Although it was taken in Iowa, 1998, this photograph looks like it could have easily been made in my hometown of Ohio. I grew up in farm country and one of my favorite things was watching the storms roll in over the fields. However, I was lucky enough to never be caught in a tornado, despite the frequent warnings we always get during the change in seasons. Other than the nostalgia and familiarity I feel towards this photo, I appreciate that it demonstrates the value of photography as a documentary art. The photographer may have been the last person to capture this scene if a destructive wind force had indeed hit as the forecast predicted. I also love that the black and white film lend a sort of timelessness to this image. To me, it looks as if it could have been taken anywhere between the 1950's and yesterday afternoon.
I agree there is something timeless about this photograph. I wonder what the significance is of the mailbox at the center. (I am assuming it is in the frame for a reason.) Perhaps the long, protruding arm on top is supposed to signal the wind strength?
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