Lionsgate Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona

Saving A Photo: Don't be afraid to spend time working photos that didn't come out the way you expected. In many cases, like the Phoenix, you can raise a very nice shot from the proverbial ashes. I present to you a night shot taken in Lowell, AZ a few years ago. As you can see the color version has some visual interest but the gold tint is just too much. Additionally, there is a very modern 18-wheel truck that dates the scene to the modern era. First, I straightened the photo. Second, I cropped out the truck. Third, using Photomatix Pro, I changed it to the Monochrome 2 filter and saved the temporary file. Fifth, using Photoshop Elements, I retouched the blemished areas, added a vignette and sepia tone for a finished product. Yes, it took some time, but we seem to have that in abundance right now. Critique and comments are welcome as always.

©2020 Lion's Gate Photography - Vintage Lowell, Arizona

kaitoo212 Loc: From CA living in NYC

@Lionsgate Wow the before and after is amazing. Now the after looks like a timeless shot! Great job!
kaitoo/Daniel

Lionsgate Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona

Thank you! I'm going back through a lot of photos from this area and recreating them to look antique. I then turn them in to photo note cards and sell them at local galleries and gift shops.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Very nicely done.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

To be honest I prefer the color version. If you crop it the same as the black and white it will be even better.

repleo Loc: Boston

I think you have done a great job. Critique would be that the vignette is too strong and too hard edged.

Lionsgate Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona

How's this version?

angler Loc: StHelens England

Nice work.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I like both images,I would like them better if they weren't so soft.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Nice work!

jerseymike

My preference is the first picture.

Lionsgate Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona

Unfortunately, the nature of night time photography is often softer pictures. Without bright light everything seems a bit dull.

One of the other reasons for transforming the color to monotone/sepia is that there is actually a market for these "old-time" looking photographs. Southern Arizona draws tourists from around the world. Places like Tombstone, Bisbee, Sonoita and Nogales have a rich history in mining, cattle ranching and western heroes. People snap up these photos at an unusual pace. While I created large, medium and small prints (matted and framed) that sell well. My largest "volume" of sales is in photo note cards and postcards. While I don't make as much on these as I do on larger prints, it is a steady income. The Patagonia Trading Post sells a lot of my photo note cards and they are always asking for more "antique" versions. The Trading Post sells artwork from a huge number of local artists (you have to live in one of the three adjoining counties to show there) and styles from the old west to modern contemporary and every medium you can think of. I'm just one of five photographers allowed to show there. If it will sell, I'll print it.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Better than the second one.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Love the old look to the monochrome. I would pull the vignetting back a bit.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice--I really like the re-worked version.