Are we being followed?
Two chickens out for an afternoon stroll in winter, near Kelso, Borders. They were starting out from the farm just behind me. Where were they going? The other side of the road or the end of it?
I seem to recall this was my first attempt at selective colouring (but am willing to be corrected by RBers with a good memory (or, who need to get out more)). This is perhaps my most favourite shot because it has caused so many other people to smile and add comments. Thank you all. I hope it continues to bring joy to many more.
Featured in “The male photographer” group.

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sticky
Fantastic, what a brilliant shot.
Keeli
LOL . . . this is an awesome capture!
Douzy
So cute and funny. They look like an old couple, one saying “yes dear?” ;)
midzing
brilliant,,, well done
Eugene Farrell
love it, super image
Tom Gomez
Lovely shot …
H M Bascom
Red Chicken: “Look, I said to my husband, I don’t care why you crossed the road . . .”
ROFLOL This is precious and funny as can be!
photogenic
awesome! magnificient!
Johan van Niekerk
The title makes this one quite humourous – love the selective colouring. Good work!
Viviane Cathmoir
Love this Ranald – made me smile on a dark day..
bertspix
A very funny scene..well photographed..Bert
Kelly J
What happens when chicken crosses the road….. I love this!!!! Brilliant!! (And i dont like chooks)..... :)
andreasphoto
great shot
Laurens
Great shot. At least we now know why the chicken crossed the road ;-)
Princessbren2006
Love this so very cute
Princessbren2006
yes I ove the humour in this photo
Rosina Lamberti
sounds like chook talk
Kerryn Rogers
haha. I think this the first time ive EVER laughed out loud at a picture! Fantastic!
Ian James
Great shot they look so happy together.. very romantic.
Rowan Plantag...
Awesome. I like selective colouring. :)
Jonicool
Love this…too cute!
Jeff Burns
very clever this is fantastic
Sarah Lombart
This is great…Are they 2 “girls”, walking to the afternoon party or a couple of lovers looking for a quiet place to live their love? :)
Like this…
KMorral
Fun image, well spotted and great capture
Klaudy Krbata
great idea with atmosphere
flower68
Is thisfor rea?It’s so funny and cute!
Anette Tyler
Fantastic shot
kcranmer
LOL that is to cute!
Catherine Veal
had such a laugh with this one, Ranald.
totty23
why did the chicken cross the road springs to mind when looking at this!! love your idea and how the chickens kept there colors!
thanks for your kind comment on my pic.
sam
Dawnsky
Oh that is supurb! lol, love it :)
Erika Sturgill
This is so funny. Awesome concept, great title, lovely work.
RoughDiamond
That is so cooooool!!!
I love it!
Jhug
Yeah, this is really a cool shot! Very funny!
Adrianne Yzerman
Simply stunning. Who would’ve thought chooks (chickens) could be so interesting. I love the desaturation around them. Well done!
Angela Stewart
lol, this is adorable! Selective colouring works perfectly with this. Fabulous work!
Filipe Goucha
ahaha, what a funny concept, it’s great!!
johnr
this is excellent and love the way its printed it really works.
dyoung88
adorable, could not ask for a better capture of two chickens
SNAPPYDAVE
excellent
Tiamaria
Fantastic capture. Couldn’t help smiling.
Cathy L. Gregg
This is too funny. What timing and to see this and capture it is great. Putting it in my faves!
snapperjack
Great shot, I can’t help but smile.
Tramper
Love this,are’nt they so funny and pretty.
metronomad
“And why did the chicken crossed the street?”
I love it.
jesika
Super, super shot.
j
Di Jenkins
love the “mid trot” capture of this shot! Yes .. it made me smile! Nice work!
WayneD
Fantastic image
WayneD
Fantastic image
geosgurl
aww =) it made me laugh. very good shot! i love it!
udonchow
Truly makes me smile :D
aroha
haha! this is great, love the title :)
Faith Hunter
Great shot. And well done with the selective colouring. Its something I’m hoping to find the time to try one day. Thanks for the inspiration.
i l d i l a z...
Very cute shot,I love it!
Kirbo
Wonderful
Eva Lee
Nice!
sandyibrahim
Amazing shot and so fun. This is my favorite I think.
Torfinn Johann...
Well… you made my day. This is hillarious :-)))) Great work!
NordicBlackbird
FABULOUS, Ranald :)))
N
PaulaJayne
This is a really, good, fun shot, well done.
Mar Silva
Excellent work here !
Beautifully Selectively done!
Secretwomen
Fantastic image! Świetne zdjęcie Ranald!!
Leanna Lomanski
Serendipitous for sure!
justlinda
Ha, great image, love the s.c.
stringbean
I love this – you can just imagine the conversation going on between them as they walk (well I can…....!)
Virginia McGowan
oh this is super priceless.
Dan Danieluc
Unique and beautiful !!
designerpix
LOL. This is brilliant!
misiabe80
hihiiii very fun photo:)) i love this…. hihiii
Phineous Cas...
bakirkkkk great stuff excellent
Noel Elliot
it begs the question…..did they actually cross the road or did only one of them cross over…great shot…got a chuckle out of it
kies
Fantastic what a great shot! He is strutting his stuff while his chickie is checking him out.
Jrod
Love this shot… Simple but brilliant!
Zolita McGuicken
love this lol
BigD
Congratulations you have been featured in Rural Around The Globe. BigD
Wendi Donaldson
Delightful shot!!!! LOL
Juan Pablo Giu...
It absolutely is hilarious! And the title does add much of fun to the capture!
Amazing job man :)
Mojca Savicki
LOL, very cool pic
Jane Best
This is a wonderful photo that really tells a story. Love it!
Grumpy02
Cool shot ,very nice
Meike
Haha ;-) This is fun!! Great shot! I love that!
TickerGirl
What a great find :)
Ranald replied
Wasn’t it?
Stuart Thorpe
Douzy said it…you can hear them cackling from hear. Love this shot. I join the fan club.
Ranald replied
Thank you so much. This is, without doubt, the shot that everyone seems to get the most pleasure from. Of that, I am happy.
Lois Bryan
haha … this is hilarious!!!!! And your title just clinches it!!!! Completely adorable in every way!!!!!! Have to fave it … will come back again and again, I know, just for the smiles!!!
Ranald replied
Thanks Lois. I did have another title but it wasn’t as good as this. Delighted that you are favouriting this.
lorilee
Such a lovely couple!!!!!! Nicely done!!!!
Ranald replied
It was a joy to see them. Then she turned her head! Thanks for the comment.
Diane Schuster
I love it, warm and humorous! Great title!
Ranald replied
Thanks. It kind of fits.
RichardKlos
Ranald replied
Thanks Richard.
Adrian Kent
This is one HOT photo, I love it!
Ranald replied
Thanks Adrian. Delighted that you’ve joined the “are we being followed?” fan club.
Fran0723
Great capture and great work!! Excellent:!!
Ranald replied
Thanks so much.
Yool
This is so cute
Well found !!!!
Ranald replied
U bent te aardig. Ik was gewoon geluk. Bedankt voor het toevoegen van deze aan uw favorieten en aansluiting bij de liefhebbers van “Are we being follwed?”
Clare Colins
this is a wonderful picture of life as a chook…ha ha..wonderful!
Ranald replied
Delighted you like it Clare.
wekesa
Fantastic! Very lovely couple! I love it!
henn
Chooks are so smart and so lovable…...the background is amazing…..
Ranald replied
Thanks Henn. typing that is odd. 1) it relates to the picture. 2) it’s (naturally) your RB name. 3) Hen is the sort of thing a Scot would say (well, some Socts) anyway to a lady as a term of endearment!
henn
Yes Ranald….it is my RB name….and a derivative of my nickname as a child (short for Helen).....when i was 3 i used to sit in a grassy gutter for hours nursing a hen (Australians call them ‘chooks’)...now my granddaughter will call me ‘Hennie’ instead of ‘grandma’. Lovely that it is also a Scottish form of endearment!
Ranald replied
That’s a lovely story to hear Henn hen!
kilmann
Oh, this one is wonderful, made me smile – i love it!
Ranald replied
I think I should start a fan club for this! I am delighted that so many people find this fun.
Visual Inspi...
Wonderful capture! rhonda
Ranald replied
Thanks Rhonda
digidreamgrafix
nice :)
Ranald replied
Thanks
linda858100
excellent shot
Ranald replied
Thanks Linda
handprintz
lol thats cute great SC !
Ranald replied
Thank you Trudi.
cromagnon
Great shot ! Well done
Ranald replied
Thanks. Another lucky shot.
madworld
Beautiful shot, I need to know what they are talking about?
Ranald replied
Thanks. It’s something I have always wondered.
Loxley
Love your view of the world with this one, Ranald! hehehe – beautiful!
Ranald replied
Thanks! That’s the way I like it…..fun!
GlowNTheDark
a fun picture to be sure!
Ranald replied
:-)) delighted you like it too. The fan club grows.
GlowNTheDark
lol…there’s just something humorous about chickens, geese and ducks….their look of ‘sheeesh, HUMANS!’ that they give u out of the corner of their eyes…
James Walbaum
this one’s fantastic
Ranald replied
Thanks James, delighted you like it. It has to be my signature picture, no matter how hard I try!
Graeme Pettit ...
Terrific – a real feel of a journey for these two with the road stretching off – made me smile – thanks
Ranald replied
Good! I like a photo that makes me smile so if this made you smile, I am happy.
catnip addict ...
“so this is that road everyone keeps asking about?’
“yeah.”
“so what made you cross it?”
Ranald replied
Good idea!
LindaR
fabulous ~ love the selective coloring ~ and title ~ the next line could be ”...so, do you think we should cross the road?” ;) xx
Ranald replied
Also a good idea. Hardly any cars go there so I think they would both be safe.
Paulette x
Superb capture, selective colour tops it off nicely, well done.
Ranald replied
Thanks Paulette. It does set it off.
Rajdev D
Beautiful work, I LOVE THIS SHOT.
Ranald replied
Excellent! Welcome to the “are we being followed fan club”. I honestly had no idea this would be so popular.
DApixara
Best friends forever! nice capture!
Ranald replied
Thank you! It has that feel about it doesn’t it?
Waleska Luker
The gorgeous chicken did not only cross the road but where paranoid. Love the treatment, black & white againts color! wow!
Ranald replied
:-)) Thank you. It does make me smile.
Waleska Luker
Love it! :))
Heinz
Shall we cross the road, whatever for, just asking….
Ranald replied
;-)
Madge Bloom
It’s a conspiracy, I tell you!! – This is wonderful, I haven’t tried to desaturate and selective color before, but this is done well and the effect of drawing and holding one’s interest is keen. – Madge
Ranald replied
Thanks Madge. I think this was one of my first attempts at SC. THe photo is good in colour but has even more power when selected. Gald you like it too.
Marjorie Wallace
This is just wonderful. I am sure the one on the left is Mr. Rooster, for I see his nasty claw on the inside of his leg. I have had chickens and you surely want to watch out for those weapons. The older they get, the better they are at nailing you. By the way, I have just signed up for a photoshop class in CS3 and will look forward to understanding your techniques here. Well done and very humorous photo.
Ranald replied
Thanks. I am glad it makes you smile!
Chicachica
That is the cutest!
Ranald replied
:-) Isn’t it just?
chijude
Have not always seen the point to selective colouring on some images .... but it has absolutely worked in this awesome fun image. No wonder it has received so much attention. It deserves it!
Ranald replied
Thanks. Yep, selective colouring can be over-used (maybe I have done too much in the past) but it can also be used for real impact or to tell a story such as remember where the important elements are not the cornet or his supporters but the continuity provided from generation to generation through the sash and burgh standard. [that’s a wee plug for another one ;-) ]
Ranald replied
Does this link work now?
chijude
Hoorah … yes it does. There is hope yet!! Just recall I was impressed even to see a link, let alone know how to set one up!
Magnum1975
Love it.
Ranald replied
Good. Delighted that you like it too.
danapace
Beautiful image—very well done!
Ranald replied
Thank you so much Dana.
LjMaxx
I just find this delightful. Thanks… :)
Ranald replied
Am delighted. :-)
Joanne Bradley
Awesome shot! So cool, like seeing two old ladies take a walk and enjoy the scenery and their gossip session! Love the SC, good use on this one!
Ranald replied
Thanks Joanne! Great fun shot.
emilijana
that is so cute! :-)
Ranald replied
Thanks Ema. It’s one of my favourite pictures.
khadhy
i LOVE THE CAPTURE AND TITLE.
Ranald replied
:-) Thanks
Bexxy
I love this, its a great display of how selective colouring can enhance a picture!!!! Great capture
Ranald replied
Thank you Bexxy. It’s one of my favourite pictures.
PFrogg
This great ,looks like mom and pop looking for the kids
well done
Ranald replied
:-) yep. One of my favourites. No escaping the charm of it.
shanghaiwu
this is BRILLIANT
Ranald replied
:-) Thank you!
shanghaiwu
NOT surprised this image has been SOLD on REDBUBBLE
it is very BRILLIANT
Ranald replied
Thanks again. It was just one of those lucky, lucky shots.
Alexanderargyll
great work Ranald
Ranald replied
Thanks Alxeander. Right place, right time.
KcranmerArt
Why did the chicken cross the road? hehe…this is really a GREAT shot Ranald!
Ranald replied
:-) It makes me smile how much joy this picture brings folk. Thanks for the comment.
Braedene
Hi again- this is a great shot to comment on – so many things to say – great SC – nice long road- best friends- simple but so effective.
Just looked you up because your parents were standing in front of me while we queued for SIX hrs for the ‘experts’ at the Antiques Road Show!! – no food- no drink – no seat!! – no comment! Liz
Ranald replied
Thanks Liz. What did they have with them? Was it the engravings?
Braedene
Yes it was and they were away in about 3 mins – and I had an original of W Beattie Brown – he first said it was A Beattie Brown – a relative, then I had to see No it was THE W Beattie Brown but he seemed unsure and siad it must be ‘a one off’ – I said I thought all originals were a ‘one off’’ but he said only about £300 to £400. So I said I wasa disappointed as I thought most of his paintings sold for £1000 to £2000 but he kept commenting on the fact ‘it didn’t look like W Beattie B’s – so I’ll get it valued else where!! Wasn’t worth 2 hrs wait let alone over 6 hrs!!
metronomad
now the question is, “Why did the chikens cross the road?” ;)
Ranald replied
:-)) There are so many answers. Maybe I should run a competition.
lanebrain phot...
Awesome capture and just a superb title!! LOL!!!! Terry
Ranald replied
Thanks Terry. It works well in selective and the photo gives a lot of joy, which pleases me.
Paola Svensson
Wonderful shot! I´m thinking of the famous grouse advertisement when I see this. Well done!
van049
WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD??
This is so adorable and that was the first thing I
thought of….Okay, so WHY DID the chicken cross
the road???...LOL!!!! Incredible use of S/C, and a
very creative, funny image!!! A DEFINITE FAVE!!!!!xx
Ranald replied
Honoured again. Thank you. Yep, a good one to bring a smile to a face on a dull day.
Nacho Garcés
Hehehe, very good photo!
Ranald replied
Gracias Nacho. Estoy tan feliz de que esta se hace a tantas personas en todo el mundo sonríe.
Hazel Dean
Quality!
Ranald replied
:-) Lucky too.
Lorena Maria
hahahh P R I C E L E S S !!
Ranald replied
Thanks so much Lorena.
Louise Robinson
Stunning! The black and white background looks amazing! Very nicely done.
Ranald replied
Thank you so much Louise. Never ceases to amaze me how this makes folk smile.
Marilia Martin
Great shot!! ADORABLE and so romantic!!!
Ranald replied
Thanks Marilia. Yes, romantic is a great description. I guess that’s what I thought when I saw the two of then strolling along.
Jolie
Brings an immediate smile!
Thanks!
Ranald replied
No, thank you Jolie. However, I am glad that it has brought you a smile. Of all my pictures, this is one which does that for most folk. For this, I am eternally greatful.
JeremicS
What a Journey… :)
Ranald replied
Thank you Jeremy. I often wonder what they were saying to each other.
Eleni Hadjikir...
lol!i love it!!
Ranald replied
Ευχαριστώ Ελένη. Χαίρομαι που σε κάνει να χαμογελάς.
Jan Piller
what an amazing shot!!
Ranald replied
Thanks Jan. It is a smiler isn’t it?
Elizabeth Bravo
Well I can see what all the fuss is about. This is a great shot. AND I LOVE THE TITLE!! REALLY BRILLIANT!!
Ranald replied
Thanks Elizabeth. The title just seemed right and I am glad you agree.
Shelly Harris
Cute shot!
Ranald replied
Thanks Shelly. Pleased that it makes you smile.
Normf
Don’t know what it is but I loved this as soon as I saw it!!
ps I wonder what they’re talking about??
Ranald replied
I often wonder tah too Norm. Glad you like it.
Aurora Pintore
great picture !!!!!
Ranald replied
Thank you Aurora.
amanda Rae
this has my vote in the challenge..tis brilliant !!
Ranald replied
Thanks Amanda. Delighted.
izzybeth
what came first
the chicken or the egg
the egg or the chicken
or the chicken or the egg
Ranald replied
Omlette!
izzybeth
my vote is in too…
Ranald replied
Thanks Izzy. Appreciated.
izzybeth
lol
Buckwhite
Very amusing shot. You have a very nice portfolio.
Ranald replied
Thank you for your kind words. Very much appreciated.
AideRaal
Lovely couple!
Great shot!
Ranald replied
Thanks Aide. Glad you like it.
janfoster
absolutely great capture Ranald : )
Ranald replied
:-)) Glad it makes you smile too.
BarbL
Fabulous shot…did, indeed, make me smile…in fact, I LOL’d! Wonderful job with the selective coloring, btw!
Ranald replied
Thanks. It is a smiler isn’t it?
Nancy Chambers
Ranald replied
Woo hoo! A big thanks to all those who voted!
TaniaLosada
Fantastic! jajaja Funny and lovely pic!
Ranald replied
Muchas gracias Tania. Me hace reír demasiado. (Lo siento, no he podido encontrar un traductor de Andalucía).
Kasia-D
Lovely humorous shot:-) Well spotted. Looks like they are deep in conversation – or is it simply a case of a hen-pecked husband? LOL.
Ranald replied
It does, doesn’t it? Anyway, must get on with the housework! ;-)
Matthew Dawkins
Ranald replied
Thanks Matthew
Hélène David-Cuny
Excellent !
Ranald replied
Thanks. Glad you like it.
Artsez
Aww, that’s very cute and looks great with the colouring.
Ranald replied
Thanks, it does seem to work.
Kasia-D
Congrats to you and the hens:-)
Ranald replied
:-)) Thanks.
Michael Jeffrey
Excellent work, Congratulations on the Roads challange.
Cheers
Mick
Ranald replied
Thanks Mick. Blown away by the win. The competition was good.
Pip Gerard
what a great shot! (can only imagine the amount of chicken cross the road comments you’d get!) :D
Ranald replied
Indeed I do but it’s worth it!
Thanks fo rthe feature also.
Pip Gerard
Stuart Baxter
tremendous find
Ranald replied
Thanks Stuart. I was lucky.
Globalphotos
LOL and the paranoia sets in, very cool capture, love the title !!
Ranald replied
:-) Thanks.
bev langby
congrats on the feature this rocks , like two old dears going on their daily walk chatting away lol love it ….......
Ranald replied
Thanks. It is just a lucky, lucky shot that works so well/
Kay G Larsen
This was too funny when I read the title….love it! : )
Ranald replied
Thanks Kay. It’s not the original title (which I have now forgotten) but it sure as heck works!
lynseyl
i love this its realy funny lol
Ranald replied
:-) Just a lucky shot!
NatureGreeting...
This is the most awesome shot!! I just love it!! ...Carolyn
Ranald replied
Thanks. It seems to make a lot of people happy.
IndraniGhose
Great capture!
Made me smile. :)
Ranald replied
Good!
Barbara Morrison
Very cute! Walking off together into the sunset at the end of the movie.
Ranald replied
Now no one has ever thought of that before. How very true and very funny too.
Nancy Chambers
Your Prettiest Piece of Artwork Challenge
Ranald replied
Thanks. Just what I need since I am off work under the weather!
Nancy Chambers
Your Prettiest Piece of Artwork Challenge
Josie Jackson
This is sooo cute, fantastic in b&w with the selective colouring, which I love, and the title is so apt, beautiful
Ranald replied
Thanks for the kind words Josie, topped off by a favourite! Glad it brings a smile to your face too.
jonpalma
Excellent!
Ranald replied
Thanks. glad you like it.
mgtech
Beautiful capture Awesome
Ranald replied
Thanks. Just lucky I guess.
Ritva Ikonen
This is brilliant! Made me smile. Love the use of selective coloring.
Leena Hedman
The cock is taking his hen for an evening stroll…how romantic! LoL!!!!!!!! Fantastic capture!
x- pose 20 days ago
Hahahaha, this is brilliant!!!!!!
Ranald replied 19 days ago
Thank you. Just come back from a pretty bad trip away so it was nice to find it had won the challenge. Glad you like it so much.
Jessy Edgar 17 days ago
haha i love this
Ranald replied 16 days ago
Thanks Jessy! Good to have a laugh.
lulisa 11 days ago
This would be a lovely addition to The Chook Shed group