Autopsy of Soapy Smith

Comment by Bob Boze Bell on April 22, 2012 at 6:07am

Very well done. It is quite interesting to me that when an old photo is colorized, some of the mystique of the Old West evaporates. At least that is my visceral reaction. It seems more contemporary and perhaps less "romantic" or mythical. Does the sepia toned photograph itself conjure up a world apart that is more attractive than the real world? Hmmmm.

Comment by Gary Sheaf on April 22, 2012 at 6:22am

Thank you Bob.

I do agree with you regarding; 'more contemporary' and less romantic.. 'grim' does take over, especially with this scene. My Wife will quickly attest though, that I am not a very romantic person!

Gary

Comment by Gay Mathis on April 22, 2012 at 10:57am

Gary, wow..Hope Jeff was pleased with your efforts..

Comment by anthony martin on April 22, 2012 at 11:26am

  Gary,

 Jeff chose wisely.I feel that your colorizing efforts,as I've said before,startling resemble 19th and early 20th century hand colored prints.Since any of these could have been so treated then it is nice to see these.

Comment by Gary Sheaf on April 22, 2012 at 11:33am

Hi Gay and Anthony.

Many thanks. Jeff has now posted this photo and others onto his blog, thanks for the 'heads up' Gay. I have been looking at some hand coloured photos that are available and although are very good; look painstakingly time consuming. PS is a very forgiving medium and allows me to correct mistakes easily. I like to paint, but can be messy with it.

Gary

Comment by Gay Mathis on April 22, 2012 at 7:46pm

Gary, looks great on Jeff's blog, and from what he posted on his blog, he liked it, as well....

(Link)

Comment by Nicholas Narog on April 22, 2012 at 9:30pm

I love how this looks. Yes, it does take some of the mystique out of it, but it gives it a more personable feel. Somehow seeing these people in colour makes them seem more real- and it reminds me that these were real people with real lives and not just the subject of a photograph.

Comment by Mundo Osterberg on April 23, 2012 at 6:01pm

Any Indian Wars yet Gary. More please.........

Comment by anthony martin on April 23, 2012 at 7:17pm

  Gary,

    Perhaps you could also address some old street scenes,business and saloon interiors or a busy faro game.That would be fun as well.

Comment by Gary Sheaf on April 24, 2012 at 1:18pm

Hi Gay; thanks, Jeff has been very kind with his feedback, it was a pleasure to do.

Thank you; jnicktem, good comments and one of the reasons I like to 'fuss' with old photos.

Anthony; Great minds think alike. I have been perusing old street and interior scenes that are of a good resolution and also grab my attention. There are some good faro game photos that would be fun.

Hi Mundo; Indian wars! now there's a challenge. Do you have anything in mind? I will take on requests, post, or link good res' images and I will have a go!

Gary

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