Robert Knight
August 2026 - Mine Buildings
Original
About the Image(s)
Coal mining at this pit ended in 1982 and it is now a museum. Visitors can be taken down the mine as part of the experience and this building is the pit head that drove the cage to take the miners, and now tourists, down the mine. We were there on a sunny day. I wanted to try to portray the buildings as they might have been when the mine was active early in the 20th century. This is my attempt. I have used hue/saturation, photo filter, B&W conversion, curves, a bit of blur and the gradient filter. Any suggestions as to how can it be improved?
3 comments posted
I like the historical significance of this old coal mining elevator structure. Converting it to B&W was a good idea for conveying its timelessness, but the sepia toning seems a bit unusual. It might be more effective to keep it in black and white. I would also suggest adding some contrast back into the image as the image seems a bit flat. Posted: 08/02/2026 18:28:28
I think the sepia was a good idea for a nostalgic look back, however, I think it has lost some of its detail and dimension from your original color image. For me, the sky in the color version compliments the structure so well. Guess what I am saying is that I like the original version better. Posted: 08/09/2026 21:33:37
I like the conversion a lot. Looks like it might have been shot in the 1880s or 1890s, as a tintype. In that case, the softness and minimal detail is just fine.
I've gone back and forth about the sky. But, I think I like it better without the clouds. I think you are creating an antique, dated effect, and the skies were all blown out on every tintype that my mother passed along to me. Obviously, it is a personal preference; but in your treatment, I don't think the clouds would add anything. However, in the original color version, they work great. I like both pictures. Posted: 08/17/2026 01:26:30
I've gone back and forth about the sky. But, I think I like it better without the clouds. I think you are creating an antique, dated effect, and the skies were all blown out on every tintype that my mother passed along to me. Obviously, it is a personal preference; but in your treatment, I don't think the clouds would add anything. However, in the original color version, they work great. I like both pictures. Posted: 08/17/2026 01:26:30