Just north of Mono Lake, California, is perhaps the best ghost town in the west. The old mining town is kept in a state of suspended decay by state park personnel. The high, clear desert air is hot in summer and cold in winter, and has caused the wood to age magnificently. Whether it looks better in color or black and white is arguable, and moot.
Here's a shot that was scanned from a slide and converted.
good composition and treatment. there is a mystery and majesty to Bodie.
we latched onto a special tour next year for 5 photographers, when we'll get to go inside many of the buildings; can't wait.
regards, tom
This is nice treatment, Charlie. I'd like to see more from this area if you've got them. I'd also like to see the other side of this particular structure in the foreground, as it appears as though this is the backside.
Thanks Tom and T-bone1,
Tom: that sounds like a bit of good luck and an excellent opportunity. Because the tour is for photographers, I assume you'll have the time to set up your shots. Even better.
T-bone: as you discovered, I posted a second shot of Bodie today. I have two more at hand, and others in yellow boxes in my closet that I might come across. Yes, this is the backside (I went through a "backside view preference" for a couple of years).
Charlie
Thanks jw,
The whole of the eastern side of the High Sierra is filled with things of interest. And Yosemite is just over Tioga Pass. A lifetime of good stuff to photograph.
If you go to Bodie, I suggest the first trip to be in summer or autumn; snow can become a real problem otherwise. And of course, you must also go to the edge of nearby Mono Lake to see and photograph the tufa towers.
Charlie
