Seen Better Days

[ianpinion]

I've recently returned from a 10 day trip around Nevada, Arizona and Utah visiting many of the canyons. Whilst on the way to Williams, heading east along Route 66 I came across this derelict old garage forecourt with this rusty old car. Does anybody have any suggestions as to how I could edit this differently to convey more powerfully how neglected it looked.

[DigiDiva]

I like it as it is! Good composition, love the angle, nice 'sepia' conversion

[ianpinion]

Thanks Chris

Don't get me wrong, like the way it's finished up but it's not quite how I originally envisaged it would look, so if anyone has any suggestions as to how I could improve it please come forward with your ideas.

[wotcars]

maybe tone mapping it would give it a older neglected feel to it

[ianpinion]

Thanks Wotcar. Below is my tone mapped effort, again with a sepia tint to age it further.

[Markulous]

Like the original but not the tone mapped (but I'll freely admit that I rarely do!) - especially as it emphasises what is best left understated: the building. I might be tempted to do the reverse and burn back the building a touch

[JonnyM]

It may look better without the sepia conversion, the rusting 'hood' could be more vibrant for starters adding contrast to the rest of the scene. In addition, the sky could do with some 'burning-in' to add a bit more drama. And, if I'm being picky, the use of a wide angle lens and low-angle makes the tree look as if it's growing out of the sunroof, maybe not such a bad thing.

For me the tone-mapped version is a no-no and I much prefer the original.

[nick_gray]

I really like the photograph, but I don't like the tone mapping, and I think the sepia conversion seems to have a bluey green hue to it. Have you had a look at it in B&W?

Cheers

Nick

[greenwing]

Why are the headlights intact, and the chrome so bright, when the windscreen is smashed? I think you need to address the bright chrome before anything else.

[ianpinion]

My goodness you lot are hard to please...

...but thank you for all your suggestions. I will take them on board and see what I can do.

In answer to your question Greenwing, the chrome was bright and the headlights were in tact when I took this. I hope you're not suggesting I should've smashed the headlights and dulled the chrome before I took the shot? Otherwise, I might have been chased off by a man toting a gun and I didn't think it was worth the risk.