Treasures on the Farm

On Thursday afternoon, I had the privilege of visiting a classic, 106-year-old farm in Nipomo, California, courtesy of my sweet friends Rudy and Emily. Living on the California Central Coast is a treasure in and of itself, with many photographic opportunities and diverse geographical features, from sand dunes to mountains to the rugged Pacific coast. San Luis Obispo County is also known for its agriculture, from grape growing regions to produce farms, where Rudy has worked as a foreman for many years. Fortunately, he was able to obtain access to his old friend Charlie’s historic farm, which seems like a cross between an episode of American Pickers and Hoarders.

Rough Rider

Collapsing barns, decaying tractors and other decommissioned farm equipment are scattered about the property, along with piles of assorted objects, from rusted metal parts and pipes, to classic cars and trucks. To say this place is a man cave is an understatement. Since Emily is also an artist with an avid interest in photography who works at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, along with our photographer friend Ashley, a field trip to Charlie’s farm was in order. We were like a group of kids in a toy store, dashing from place to place and squealing with excitement at one discovery after another.

Spinning Wheel

Of course I now have many images to process thanks to Rudy and Emily, but I wanted to post a couple of my favorites of a windmill and the interior of an old Ford Mustang that was parked alongside a barn with a collapsing roof. The vehicle was very grungy inside and out, as was the entire ambience, so I processed the photographs accordingly. A rusty texture and border were also added to the images to give them that vintage look. I will add more photos as I finish processing them. Enjoy!