Ashton Moss

I decided to use the Automat today - it has a "softer" lens than the 3.5F - thought it would be more appropriate in the strong sunlight.

8 - 17 This is the far end of Rayner Lane (looking towards Droylsden), late morning : 11 a.m. The Moss virtually deserted, the lane covered in pools of water from the heavy overnight rain. The clouds eerily reflected in the puddles.

This end of the Moss is more flat and open, with very few drainage ditches and very few buildings - a few in the far distance. Here the Moss is desolate. To the left of the track many of the fields are overgrown, abandoned. Elsewhere on the land there are ever increasing signs of life, old crops have been uprooted, fields freshly ploughed, and great mounds of manure deposited at the side of fields - all in readiness for the new season.

These photographs were taken on Rayner Lane, between Moss Lane and Moss Lodge Lane, over the course of about 20 minutes. The lane was deserted, during this time. I didn't see anyone. Good working conditions, no distractions.

Although the first photograph is probably the best (it often is), I wanted to see what effect the changing light would have on the landscape, hence the series of photographs.

Rolleiflex Automat.

Agfapan 100 (80 ASA) Rodinal 1:75. 9½ mins at 68°F.

<span class="wrapper"><p>Work Print</p> <p>Negative c7/1/17/16</p> <p>Work Print c7/3/17/16</p> <p>CH : 510 mm</p> <p>Exposure : F22 @ 10s</p> <p>Paper : Gr 2 (G)</p> <p>Comments : I wasn't going to print any of these photographs of Rayner Lane as I felt that in taking them I was digressing from my brief - to photograph the buildings of Ashton and Stalybridge. But in a way this photograph, and this section of Rayner Lane between Moss Lane and Moss Lodge Lane, gives a good indication of what the middle section of the Moss is like - very open and largely devoid of buildings. It also links the other areas of the Moss : the top end where I have concentrated my work and the bottom which is overgrown and abandoned.</p> <p>The evidence of humanity in this photograph, the telegraph poles and potholed road (now flooded), together the effects of the elements, creates an eerie scene.</p> <p>Straight print.</p></span>