Lost Highway

Driving back from Tucson to Phoenix, we took the I-10, but along the way in the distance I could see some old buildings so I decided to exit and check them out. I ended up on an old two-lane hwy that took me by several rundown, dilapitated, motels with broken/faded signs and boarded up windows. Although shot in colour I thought these images would have more impact in black and white.

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You're right. The B&W gives them a great retro feel!

I really like the first shot as the B&W conversion looks very good. Care to share your conversion steps?

rudgej wrote in post #2346955
Care to share your conversion steps?

Thanks, John, it's very simple, I used the channel duplication method - not channel mixer - although in this case I could have used that method as well. For these images, most of the information I wanted was in the Red channel. Then I applied a series of adjustment layers, levels, curves etc. to boost the contrast without the blowing the highlights.

Hope this helps.

SteveZ wrote in post #2347056
Thanks, John, it's very simple, I used the channel duplication method - not channel mixer - although in this case I could have used that method as well. For these images, most of the information I wanted was in the Red channel. Then I applied a series of adjustment layers, levels, curves etc. to boost the contrast without the blowing the highlights.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Steve. I'll give it a try.

great pics. kinda love seeing abandoned areas, although that looks like the start of a horror flick Great pics and the b & w suits those perfect IMO

Jaegermeister wrote in post #2347544
that looks like the start of a horror flick

Thanks, Jaegermeister, yes, just like the Bates Motel eh?

I Love the pictures, and love the effect. Definitely retro and even though I am not a fan of B&W, this is certainly meritorious of it. Great job.

At the same time on a side note, when I see sites like this, makes me wonder why people let things get to this state (though in this case I know that the neglect was due to the fact that the new 4 lane interstate simply made things in this highway obsolete and inaccessible) when there are so many in need that would love to call even this home. Do not mean to be negative of the job well done, just a commentary on society.

Thanks, KT! Well stated.

SteveZ wrote in post #2347615
Thanks, Jaegermeister, yes, just like the Bates Motel eh?

either that or the hills have eyes

The lighting on these looks perfect and I think you achieved exactly what you were going for with these. Was it creepy standing there looking at them?

Beautiful shots...love the B&W.

Is there a tutorial, website, or book that will explain that to me in english. I've got elements 3 and everything I've ever learned has only come via clicking on ever button to see what it does . If gotten good with some areas of PP but can never get my B & W shots to get this look.

Thanks,
Chris

Also, did you use a GND or anything else to get that dark upper sky?

Thanks, Carol, yes, it was kind of strange here because it was so flat and desolate.

Great photos. I love the first. Obviously NOTHING you could have done but the 1st shot would be pretty much perfect without the travel trailer in the bottom of shot. Not trying to nit pick, still great photos.