Paul Smith
July 2025 - Ghost Town
About the Image(s)
On my drive from Northern Colorado to the Badlands of South Dakota, I came across a deserted /abandoned village. It was several miles south of Alliance, Nebraska. I cannot determine when it was built, nor how long it had been abandoned. The buildings shown here had been a retail store, with an adjoining storage unit. Further to the right was a restaurant/saloon of sorts , then a Livery Barn a few yards away. Several equally weathered “shops"’ have survived on the opposite side of the dirt street! I was attracted to the texture in the weathered wood. Photographing these dilapidated buildings has become a special interest within my photography hobby!
Canon 90D, Canon 17 - 85 lens, NIK Silver Efex s/w for B/W conversion.
8 comments posted
Paul, what a great find! Old buildings make for great black and white photographs with the textures and, of course, the stories they leave behind. My eye keeps going to the cloud and sign in the upper left so maybe bring down the brightness there a bit. And, I am curious what is in the dark left of the porch, so maybe bring up the shadow there a bit. Very interesting abandoned site...I wonder what stories it could tell? Posted: 07/07/2025 22:10:39
I think you found a gem for an image and you have captured it well, for me I look at this I wonder if you needed a touch more room on either side of the image as I find it a touch cramped. Otherwise this is a strong deep monochrome with lots of textures and tones. It also a lovely image to view. I do think this is one that will look better in print. Posted: 07/17/2025 09:16:50
Many thanks Posted: 07/17/2025 14:05:09
Very nice and interesting hobby, even if the subject are not always funny. These buildings have a story. I supposed most of the pictures are B&W.
Maybe more space around the building if possible. I like the different elements, and the sky wanted to be part of the picture.
Posted: 07/19/2025 15:57:01
Maybe more space around the building if possible. I like the different elements, and the sky wanted to be part of the picture.
Posted: 07/19/2025 15:57:01
Thank you Posted: 07/19/2025 15:59:24
Paul - a whole abandoned settlement - wow, you must have so many images ripe for mono conversion!
I very much like your image, but I find it is quite dark and feel there is more detail to bring out. I do hope you don't think it's wrong of me to play so much with your image. And you are unlikely to agree with all of my suggestions!
- First the sky: I suggest cropping from the top to remove the original blue sky and, then bring down the brightness etc so ones eye isn't taken up.
- You have a diagonal line of brightness right of centre - I have used this to make the right buildings brighter (lifting shadows) - this allows the left area under the canopy to be lightened and still seem in shadow.
- I added texture and clarity to the board above to show the text more
All of the above used Lightroom. See what you think! Posted: 07/21/2025 15:15:19
I very much like your image, but I find it is quite dark and feel there is more detail to bring out. I do hope you don't think it's wrong of me to play so much with your image. And you are unlikely to agree with all of my suggestions!
- First the sky: I suggest cropping from the top to remove the original blue sky and, then bring down the brightness etc so ones eye isn't taken up.
- You have a diagonal line of brightness right of centre - I have used this to make the right buildings brighter (lifting shadows) - this allows the left area under the canopy to be lightened and still seem in shadow.
- I added texture and clarity to the board above to show the text more
All of the above used Lightroom. See what you think! Posted: 07/21/2025 15:15:19
The image was intended to be dark, depressing to reflect the town's condition. And I like what you have done…thanks for your artistic energy! Posted: 07/21/2025 16:03:27
Excelent subject for B&W. The tones, highlights and shadows give it very good depth. I agree with the others on the close crop, a little more room on each side would give it more room.
The sky has great clouds but I might tone them down some as they tend to pull the eye.
I don't agree with Paul S, sorry Paul, I think the additional exposure flattens the image and the added texture and clarity gives it an overly harsh look. Different eyes see different things. Posted: 07/22/2025 18:56:15
The sky has great clouds but I might tone them down some as they tend to pull the eye.
I don't agree with Paul S, sorry Paul, I think the additional exposure flattens the image and the added texture and clarity gives it an overly harsh look. Different eyes see different things. Posted: 07/22/2025 18:56:15