Old Barn

Here is a picture of an old barn on my street.

It's a beautiful image Torie, and one that you should be proud to frame and hang.  I do agree with Marian that there could be some more space to the left of the barn as well as in the sky.  I also agree that the sepia is a little over-the-top.  I would simply try to tone it down (desaturate) some.  Take some of the color out of it; make it look faded.  One other thing, if your original image will allow for you to increase the space on the left side of the image, I would at least try cropping some of the distractions out of the right side of the image.  At least in my opinion, you wouldn't hurt anything to crop right up to the edge of the fence, but be sure to leave the upper roof line intact.  Again, I only think this will balance well if you have the added space on the left side.

As for the light and time of day, I really like what you have here.  If the light were any different I think you would lose much of the character that this old barn has to offer.  I say you timed it just right and exposed it well also.  This just shows that opinions can vary.  As far as harsh shadows go, this is exactly the type of image where harsh lighting is appropriate in my way of thinking.  Harsh lighting is for promoting texture, which you have done a wonderful job of in this image.

Thanks for sharing,
Travis

it was about 2:30 pm when i took it. if i were to give more space to the left it would have a bright yellow flatbed truck and a rusted up trailer in front of it in the picture. and yes i can put more sky in the picture.

Here is one in color

Torie, I like the new crop much better! It makes it a more dynamic image.