November 2017 – Denise Bush's Photo Blog

If you have been following my work you already know that photographing abandoned structures (and old things) is an obsession of mine! It’s been that way for a long time … since my photography beginnings. Today, many share the same interest whether photographing or exploring. One of the locations depicted here is the remains of an old mining town, high in the mountains. The ghost town, Animas Forks (near Silverton, Colorado) attracts a a steady flow of of tourists, jeeps and off-road vehicles during the summer months. People are curious about how the miners and their families lived and have fun exercising their imaginations. Efforts to support the buildings are underway in Animas Forks but elsewhere many are collapsing. Most of the buildings I find are not in a town at all but nestled among the trees, situated precariously on the slope of a mountain or fenced in on ranch land. Many structures were only used for a short time and often very simply built. The natural materials and harsh winters aid in returning them to the earth, hastening their demise. So here, before they’re gone, I present a collection of images to document and ponder.

‘The Neighbors’ © Denise Bush
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‘Broken Dreams’ © Denise Bush
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*(Can you see Tinkerbell?)*

‘Mountain Shelter’ © Denise Bush
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‘Cabin Beside Aspens’ © Denise Bush
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‘Three Windows’ © Denise Bush
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‘Flowers By The Door’ © Denise Bush
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‘Through Yonder Window’ © Denise Bush
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As trees go, aspens seem to get all the attention here in the State of Colorado. I can understand why … they are beautiful and I am in love with them too. This year, however they were a little lacking in some areas … but through no fault of their own! In May after young leaves had already blossomed we had a significant snowfall. In the summer months there were a couple of hot, dry spells. So, in some groves the aspen leaves turned a yellowish brown instead of their usual brilliant hues of gold.

Perhaps that was why I noticed the cottonwoods. They seemed more vibrant than I remembered in my previous years of living here. I went out on three occasions looking for cottonwoods that displayed a nice shape. Their limbs seem to break easily so finding good subjects is a process. Unlike aspens, they’re big and bold and can stand on their own. At some distance and on fenced private property I often used my zoom lens to get in close to a tree I saw from the road. Choosing a vantage point that would show-off a nice background required parking and walking to find the perfect spot. What you don’t see are the power lines, buildings, vehicles and all the other stuff that’s highly visible in many of these areas. I really enjoyed shooting the cottonwoods for a change and I hope you enjoy this selection!

See other autumn posts by clicking on Denise Bush’s Photo Blog (top) & scrolling down!