A Vintage Vermont Landscape | Retro-style Editing for Landscape Photography

A search for new, beautiful Vermont views turned into a rather solemn set of landscape images...
run down truck in Vermont field that says Save Family Farms

Notes from the Road

A weekend of sizzling hot weather, even in the higher elevation of Vermont, called for an air-conditioned Sunday drive around the small towns of Orange County, Vermont. An abandoned, mold-covered vacation camper with a faded decal crying “Save Family Farms!” comfortably sits among weeds in an expansive, overgrown meadow. This sad sight greets new visitors upon entering the small town of Chelsea. 

Having spent most of my career in the farming industries, this abandoned camper with the faded decal struck an eerie chord in my heart. The decaying camper blends into an old hay field filled with so many weeds, its hay isn’t even fit for horses. The message transcends beyond the faded letters. It’s as if the entire scene says, “you’re too late, family farms are already ruined.”

How I wish it was a clean, modern sign in a lush, green field surrounded by happy cows…I’d feel more hopeful. However, this drive around Vermont was a reminder that many small family farms are still fading. Would calling my local legislator still help? What do I even say? 

Moving on, thick deciduous forests create dark and dusty dirt roads circling throughout the hills that occasionally opened up to nature’s breathtaking views of a harsh, setting sun illuminating the age of retired farm equipment. The untouchable, rusty tractor no longer serves a purpose in this world, good for nothing, besides existing as fashionable landscaping decor in an old New England town. 

headshot of ling messer commercial photographer

Meet Ling, the photographer

Connecticut native. Idaho graduate. Previous Oregon resident. Cowgirl-turned-photographer.

Story-telling photography business owner since 2013. Videographer since 2018. Photography with artificial studio lighting or God’s sunshine.

Wife, dog owner, and friend of many dogs and people.

Have an upcoming project for a client? Let’s chat. Whether it’s Zoom, phone, email, or in person over wine or coffee, I’m game. 

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Ling Messer

hello@lingmesser.com

860.245.1738

See my latest videos on my new Youtube channel!