A Trip In The Way Back Machine...

2007-11-17



Over the last few weeks I have been closely watching the auction of American Indian and Old West artifacts from the proposed Wild West Museum in Harrisburg, PA.

There was a fantastic collection of images from the time period. My favorites however were the tintypes. I can not get enough of these images.

So much so that I am currently researching the equipment and skills needed to start shooting and producing these images for real.

There was a great view camera in the auction and I really should have bid on it. But I had my eye on some artifacts from the norther plains Indians.

Last night I was watching Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee and I saw the photographer in the movie was using the exact same style view camera! Well I had my chance and it went pretty cheap so I guess there is only one person to blame.

So anyway while my search for a view camera and the rest of the materials continues I decided to try and recreate some of these wet plate images in photoshop. Today's image is my first attempt.

I know that I have a ways to go but it was fun trying. I am looking for new brushes and what not to help with the look.

I would love to know what you think!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This reminds me of the "fake model" photoshop images I've seen.

Good luck with duplicating these past great images.

http://nicknoblephotography.com/index.php?showimage=157

Nick

Ted said...

I think you've got the tone (palette) down pat. It's my memory that those old lenses were stopped way down and held their DOF pretty well however, sometimes too well. However, while they had the potential for considerable DOF, the did have a central sweet spot, and an over all softness. Your sweet spot may be a tad too sweet while the foreground mush seems too mushy.

Having said all of that... it is a very interesting image all by itself. Pity you don't post images that are at least 800 mpxls on their longest side. They'd be much more readable.

Nice work...

Ted