Sunday meeting places. I really would have liked to grabbed some shots of the meeting places but they seemed a bit concerned as I was taking shots, so didn't ask as the meetings take place in private areas.

If anyone has suggestions on how to enhance these or other comments, feel free. I appreciate any good input.

Thanks

[sigma147]

Of all these shots, I like the third the best - great candid shot. It looks like you were on max optical and digital zoom, though (fairly pixelated).

The street scenes are okay, but they suffer from the general clutter of signage, wires, and lights. Might've been worth finding a somewhat clearer area, although that might prove difficult. I'd like to see some of the buggies from the side.

On any other day than a Sunday you might find some great shots of people working in the fields. Definitely worth revisiting the area if you can.

Sigma147

[lobofw]

Sigma147

Thanks for your comments on these.
I would normally agree about the busyness of the lights and wires and all, but for people who don't use electric in their personal homes I found it interesting that it's those things they have learned to deal with. In my mind, I guess I'm seeing the simple mixed with the complex trappings of everyday life we see all the time. Not too many years ago this Amish community actually took the power compies to court trying to prevent them from stringing towers and electric lines across an area of their community. They eventually lost and were never pleased about it.
Much could be said about the way they live, heck they still use outhouses at their schools.
Picture #3 was actually a crop from this attached photo. Granted I don't use PS enough to be skilled at it, but I was trying to pull the girl out a bit more. I had a 35-70 lense on my camera at the time and was shooting through my windshield.
I actually thought I had a side shot of a buggy when a tanker truck was passing but I guess it got culled. Anyway here's a shot of a buggy coming out of his farm. I was still too far away for a decent shot and was using my 70-300 on it.

Thanks again for comments and I do plan on being back in that area again.

Lobo

[New England Moments]

Well I'm giving you the reality of the real world here ... with wires / poles / etc... I think as documentary type shots these are a pretty cool way of showing how it is for the amish people... I really really like the close up, ( Blow up from the other shot?? ) of that little girl in the back of the buggy?? it just leaves me wondering what she is thinking?? and even how she feels, I mean about her lifestyle, it must be soooo confusing for someone of her age...

I'm orig. from Dayton Ohio.. I once placed myself in a cemetery to line up these buggies as they passed on a road.. no idea what happened to the print , but it came across very eeeeerie.. As I followed them to a building where a lot of them were meeting , I also snapped a few, I could just sense that these people were not real happy with photos..

[lobofw]

Thanks New England,

I spent my early years in the Cleveland area. My mom still lives there. I've been to Dayton many times.
As I snapped away a few of them would duck their heads, so I didn't approach their meeting places. Hopefully one day I can get permission to take some photos of a meeting place as a documentary set. Hopefully my next trip up I can talk to a few folks and see what I can come up. I try to be cautious of the privacy thing.

Lobo

[notsotechie]

Nice capture but seem like the camera was set too high in the ISO what kind of camera was this taken with? Otherwise nice serise.
belive it or not Im not sure if its just a rumour or true.
Amish people don't like having their photo taken.
It is against their belife.
I think I read it in the paper that they refuse to photograph when applying for a Drivers lisence. So I don't know if they changed or not.
I never been in an Amish Comunnity also never been in their homes.
So i cannot speak of it. Which I would not like to stir up any flares

[ljh34465]

looking at their expressions, it appeared they were not real happy about having their photo taken. So I had to Google it and thought this might shed some light on the subject: The Amish. On this basis, it appears talking to them and/or asking permission may not work??

[lobofw]

notsotechie,

Your right as for photos are against their beliefs. Also since they don't drive cars or trucks or any motorized vehiclesthey wouldn't have a need for a drivers license. If you do get the chance to visit a community it is worth it, you'll walk away with a different sense of what is important in some major areas of life. They're great with wood working and craft skills because they pay attention to detail not to mention the close bound of family. Not saying all is perfect in life for them, but they do have many good points.


ljh34465,

I figure it's worth a try to capture a lifestyle which is, say maybe not rare, but unnoticed. They have many good points in their lifestyle. Hopefully I can get someone to agree within their community it might be beneficial to capture some of it.

Lobo

[KMA Dakota]

Just an important personal note: I've requested permission to photography Amish before and was told it is against their religion! When speaking with them, they were more then happy for me to photography their buggies, carts, horses, etc. but not them personally!

Before I photography anyone where you can identify them, I always ask for permission!!!! I believe it is a major breach of manners not to ask!

I've only been turned down a couple of times and those were explained as religious reasons or they just did not want their picture taken. I can respect that.

Please don't get me wrong here!! If I catch a few people in the background of a shot, I don't go out to ask each person if its OK, I try to clone them out or blur them a little. I just don't want someone to think I am a Popprozzia (sp)! (Now that would be a streach )

Dakota

[notsotechie]

I would really love to visit one somday I know they keep their tradition as it is and keep it going for generation to come.
Bless them.

[lobofw]

Dakota

Most times I agree with your insight, but then on the other hand when in public areas I try to focus on a mood or scene which I believe is is within reason. There were a few shots where some of the people had ducked their head when I was shooting and those I trashed right away.
I do plan on being in that area soon and hopefully I can have time to sit and talk to some of the elders there and see what I can come up with.

[KMA Dakota]

Lobofw,

You sound like a very caring individual and I know you will have a great time talking with the elders! They are some of the kindest people I've met in a long time.

Maybe you can stage some shots with them as they are moving away or side views without showing faces. I believe they would be willing to work with you.

Good Luck on this adventure into Amish land! Enjoy the warmth of some very nice people and enjoy the FOOD!!!!!! I will be looking forward to more of your posts!!

Dakota

[lobofw]

Thanks Dakota,

I'm hoping to go back up in the area in the next couple of months, so we'll see what happens.

Lobo

[KMA Dakota]

Originally Posted by lobofw

Thanks Dakota,

I'm hoping to go back up in the area in the next couple of months, so we'll see what happens.

Lobo

Lobo,
When we were in Osakis, MN at layceys cousins home, a Amish Gentleman would drive by in his buggy. The Girls stopped him one night and asked about a photo and that is when we found out about their religious beliefs on Photos. While talking to him, we noticed a can of beer beside him under a blanket. Since he had been so nice to stop and talk, we gave him another beer for the road .

The next day we were out and about and when we returned, there was a bag of Fresh Corn laying on this porch steps. The gentleman had left us a gift and it was greately appreciated! Like I said, they are a very gracious and hard working people!

Dakota

[regandon]

Very nice photos.