Elm Valley Farms Red Barn & Pine Trees

This image is of the red Elm Valley Farms barn. To get to this spot, it's best to drive. From Traverse City, take M-22 north about 10 miles to Shady Lane Drive. Turn left and continue about 0.7 miles to Elm Valley Road. Turn right on Elm Valley Road and then travel about 0.5 miles. The barn will be on your right, at the intersection of Elm Valley Road and a paved, unnamed road of a newer development. Be sure to park where residents can pass.

As a clearly wintry scene, you can only expect these conditions in the winter months from December to March. This image features deep snow pack and blue skies — both of which are more likely toward the end of winter.

Longer shadows are a characteristic of the directional light of morning or evening. Morning here sees sunlight hit the face of the barn. Evening would also be a decent time to shoot, but the shadows and light on the barn will be different.

I used a wide-angle lens (29mm) to fill the frame with the barn.

Try including the fence in the lower left as a leading line and make sure you leave some breathing room above the top of the barn.

Using a polarizer will enhance both the red color of the barn and the blue of the sky.

If you forgot your winter coat, you can shoot this scene from your car!

I recommend photographing this barn while on your way to Sutton's Bay for biscuits at Gold Baby Biscuits and coffee from Mundo's. They are side by side businesses and you're welcome to take your biscuits over to Mundo's to enjoy your food with your coffee.