Still Life with Autumn Leaves

Low level Autumn/Winter light working its magic in the south facing window.

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”
― Henry David Thoreau

Taken with the charming Leica M9 and 50mm Summilux.

 

 

Abandoned Manor Farm, Finland.

In January 2013, before returning to Ireland after christmas holidays visiting Hanna’s parents, we spent a few days with Hanna’s brother who lives near Urjala in the South of Finland. He took us on a walk of the land surrounding his rural home. A local feature in the vicinity was an abandoned farmstead: A cluster of empty timber buildings on a raised plot of land overlooking a small winding river and a vast plain of flat land. Instead of the usual sounds of birds, animals, and activity, this farm was filled only with the sound of silence, interrupted by our footsteps in the snow, and an icy winter wind.

On approach: Access to the farmstead was across a small bridge which spanned the almost frozen river.

The farmstead wasn’t totally abandoned; beehives were arranged outside one of the buildings.

The effects of time are clearly visible on this agricultural building.

Typical example of traditional Finnish rural architecture.

The surrounding plain with Birch forest in the distance.

A silent overgrown courtyard lit up by vibrant red berries.

After roaming around between the buildings for a while, we took a walk through a small forest which covered a nearby knoll. Kalle – Hanna’s brother – explained to us how Lynx climb the trees and lie in wait for passing deer, and then pounce on the unsuspecting mammals. Using his tracking skills he then showed us some recent Lynx footprints. Shortly after this discovery, we turned towards home, and our pace quickened, despite the knee deep snow.

Bill Ray & the Hell’s Angels

Anyone interested in counter culture and life on the fringes of society should read Hunter S. Thompson’s Hells Angels. Thompson’s book was the result of a year of living close quarters with the hair-raising motorcycle gang.

LIFE Photographer Bill Ray also spent some time with the Hell’s Angels and you can see some of his great photos here.