Chapman's Mill, Haymarket, Virginia

Ever since driving by a tall stone ruin of a building alongside I-66, years ago, I have wanted to photograph the ruins.  I located it on the Web and have dreamed of driving out to photograph it in the fall, when the surrounding trees change color.  Finally, I did it. 

I woke up yesterday morning and knew it was time to photograph Chapman's Mill, also known as Beverley's Mill.  The weather was crisp and cool, with slight wind gusts and a few clouds.  The fall leaves were nearing their color peak.  The setting of the mill meant that morning sunlight would be best for photography.  Perfect!

After dropping my son off at school for play practice, leaving my husband in bed to sleep in after working all night, and knowing my daughter was on the road to visit her boyfriend out of town, I packed up my camera gear and set out. 

I was delighted to see the mill up close (drive-by sightings at freeway speed do not do it justice).  I was also glad to be greeted by a volunteer who told me not only was I allowed to park where I did and take photos, but I could also go inside the mill!  He was very kind and chatted with me about the history of the place.  The tallest stacked-stone structure in the United States, the circa 1742 seven-story building played a significant part in Civil War history. 

Stacked stone.  Rocks from local area, stacked with minimal grout.

Interior of mill.  18-55mm zoom lens.  Dynamic range improved with Photoshop Elements processing.

55-200mm zoom lens, polarizer filter



Fall foliage, Thornton's Gap, near Bull Run Mountain.  55-200mm zoom lens, polarizer filter. 



18-55mm zoom lens, polarizer filter

18-55mm zoom lens

Old machinery.  18-55mm zoom lens



Support beams were installed a few years ago to brace the walls.  18-55mm zoom lens.



Upper portion of the ruin, 55-200mm zoom lens

Cog in the mill, 18-55mm zoom lens



55-200mm zoom lens



Fall reflections

So many people drive to New England or, locally, to the Shenandoah Mountains to see scenery transformed by autumn's vibrant colors.  As much as I love to travel, I also delight in finding beautiful fall foliage close to home.  I took these photos at a pond about a mile from my home. 

I have learned to view the world with an eye toward photography, recognizing details like quality and direction of light, composition, and background (including the appearance of the sky).  Last Friday, when I drove a familiar route home, I glanced at the pond along the way.  Upon seeing the glass-smooth water, beginnings of foliage color change, and the morning sun angle, I felt compelled to go home, grab my camera, and head to the pond to take photos.  These are the results! 

105 mm macro/telephoto lens

18-55mm zoom lens; wide-angle setting, polarizer filter

18-55mm zoom lens; medium setting, polarizer filter

18-55mm zoom lens; medium setting, polarizer filter

Welcome to my photography blog

Hello, friends!

In response to encouragement from several people (you know who you are!), I'm starting a photography blog.  Photography is my passion.  I appreciate beauty and love capturing it with my camera.  I marvel at lighting, colors, texture, patterns, etc.  I will try to share a few thoughts along with select photos, and I welcome feedback & comments. 

Cheers! 
Karen

Dogwood blossoms on a tree in my yard.  Enhanced in photoshop.  105mm macro lens