Rural Street Photography

Finding the character of Otsego County on the roads less traveled.

When we think of street photography, we usually think of New York or London; crowded sidewalks, neon lights, and the frantic energy of a thousand stories crossing paths.

But I have my own version of “the street” on the back roads of Otsego County. And yesterday was a perfect day to get out and shoot.

There were no crowds, just quiet stretches of pavement where the only traffic was the occasional hawk or a shifting snowdrift. On these roads, you have the luxury of time. You can pull over, shut off the engine, and sit with a subject without the pressure of a city moving around you.

Instead of people, my “characters” are the old farms.

These buildings have a weathered character that you can’t manufacture. It’s a personality earned through decades of standing against the sun and the winter wind. Look at the silver of that wood: it’s a record of every season it has survived.

In the city, street photographers look for a gesture or a glance. Out here, I’m looking for the way a roofline cuts into a heavy sky or how a wooden chimney stands like a sentinel over a quiet barn.

Taking the time to get lost and find these structures is how I sharpen my eye. It isn’t just about the architecture; it’s about capturing the “soul” of a place that is slowly being reclaimed by the landscape. It’s a reminder that even the quietest roads have a story to tell, if you’re willing to pull over and listen.

✅ Where to Find Me

You can find more of my work on the web at: Simmons Photography

If you want to work with me, or inquire about licensing images: Contact Page

More of my work can be seen on Vero and Flickr.