High Noon

On Saturday evening, Lisa, a photographer friend who I hadn't seen in a couple of years, called with a plea to help photograph her former boss and family out on her farm. The family gathering was to celebrate the long weekend visit of her two sons; one had traveled from Seattle, the other from Argentina. Ok, I'm a sucker...no, not really...but since I love the outdoors, farms and photography, I agreed to tag along and help her out. There was only one problem...we were going to be photographing at "high noon". Yikes!! I know, it goes against all the rules to be out photographing between 11am and 2pm; however, there are those times when you just have to work with what you've been handed, or, I guess it's more like what I'd chosen to handle in this case.

Since Lisa had been to the farm before, she offered to drive. It was about a 30 minute ride out to the country so we chatted the entire way trying to catch up as much as we could. The drive went quickly and I enjoyed the scenery and the road signs as we drew closer to the farm ... Eagle Rock Road, Covered Bridge Road, Turnipseed Road ... I just knew then I was going to be in for a treat and would need to go back to explore on another day. A lovely restored farm house, beautiful pastures, a pond, horses, peacocks, lamas, guinea hens, a swimming pool, a tire swing, picket fences, a flower and herb garden, wooden structures....we had reached our destination at the end of a State Maintained Road.

It was predicted to be in the mid 90s. When we got out of the car we felt a slight breeze circulating under the huge shade trees, what a nice relief. I immediately felt more relaxed than I had in weeks...was it the country air, the beautiful location, the quiet or a combination of all three? Who knows, who cares!

Anne, Lisa's former boss, immediately greeted and welcomed us in true Southern style ..."I'm so happy you're here...I just want you to be like the paparazzi this afternoon, don't worry about a thing...I just want candids...Come inside and get something to eat and drink"... it was like taking medicine...suddenly, I wasn't too concerned about "high noon" any longer.

We stayed and photographed for the next four hours; it was a wonderful way to spend a beautiful summer Sunday afternoon....