Post-processing and visualization.

The most arduous task when you start sorting images, is selecting what works and doesn't. This is no easy task! I normally can't decide and suffer from inertia.

I am always critical of what I shoot especially if it's for my own use. Now saying that once you have your selects; time to start processing those images.

Here is one image that I really liked. The image was taken at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook AZ. This has now been designated by the state as a historical site. This is one of the many treasures of early to mid-twentieth century America. Even though it's kitschy, it shows a great optimism, spirit, fun, and innocence of the time. I'm wondering if Gwyneth Paltrow the self-proclaimed critic of American taste and doyenne of all that is bad in North America has even travelled extensively throughout the country, instead of being self-indulgent nourishing her ego. But I digress; back to post-processing this image.

When looking at this photo, I get a late 50's early 60's feel for it. Now please believe me, that this is still a work in progress. In the late 50's and early 60's, advertisements, films, automobiles, small appliances, and clothing had a sense of heightened color. This is a general statement I know; but when you look at ads from that era or postcards the color is exaggerated and printed matter was grainy.

So this was my approach for this photo. After cropping then the real fun begins. In photoshop I decided to warm up the photo a bit and to clean up some of the dust spots (yes a Canon 5D is truly a dust magnet). From there I wanted to try and simulate a more late 50's feel so it's bit more contrasty and I decided to imitate a film stock (GAF) which is no longer in production.

Now I could also approach this photograph and work it as a faded image from over 50 years ago, and I'm still playing with that idea, however; there is still some work to be done on this photo. The Safeway and any other periphery in the background will have to be cloned out.

So those are some of the ideas that I had in mind. Well back to my Intous tablet and the next step for this photo. If I haven't mentioned this in past, please note: all these images are copyrighted and remain the property of the artist. I reserve all rights to these images and any use without my knowledge...well you know the rest.

Great trip and recommendations.

Finally back and finished downloading roughly 2ooo+ images. Now the arduous task of doing my selects. This photo is Artist's Lookout in Monument Valley.

One thing I must say, if you haven't traveled in this part of the country you're missing some of the most breath-taking scenery anywhere in the world.

I also encourage anyone who does make this trip, to keep their equipment to a minimum. I used a full-frame Canon DSLR and a wide-angle zoom lens for 90% of my trip. I ran into to one photographer that had one body and ten lenses. Although they were all primes, he regretfully admitted he should have taken his zoom lenses.

I also would recommend that instead of renting a compact car, that you upgrade to a vehicle that is larger and more suitable for the terrain. When I got to the car rental in Phoenix, they automatically upgraded me because they didn't have a compact. I chose a Chevrolet HHR and glad I did! It was great on gas and could take all the cow paths that I went on. It's a cross-over type vehicle and surprisingly well made. Oh don't forget you GPS, if you don't have one the rental place have them for a reasonable daily fee.

If you travel in the latter part of August or the beginning of September, make sure that you have water with you to keep hydrated. The temperatures can still hover between 98-102 degrees.

Now on to doing some of my selects.

Equipment...and what to take when you're ready to go.

So now comes the hard part; what to equipment do I take? Will this fast zoom lens do, or should I take all primes?

Well like they say, a car is a car is a car. A Porsche will get you there in style and fast, but a Toyota does the same thing; it gets you there.

So I've decided on two camera bodies a full-frame a Canon 5D and a 40D as a back up. Both have battery packs attached for extra balance and battery.

I was contemplating just bringing primes; 14, 20, 24, 50, 85, 135, and a 200 mm most of them L's. Then I thought the weight. I don't want the weight so now it'll be the same bodies plus a 17-40 mm (a personal favorite), instead of the 16-35mm, 28-135 mm, and 70-200mm IS. Nothing is complete without a laptop, battery chargers, flash unit, ND and Polarizer filters, Sony GC-1 webcam, iPhone, iPod, lightweight tripod, LaCie hardrives, and GPS. So that's the equipment list. Now I could have packed everything including the kitchen sink, or drive the Porsche but I think I'm fine with the Toyota.