Main Street, Fromberg, Montana.
Main reason I’ve been silent for a bit (aside from my last post) is I’ve been working on a video/slideshow that sums up (or purports to) my seven years on the road with Gus and cameras (of various types).
I am unsure of whether the way I present the images will work for most folks. Works for me but I am familiar with the photos (to say the least). I present the images in a way I have not seen before. As you’ll see, they tend to go by very quickly, then, a bit later, just quickly.
For me, the interesting thing is that each time I re-view the thing, I ‘see’ different images as they whiz by (in the first section, which is the fastest). Images tend to pop out and imprint themselves… I dunno….
If there are issues with the Embed, click here.
Maybe you’ll see what I mean. Please let me know in comments. I may make changes.
Adjacent to the blacksmith’s storefront, Fromberg. A deco place to wait while your horse is shod, perhaps.
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‘Two-lane Blacktop Gems’
I was thinking of doing another post with the above as title but decided to just add this to The Art of the Boondock; America’s Back Roads (etc.), since it fits so well with that title as well.
I am headed back to South Dakota (my home now) from northwestern Montana, as usual taking two lane blacktop whenever possible/practical and the hamlet of Fromberg (Mt) is a good example of why (I take two-land blacktop).
Nicole’s heavy makeup and busty black-bordered decollatage feel more out of Lost Highway than The Last Picture Show.
Population 438 (2010 census), down from 486 (2000 census), 60 yard Main Street, every storefront a piece of peculiar and distinctive work, the main drag immediately struck me as kinda… Lynchian. I mean, take a gander at the town’s realtor (Nicole!) and try to fit her into rural Montana, let alone a 2021 town with a smithee (blacksmith) on main street.
The four residents I spoke with reinforced the oddball, though thoroughly charming vibe, two of which formed a couple (literally a ‘couple’, I suspect) of elderly ladies strolling around the sort of vest-pocket park across the RR tracks from main street where I’m ensconced. (An endless freight train clattering and blaring by as I write, just a few yards from my campsite, auditorially add to the out-of-whack Lynchian sense of Fromberg.)
Another Main Street niche.
Coming across a locale like Fromberg — and I could have missed it with an ill-timed blink as I drove — is what this now seven year plus road trip is all about, especially now, having unexpectedly dived back into photography. Talk about photo-rich!
Speaking of which, I don’t have any idea how you all will react to my embedded slideshow/short film, but I do hope you take a moment to comment on how it strikes you. The more I think about it, the less sure I am that it will work with viewers not already as familiar with my pics as I am. They may go by in an incoherent blur, rather than randomly yet clearly pop out as they do for me. A lot of work went into this piece and it may have been for nought. Still, fire away.
Allan
Let’s see if I can fit in one more of Fromberg…
(I’d really like to start a website for rubber tramp photogs but need a web designer. Again: You know one I can trust?)
Would like maybe an extra 2-3 seconds to view each image. When I have time, take alternate routes back home that avoid I-77, -26 & -95. Not as pretty as where you are but interesting. There are stretches of US 21 (Low Country Hwy.) w/out telephone lines for 2-3 miles in numerous areas just north of Walterboro.
US 17 from Green Pond to where 21 intersects it is an fabulous expanse of marsh & woodland, interrupted by plantation gates. One is “DeNemours Plantation”. F’in Delaware. Hell, Lin Wood has bought 3 plantations in Beaufort & Colleton Counties.
I think making changes to it now would make for confusion with those who want to spread it around. I’ll do updates instead. Thanks to those who are recommending it via goddam Facebook and so forth.
That was great. I am just finishing needed projects on my RV. This is very inspiring to get me ready to roll. Hoping I can experience some of the sites and locations. Thanks for the inspiration!
An extraordinary collection of images. The rapid pace (drum solo) was somewhat disorienting for me. I had to pause a number of times to refocus. Other than that, I loved it and will share whatever you finally settle on to disseminate to the world. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Spectacular! Our creator would be so happy with your presentation of his work. The beauty of your photos and what you were able to live these 7 years tells me you are a blessed person. Your very fortunate to have had your time seeing life away from all the structured bullshit that most of us live. Thanks so much for sharing your time on the road, it’s been enlightening on many levels.
Rachel
A wonderful comment I would like to 2nd please! 🙂
I really liked the whole thing. The music was good. I especially like the bluegrass song at the end. I think you could have left out the black screen shots in between different sections, but the whole overall feeling was great. Thanks for the video
Well…That was something!! Cheers 🙂
The images are beautiful!
Personally, I find the beginning of the video (with the faster image changes) a little disorienting.
About half way through the pace slows down enough to savor the shots more. I like that better.
But overall it’s a great collection, put together well.
Nice work Allan thanks for sharing blessings and aloha
Thanks to all who have commented so far. A. major relief (that it seems to work).
I really would like to spread this one around and any suggestions/help in this’d be greatly appreciated. A lot of work went into this. It was a welcome relief from thinking about covid and the rest of the bullshit we are submerged in.
I like it too.
Thank you, Allan for that wonderful presentation (work of art) I agree with MOL about the overall and in some places a little over intense on the music. Your vision is powerful and beautiful.
Wonderful! I especially liked the addition of Bolero, some of my favorite music coupled with the tides. Very nice.
Beautiful! Wonderful. Enjoyable. Made me jealous for the open road. Allan, love to see you broadcast this fantastic portrait of Americana far and wide. Put it on as many platforms as possible. Your work is a positive and very real look at our country. Thank you.
Allan – it is Awesome! – as usual! – just trying to find time to watch it all properly.
I love how you have put the picture summaries on your rig – shows the passion of the man for life and his country and more….
Sorry for delay Allan, I was finally able to watch the 2nd half now, and honestly – no complaints and 11 stars out of 10 from me!…
Ridiculously great/beautiful & spectacular photos and movies galore rolled into a very interesting and clever soundtrack – pictures timed to the beats too!.
I could see all photos no problem, and I could even pause on split second images – maybe with a tiny rewind on some of the real speedies.
It all jelled together just lovely, and this time I loved all the “moving blur” photos you shoehorned in there, and all the drone footage is a dream!.
I would hate to think how long it took you to make this video!…
– but if you slipped in a mantis head I didn’t see that one! 😀 (could have zapped it in with that seriously creepy music bit 😀 )
Bloody fabulous!!
thanks, Brett and Mol. Was the first, speedy part ok or was it too fast? We’re you able to SEE specific photos during that part?
Was fast but I liked it & had no trouble distinguishing photos. Perhaps would benefit from a brief pause – like catching one’s breath – every, say, 20/30 photos; & then away we go again! Just my thought because while I could handle the speed it was non-stop & this might be overwhelming. Hope you get my meaning.
The pause is a good idea. It would also allow me to focus on stuff I really like. Thanks! (I’ll give it a bit to wait for other suggestions. Also, I have trouble uploading from the road — weak cell signal, etc. — and can’t easily do it.)