I came across the 4×5 work of Dannielle Nelson Mourning recently and I am particularly captivated by the open-ended quality of this picture. There is much to read into the filmic nature of the gesture (she is casual, yet determined and I have to wonder what happens next). The look on her face (deep in thought, yet aware of the camera) is one I’m sure I’ve had during many a late night snack. The hanging garlic and the hair style strike me as funny mirrors of each other but the picture isn’t humorous. The open pantry suggests there might be more eating to do. What I particularly love is the color scheme represented by the freedom and wildness of the dress fabric against the solid dependability of a well built house.
Perhaps such a color scheme isn’t surprising given the landscape near Marks, Mississippi where this picture was taken. I’ve traveled across the US many times (I am only missing Arkansas, Alaska and Hawaii in my 50 state quest) and I always check the map for places I don’t know about. If you find yourself near Marks it will unbelievably look like this from above (just one more bit of inspiration to kick my butt out the door for a good road trip):
