civilized ku # 4015 / diptych # 206 ~ photoshopping

Saratoga Diner sign as pictured ~ Saratoga, NY • click to embiggen
Saratoga Diner sign w evening cloud / clear sky ~ Saratoga, NY • click to embiggen

In yesterday's entry John Linn wrote, "I do love old neon signs." To which I reply, so do I.

I have a ragtag collection of old sign - neon and painted - pictures which I never organized. I have also given thought to pursuing an old sign body of work. However, one of the problems with that idea is that some old neon signs are still in operation and the ideal time to picture them is at or near dusk. In most cases I am not in the presence of such signs at a time which allows me to hang about waiting for the ideal picturing conditions. Consequently, I picture those signs in daylight, which while still interesting, is not the same as picturing a lighted neon sign.

Most likely, I will continue to picture old signs as I encounter them unless I have the opportunity to picture working signs at dusk.

In any event, as can be deduced from the as pictured picture of the Saratoga Diner sign, even daylight can be not very ideal. I made the picture knowing that it would not be a "winner" and that was exactly the result.

That is, until I had some time on my hands and set about trying to improve upon the "real" world.

PS to John: I've noticed a few pictures made at The Hedges on your blog. I am intimately familiar with those referents in as much as I have been staying at The Hedges since 1975 - literally over hundred visits over the years. Any of the lakeside cabins are great, the Ice House cabin is even better, but my favorite place to stay is the Colonel's room. Well worth a return visit just to stay in that room.