Pictures along the Cowboy Trail

[Matt K.]

So we have this contest at out club: "Small Town - Big Dreams" .. and images must be taken this year, and along a particular part of Alberta ... I hate this comp, cause I have no clue whatsoever how to interpret this theme; given the fact that there are not that many small towns in that area, at least not any close to me, I got pretty frustrated and needed to calm down. So I drove around and captured some other stuff .... along the cowboy trail ..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8216017570_023a808497_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8214935483_db920258e1_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8214937027_aea7c3d363_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8216016864_e75ce0824c_b.jpg

and here is one that would fit the bill .. but I do not like it at all ....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8214967229_b295218468_b.jpg

[Realist]

My favorites are 1 and 4, I like the mood they have in them. As far as the last one I think it fits the theme, but it's not my favorite either. Wonder if there are any town events you could try and shoot?

[Runmonty]

Strong set Matt. Love the colour in all of them. Also great clarity. Number 2 is my favourite.

[asnow]

I'm with Realist favouring shots 1 and 4. I too like the mood and it really has that western Canada country look to it. Unfortunately that is the problem it looks too much country, as I don't get a feel of small town. Thus I'm not sure it fits the the theme. As for the last picture, it does fit the theme, but like you I'm not too fussy with it.

I hope these comments haven't added to your frustration and stress. Just relax and sleep on it and I'm sure some great idea will come to you.

p.s.
What is a Spray Park?

[QuietOne]

I have to agree about the pictures not necessarily fitting the theme, but I really like the long view in the second one, and the way the distance turns the mountains blue.

[ewaizel]

Beautiful perspective in the 2nd one. The lines in the 3rd are also great.

[AntZ]

Very nice series. Hard to pick a favourite.

[Hillbillygirl]

Very nice Matt. I also love #2 for the line work of the fence just draws the viewers eye in so strongly, and the lovely background, with that amazing sky you always seem to have out there. Just beautiful.

[Bambi]

Very nice Matt. I also love #2 for the line work of the fence just draws the viewers eye in so strongly, and the lovely background, with that amazing sky you always seem to have out there. Just beautiful.

I agree with HBG. I also quite like the first one.

As for the competition it's neat that it's open to interpretation. But I got a chuckle over your comment about needing to calm down....:D

[Marko]

Some nice variety here for sure. i think I like shots 2 and 3 best

[Matt K.]

What is a Spray Park?

Thanks, all, and asnow: methinks this is just the name they are giving this park. There is an area nearby called the Spray Lakes in the Kananaskis, so I assume it is because of that they chose the name .. then of course it could be a water park, for all I know ... :wall-an:

[Mad Aussie]

Nice days shooting Matt!

I'll take that 2nd shot (fence and mountains) hands down as my fav!

[mbrager]

My favorite here is Number 2. Beautiful composition and very nicely exposed and processed.

[Andrew]

I've put about 50,000 km on my motorcycle touring highway 22 plus thousands in the car and have to say the foothills of Alberta is my favourite place to be. There are many small towns on that route from Crowsnest to Entwistle with plenty to photograph. Alberta has been booming for decades and it has not all been restricted to Calgary. Also consider not all the dreams were successful and others have played out. Keep looking, stop awhile, see the town not just the road.