Enjoying a nice evening in Siouxland, Rural Plymouth County

Sometimes serendipity is a nice thing. While visiting with some friends over the Thanksgiving holiday I was greeted with a glorious site as I headed home. Anymore I don’t carry long lenses with me as I seldom use or need them for the kind of photography I do these days. But this was a time I wish I had one so I could photograph a scene a bit tighter. But still, I was glad I could stop on a backroad, get out, and enjoy what I saw while still making a couple of photographs to remind me that nature is surprising sometimes. Although probably not to those who follow the moon phases. But, I happen not to be one of those folk and just like the surprise as I crested a small hill and saw the scene unfold in front of me.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The moonrise in rural Plymouth County, Iowa Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Variations on a Theme in Siouxland, Sheldon

When I visited a community in Siouxland a couple of years ago I came across a farm homestead on the outskirts of Sheldon. I don’t know if it was still an active farm or if the land it once cultivated had been sold off for housing and the homestead was all that remains.

A farm homestead still within the city limits of Sheldon, Iowa, Thursday, August 6, 2015. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Having grown up on a farm I am always fascinated with the outbuildings or barns. Once I moved away from home on return visits I always did some photography of the buildings. They change over time and in my estimation gain a little character from the elements of the weather.

This homestead had nice buildings and provided a glimpse of what a farm earlier in the decade looked like. These days, metal buildings are more the norm probably because of cost effectiveness. But the large metal structures take away the charm of a farm.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Detail of a farm homestead still within the city limits of Sheldon, Iowa, Thursday, August 6, 2015. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Doors of buildings that are part of a farm homestead still within the city limits of Sheldon, Iowa, Thursday, August 6, 2015. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Part of a farm homestead still within the city limits of Sheldon, Iowa, Thursday, August 6, 2015. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A farm homestead still within the city limits of Sheldon, Iowa, Thursday, August 6, 2015. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Siouxland Scenes, Rural South Dakota

Some days it is just good to get out the house here in Siouxland and I find no better way to spend it than shooting photos. I did a little drive into South Dakota and took some “back roads” driving by fields and under used barns, some by many years it appears, only to end up in Vermillion, South Dakota, again for lunch. Even though the scenery was inspiring, the weather was not, but as I tell students taking my photo sessions, you make the best of the situation and photograph what’s there.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Siouxland winter slowly approaching

Wintertime in Siouxland is a time of year that affords a different look at the landscape. Mostly unseen because it is covered by snow. I enjoy winter, but not when the temps are headed south of freezing, hovering in the teens or lower. And when the Prairie Wind kicks in, the biting cold can be intense. So some days I find it tough to get up early and head out. But I did recently to meet a friend for breakfast and help her with some fundamentals of a new camera. On my way to a coffee shop, I saw some horses enjoying their own breakfast in a frost covered field. Braver than I in getting out and enjoying the morning and cool, maybe cold, crisp air. And at least finding something to munch on before it is buried under snow.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa