Stillwater Grain Terminal

I have had a long running fascination with grain elevators and the even bigger grain terminals that can be found as I travel around between the ranch and the city. These sculptural industrial structures are most often finished in plain white; and, as such, they are excellent subjects for dramatic black-and-white fine art photography due to their inherent visual and symbolic qualities, which are particularly amplified when rendered in a dramatic monochrome presentation.

The sheer size and verticality of a grain terminal creates a striking silhouette against the sky, offering a sense of scale and grandeur that can evoke awe or isolation – key emotions in fine art. The plain white surface, while seemingly simple, becomes a canvas for light and shadow in black-and-white fine art photography. Without color to distract, the interplay of sunlight, weather, and texture (such as rust, wear, or industrial details) is accentuated, transforming the utilitarian structure into a study of contrast and form.

Stillwater Grain Terminal ©2025 Eric Hatheway

I was racing this storm on my way back to the city but had to stop and capture this striking image. This photo looks exactly like I saw it.

In black and white, the grain terminals’ stark, minimalist design takes on a timeless, almost sculptural quality. The absence of color strips away the mundane, highlighting their geometric lines and imposing presence, which can suggest both strength and solitude. This lends itself to some dramatic visual compositions – think deep blacks in the shadows, crisp whites in the highlights, and a range of grays that add depth and mood. I use these elements to craft images that feel both documentary and abstract, bridging the real and the surreal.

Symbolically, grain terminals represent human endeavor – industry, agriculture, survival – yet their often remote locations and towering, silent forms can also hint at abandonment or the passage of time. Black and white enhances this narrative potential, inviting viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene. The lack of color forces focus on composition, texture, and emotion, making these structures ideal for fine art photography that seeks to provoke thought or stir the imagination.