Alternative Palet of Images

Madison County Photographs

Empty House

Clark Tower

Union Chapel Cemetary

Self Portrait

MADISON COUNTY BARNS

My passion for photographing barns in Iowa became more focused to one area when I began working in and around Winterset. There is a good variety of styles which are highlighted by their immediate surroundings.





Madison County Gallery


Barns of Interest

MADISON COUNTY, IOWA

There is more to Madison County in south central Iowa than the Bridges, made famous by Robert Waller's book, the Bridges of Madison County. I travelled across the entire county with my friend Hal Chase on many weekends last year; he was my guide and mentor due to his role as primary stockholder in Farmers and Merchants Bank in Winterset (the county seat).

I started working with Hal because of my own project on Iowa's county courthouses, of which Madison County's beautiful courthouse became my central theme for the exploration of the entire area. I have not to date done any portraits of the people but plan on beginning that phase next year.

What we discovered together has motivated me to display it in the public venue of my blog. It is by no means a complete visual assessment nor is it truly representative in this ouvre as to the underlying energy and mythos of Madison County. At least it is a broadening of perception and possibility.







PHOTO GALLERY MADISON COUNTY, IOWA 2004

A small sampling of possibility for the county's future based on what it has been in the past. The people have pride in their current place and time, influenced heavily by their past.

MADISON COUNTY, IOWA

An interior shot of the Hollowell Bridge is an introduction for a series of images I will be posting from work I did last year. There is much more to this unique community than the famous bridges and I want to share the experience with you.

As with any photography project, there will be a variety of subjects and moods. If you see something that you feel is provocative, feel free to leave a comment.

I designed this poster in 2003 with the purpose of blending my photography with graphic elements.You can purchase a signed 13"x19" archival print on Epson Watercolor paper for $40 (includes shipping). Please post a comment.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend provided me with a wealth of new and exciting photos. This cemetary is in rural northwest Iowa about four miles from any town. The wind was strong enough to blow the flags horizontally.

Cadillac Photo

The Cadillac photo is from a series I started over Memorial Day of Iowa Scenes in color. I shot the image on Ektachrome 35mm 100G film. I wanted to show you some of my color work so that I can demonstrate my vision of Iowa in something other than black and white.
I have started building a digital darkroom and the first piece of the system is an Epson R1800 ink jet printer. I can make archival prints good for 200 years (and in color!) if I print on Epson Watercolor paper. If you are interested in purchasing an outstanding print of the Cadillac, a 13" x 19" signed print is $75, which includes shipping. Just e-mail me with your order and we can conduct a sale.
Best Regards!
Michael P. Harker
E-mail: Harker@Harkerphotography.com