Weathered wood, whether it be a tree trunk, an old door, a historic structure, or just a simple garden ornament captivates my senses with the elements of exposed texture and faded color. Place and perspective have much to add to the story and often conjure a soulful narrative.
This week Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is ‘Weathered, Burned, or Burning Wood’ and the Lens Artists Photo Challenge hosted by Jude at Cornwall in Colours is ‘Texture.’ Please enjoy the images I have curated from my archives for these two related challenges.
Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island – the branches of this beautiful trunk reach upward, separate but united in defiance, as it refuses to succumb to the sea. I fear it is a losing battle
This U.S. Post office, located in Otahite, Florida, is symbolic of a time gone by. Structures like this dot Florida’s many Ghost towns. I took this photo during one of our ‘discover Florida’ road trips. If you would like to read more about Florida ghost towns, click this FB page
Weathered posts make beautiful path markers to a beach in Florida. Old things repurposed bring new life and beauty.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GA. Bones, as they are commonly referred to here, line the beach on the tip of the north shore. A trip here at sunrise evokes feelings of reverence and loss.
Interior door to the Church where JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette were married in 1996 Cumberland Island, GA. Joy and sadness juxtaposed in my mind.
An abandoned oyster boat in Carrabelle, Florida with a dilapidated dock beyond. Remnants of storms passed and a fading way of life.
The interior of this barrel has been charred to a very specific degree. It is used to age Bourbon at Lux Row in Kentucky. The degree of char is essential for creating the unique flavor of this bourbon. There are many good reasons to burn wood, but this is probably my favorite!
I don’t know about you, but I think of my photos as being an expression of who I am. I willingly choose to share that knowledge with others and I encourage you to look through your lens with an intent that honors not only what you see, but what you feel. The reward is to look at the photograph years later and recall the moment the shutter clicked. Little bits and pieces of you, frozen in time.
Beautifully shot photos. I look at weathered wood, and I see character and history. There are stories attached to this type of wood and life’s lessons to be learned. Thanks for sharing.
Leanne, I always feel like I am walking into an interactive museum when I visit Driftwood Beach. Each piece is unique and constantly changing. It does feel otherworldly at times. Sometimes it is peaceful, serene, and hopeful, and sometimes it just looks sad and lonely. Whatever, it keeps drawing me back. I must have a thousand photos from that single place.
Here, hear! I agree with what you wrote: “look through your lens with an intent that honors not only what you see, but what you feel.” You’ve done a wonderful job here of demonstrating that principle. Weathered wood calls to my soul– and not just because it’s involved in the making of bourbon.
Just the sort of images I enjoy taking, and seeing 🙂 I love that opening shot in particular, and the church doors. Your final paragraph really resonated with me, especially your last sentence: Little bits and pieces of you, frozen in time.
Beth, I know you relate to what I am saying. Your photos always feel personal and reflective of the things you care about. I think that is what makes them special, and more than just a picture.
Lovely images which evoke feelings, memories, and a respect for this history represented. Your last paragraph gives meaning to all those photos we take. Thank you for your post.
Joe, we love making ‘old Florida’ discoveries when we travel. That PO was a gem. There was a museum next door that housed a lot of the town’s history. Fun place.
Your photos are gorgeous! And they also remind us that there is such a thing as “weathered beauty”…..and not just things either. Beauty doesn’t have to be shiny and new!
Weathered beauties indeed. Such a wonderful collection of wood here Suzanne. The posts and the rope speak to me and the door is so interesting, both are the sort of things I am attracted to. I had never thought about the photos we take or the way we take them is a reflection on who we are, but yes, I see that now. Thank you for linking to the textures challenge.
Jude xx
Jude, I’m glad you got my meaning. I think our reward for taking the time to feel the mood of the shot and our emotions is to know that someone hears what we saw. ‘It speaks to me’ is a high compliment, indeed.
Tina, thank you. We were finished with our tour of the church and I lingered behind the other guests when I saw the bright sunlight streaming through. Hmmm….I wonder what will happen if I close the door. It was like dimming a spotlight. Fitting for the remembrance, I thought.
What a wonderful selection of photos! And I love what you said about the personal connection we make to a place through photography. Photographs really are memories frozen in time, waiting to be rediscovered. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
John, thank you. When I took the photo of the tree branches, I thought the perspective from ground to sky would be the captivating element in the photo, but you are right. It is the sunset that steals the show. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment.
Picture Retirement 
Beautifully shot photos. I look at weathered wood, and I see character and history. There are stories attached to this type of wood and life’s lessons to be learned. Thanks for sharing.
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You are welcome Judy. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
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Those two photos of the twisted wood and driftwood were so surreal Suzanne. I love how the weathering smooths them into something otherworldy.
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Leanne, I always feel like I am walking into an interactive museum when I visit Driftwood Beach. Each piece is unique and constantly changing. It does feel otherworldly at times. Sometimes it is peaceful, serene, and hopeful, and sometimes it just looks sad and lonely. Whatever, it keeps drawing me back. I must have a thousand photos from that single place.
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Here, hear! I agree with what you wrote: “look through your lens with an intent that honors not only what you see, but what you feel.” You’ve done a wonderful job here of demonstrating that principle. Weathered wood calls to my soul– and not just because it’s involved in the making of bourbon.
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Ally, that’s so sweet. Thank you. Now, about that bourbon….
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Just the sort of images I enjoy taking, and seeing 🙂 I love that opening shot in particular, and the church doors. Your final paragraph really resonated with me, especially your last sentence: Little bits and pieces of you, frozen in time.
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Hi Sarah, your mindfulness always shows through in your photography, so I especially appreciate a compliment coming from you. Thank you.
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These are fabulous photos, Suzanne. Meaningful, yet diverse. The first one is still my favorite. And I love driftwood on beaches.
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Hi Liesbet, hope all is well. I like the first one best also. It can be interpreted in many ways.
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Well said..bits and pieces frozen in time! Lovely pics 🙂
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Thank you for visiting. I appreciate your comment.
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Suzanne, I love these images! Thank you for sharing your photographs and thoughts. I can really relate to your last paragraph.
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Beth, I know you relate to what I am saying. Your photos always feel personal and reflective of the things you care about. I think that is what makes them special, and more than just a picture.
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Thank you Suzanne. I absolutely agree with what you are saying.
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Lovely images which evoke feelings, memories, and a respect for this history represented. Your last paragraph gives meaning to all those photos we take. Thank you for your post.
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Thank you Betty. I appreciate your kind words.
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WOW, I so adore your photos of weathered wood. Excellent choices. Your opening photo is fantastic 😀
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Thank you, it was a fun challenge.
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Wow- that first shot is an award winner! That shot of the church where JFK jr was wed is a sad one for sure.
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Jan, thank you. I love that shot. The church was just one of the many highlights of Cumberland Island. What a special place, so full of history.
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I’m totally with you on weathered wood capturing my senses. Your photos are stunning!
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Donna, thank you. I appreciate the compliment.
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Those are stunning photos, Suzanne!
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Thank you, Dan. I’m glad you like them.
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Beautiful images! That first one is a visual stunner and the last one stuns my heart.
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Janis, thank you. I am glad my photos made an impression.
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Wonderfull images! Love the driftwood and post ones…
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Thank you for your visit and comment. Much appreciated.
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Suzanne, Gorgeous photos and wise words in your last paragraph. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you, Natalie. I appreciate your visit.
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Suzanne,
Every image is a work of art. Thanks so much for sharing and for your thoughts so eloquently stated. The Post Office is a fav. Joe
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Joe, we love making ‘old Florida’ discoveries when we travel. That PO was a gem. There was a museum next door that housed a lot of the town’s history. Fun place.
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Your photos are gorgeous! And they also remind us that there is such a thing as “weathered beauty”…..and not just things either. Beauty doesn’t have to be shiny and new!
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Ann, I couldn’t agree more. My 93-year-old MIL has more beauty than any Kardashian will ever know! Thank you for visiting.
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Weathered beauties indeed. Such a wonderful collection of wood here Suzanne. The posts and the rope speak to me and the door is so interesting, both are the sort of things I am attracted to. I had never thought about the photos we take or the way we take them is a reflection on who we are, but yes, I see that now. Thank you for linking to the textures challenge.
Jude xx
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Jude, I’m glad you got my meaning. I think our reward for taking the time to feel the mood of the shot and our emotions is to know that someone hears what we saw. ‘It speaks to me’ is a high compliment, indeed.
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These are all truly beautiful Suzanne but that image of the 2 door is an absolute stunner! Wonderful response to Jude’s challenge
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Tina, thank you. We were finished with our tour of the church and I lingered behind the other guests when I saw the bright sunlight streaming through. Hmmm….I wonder what will happen if I close the door. It was like dimming a spotlight. Fitting for the remembrance, I thought.
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Beautiful photos
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What a wonderful selection of photos! And I love what you said about the personal connection we make to a place through photography. Photographs really are memories frozen in time, waiting to be rediscovered. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
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Laurel, thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. Have you listed the house yet? So excited for you guys.
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Yes, listed and sold the first day! I’m trying to get a post finished about it. Exciting and surreal times! I appreciate your enthusiasm, Suzanne. 🙂
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I knew you would. Now, the fun begins!!!
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Wow. (I’ve said that a lot this theme.) Great great photos. LOVE the sunrise framing in the opener, and the rope around the posts. Excellent, all.
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John, thank you. When I took the photo of the tree branches, I thought the perspective from ground to sky would be the captivating element in the photo, but you are right. It is the sunset that steals the show. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment.
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This is a wonderful post – images and text. The opener is stunning and the ending paragraph is so beautiful. Thank you for a great entrance.
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Thank you for visiting and for your kind comment. I enjoyed participating in the challenge.
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Beautiful texture series, Suzanne! The first oe is stunning!
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Amy, thank you for the visit and for leaving a comment. Much appreciated.
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