For today, I’d like to revisit a time before HDR imaging as we know it today and even before digital imaging. Anyone remember the old brownies (cameras)? And those glossy black and white pictures that were returned with each shot attached to those little plastic comb binders?

I know, I’m really reaching way back and most of you will be scratching your heads wondering what I’m talking about. Well, I’m referring to ancient times. And I processed this image in remembrance of that grand old period when young photogs ventured out with their Kodak, roll film cameras. Some of the more affluent would be toting an Argus. And the elite? Well can you say Leica, Zeiss, Nikon (RF), Linhof, Rollie, etc.

Ah, those were the days for the young future photog arteests . . . no clue about shutter speeds, f stops, film speed or focus. Just point and shoot and enjoy the endless depth of field and incredible contrast of those prized images, always making sure that the subjects were well lit by the sun with big smiles and squinty eyes.

Processing: This image is of a more modern era . . . couple of weeks ago. I decided to give a nostalgic look to the Howard House in New Bern North Carolina with a little sepia tone and an antique boarder for the old timey effect. All complements of Nik Silver Efex Pro 2. I started with nine images that were spaced .5 ev apart for a nice tonal blending. I used just a little Curves in Adobe Photoshop to get the right contrast levels.

Equipment used: Nikon D700 with 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at 35mm, f/5.6, ISO 400.