Not looking forward to family christmas?

This family is together every Christmas at a isolated country churchyard I shot yesterday. Think about the Christmas times they shared a hundred years ago. Charles (on the left side) appears to be the Patriarch.

So if family meets are daunting, look on the bright side.

This shot is in my Fossil Factory gallery. Work in progress (trying stuff out).

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Title for this one is Checkmate.

The hand looks to be moving a chess piece and the highlight thru the flesh contrasts a lot with the central subject. The shadows/twilight timing was deliberate. I had to wait about 90 minutes.

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Another interesting grave. The ironwork has obviously done service defending the owners remaining piece of the world.

It reminded me of a big baby cradle or cot. A grave that resembles a worse-for-wear baby cradle...

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I love Checkmate!

Looking for a graveyard can be a hassle. Skies full of power lines, antennas and phone lines. Busy urban backgrounds. The other categories are "Too Neat" and "Too Much Like Legoland" - regulated headstones FGS. The reverse is the "Too Overgrown". And you have to early or late light. Fog and mist would be good. A flooded yard would be good too, or all snowy.

Here is a close shot in quick monochrome; Dad.

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Thx for looking.

the whole "family Christmas" thing...... very powerfull carzee, make one stop and think and be greatfull for the times we get to spend with family and friedns..no matter how hectic and trying they might be.
thanks!
-zacker-

From the first 3, I prefer the B&W version.
The composition in checkmate is excellent, same for exposure, a meaningful image.
thanx for sharing,
T.O.

Great shots Carzee and thanks for the reminder of what we can all be thankful for this Christmas. I like the one with the blue tone best. Very creative.

Graveyards are very emotional places. I really like the concept in #2. Well executed.

Thx All.
Now if Hallmark would only start a new special occasion card ---"Visited Your Headstone Today" ------maybe I could sell something...

I just rethought the card thing. I haven't seen any mailboxes at cemetaries, thats why there is no Hallmark in this category! Duh.