Barrels

Although the title of my contest was in the plural, it was not necessary to include more than one (nor, indeed, a whole) barrel but many, like this, captured several. I like this particular shot because of the composition. The barrels are presented as an endless line which disappears into the distance, drawing the eye across the scene. There is interest in the barrels themselves but the vacant space if filled with a couple of (empty?) bottles for good measure. The lighting is great and the composition superb. And, as if that was not enough, this one enjoys an original title. Well done!

By placing the camera on the floor (or very close to it) the improved point of view creates more drama. It’s an unusual, yet interesting view. I like, also, the use of B&W here. I imagine that the depth of colour may have been limited, whereas more details can be picked out using monochrome, without the distraction of colour.

More barrels, as far as the eye can see. If these are full of Whiskey, I wonder what their value would be? I like the interest in the foreground, from which the eye is drawn around the warehouse to the more distant barrels behind. Each is individually labelled and some methodically numbered. There is so much detail to discover than a simple barrel here.

Anyone who has been to Porto will have seen these Rabelo boats encouraging you to visit one of the Port Houses. The colours of the boat create a more attractive scene than plain barrels might have achieved and, by clipping the bow and stern, focus has been maintained on the barrels of port that they used to transport along the Douro rather than the vessel itself.

I love the pale sandy tones of this image. The ceiling and floor blend well with the fresh Oak of the wine barrels. I also love the suggestion that they may go on forever as they bend around into the distance. I prefer the horizontal/landscape view of this cellar (there was also a vertical/portrait version) as that tends to be the human perception of things (and it fits a computer screen better). I believe that the next generation of iPhone will make it easier to shoot such modes.

I like the lighting in this cellar. It conveys a kind of mystery to the magic of creating alcohol. Indeed, such places often depend on unique characteristics which are kept secret to help their product stand apart from the others. The smattering of brown tones across the image encourage the eye to explore every corner and discover what can be found in the shadows.

Ordinarily, I might have stepped forward a bit, to exclude the red pipe lifting up in the foreground. But, actually, it works rather well as it is. Rather than a distraction, it caught my eye then guided it to the end of the row before returning up the other side. Then I noticed that some of the barrels were laying flat, compared to their vertical companions (with ‘belly-buttons’). I assume that the vertical ones have yet to be filled, when they will be turned so that the bung is on the top. Fascinating stuff, this winemaking!

I love the woodwork in these huge barrels. I also like the inclusion of a ‘standard’ barrel in the centre, to give an idea of the scale of things. This is a time when a real person would give an even better indication of size, something we often try to avoid!. The barrels fill the frame nicely and the pipes flowing over the top of them provide a graceful leading line from font to the distant back.

I love the perspective of this line of barrels. The randomness of their size suggests that these barrels have history – there must be a reason why they change. Even the containers to catch any drips are little half-barrels. Someone does not want to waste their precious contents. I like the way the lighting picks out each barrel. This is a process that’s been going on for generations and the equipment does not seem to have changed much.

What catches my eye in this image is the apparent randomness of the way these barrels have been stored. Regimented lines can become monotonous so the angles chosen for this capture are quite refreshing. I also like the way the light is catching different parts of different barrels. The highlights cause the eye to dance around the image in no particular order. An ordinary subject made interesting for the reasons given. It’s a pity that the title could not match.

We couldn’t have a “Barrels” contest without including the modern use of metal for beer kegs. Unlike wine, these barrels take a lot of knocks in their lifetime as they travel between brewery and pub many times a year, and steel has taken over. I like this detail study of kegs and it provides a nod to the wider spectrum of barrels in use.

I like the way that the light is catching the red paint on these barrels. I’m not sure if the colour is a code for something, or if someone just wanted to cheer-up a rather dull cellar of old barrels. If the latter, it has been successful and then tastefully captured in this image for our delight.

I picked this image out because it was refreshingly different. When looking at hosts of sandy-brown wooden barrels, it’s a relief to come across something more colourful. This trio of barrels was deliberately assembled to draw attention and it succeeds very well.

This is a lovely, dramatic scene. The rusty barrel hoops contrast with the greys of the sky, mountains and the loch. I assume this to be a collection of old barrels, a kind of “barrel graveyard”, waiting to be repurposed. I wonder what they will be used for next?

Barrels hold centre-stage in this image, but there are additional elements to entertain the eye. If these barrels contain gunpowder, they do appear to be lying around rather casually! Their arrangement is what makes this image more interesting, though. Better than a simple line of barrels.

I was pleased to see this other example of a barrel. The fact that it was captured in Burton-on-Trent has little to do with beer, however. This would have carried water! The colourful decoration with roses and castles in primary colours was typical of the style on traditional narrowboats in their working days. As a canal enthusiast, I was unable to miss this one!

Most of us may imagine barrels to be made of wooden staves, with metal hoops keeping them together. They also tend to be fatter in the middle than at their ends. Then there are Sake Barrels. These traditional vessels are painted, to become colourful and more interesting than ‘common or garden’ barrels. I’m pleased that Sake barrel images ware submitted to this contest, to illustrate yet another example of a barrel and, as displayed here, they can be very attractive.

There is something fascinating about repeating patterns. Different lines and rows can appear from within the existing ones as you change your direction of view. My curiosity was aroused when I read the description to learn that these are destined for yet another purpose, in Japan. Wine barrels are often used to produce spirits afterwards, transferring different flavours. I wonder how many different purposes a barrel might be used for before becoming a planter?

What a fascinating array of barrels! This is a wonderful documentary of the kind of product that could be stored and transported in a barrel. I like the variety of tones in the building as well as the containers and am drawn to wonder about the practicality of putting dry contents in a round container rather than a square one. A thought-provoking image.

I love the leading lines through the arches to yet more barrels disappearing beyond. Take care, when using a wide angle lens, with visible stretching at the extreme sides. Here, the distortion becomes obvious because the left hand barrel has become oval rather than remaining round. Maybe cropping off the extreme edge would avoid such distraction.