Picture of the Day - September 18, 2009

"Road to the past"

Photo and narrative by Gordon Brugman.                (Click on the photo for a larger view) Nowadays pushing the shutter button is just the start of a photographic journey. Digital imagery, and the amazing programs that let the photographer manipulate their image, have brought us to a place where reality and art mingle and merge. Some disparage the “changing” of images, saying it is impertinent for the photographer, a mere mortal, to try to improve upon what has naturally been created. Others see the new digital tools at their disposal as an opportunity to infuse a scene with their own personal vision and share it with others. They see an image as more than a simple record of what is. They see it also as an opportunity to examine what was, and what could be. Today image is of the Emerts Cove Covered Bridge in Sevier County, Tennessee. Relatively new, it was built in 2000 by two gentlemen working for the city of Pittman Center. As I looked at the image I captured I was transported to another, simpler time. A time when the gentle clip-clop of hooves replaced the roaring of engines and life moved at a gentler and more humane pace. This is the feeling I wanted to convey to those looking at my image. It’s more than a little ironic that I would use the latest of modern day cutting edge techniques and tools to transform an image into an instant “antique.” I hope, in viewing my image, you, too, will find yourself carried back to a time of peace and tranquility. If you would like to see more of my images, please visit my online gallery.     Visitor Comments... Name: Rick Rouse Town: Abingdon, VA Exceptionally well done Gordon - Love it!     Name: Alice Meeks Town: Fairbanks, AL What a great transformation Mr. Brugman. I have a painting on my wall that looks a LOT like this, but yours is a LOT better!!!     Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Masterful!!!!     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Excellent photo Gordon!! I really do like what you have done with this photo a lot. I would be interested in what you used and how you did it also! I have noticed with the photos that you post here that you are always trying new things and I think that is great!! I love the mood and the feel of this photo!! Great job.     Name: Felicia Bevins Town: Ritchie, AR This looks like it could have come right out of the 19th century. Great job Mr. Brugman!     Name: Winston Rockwell Town: Kirkland, WA Gordon, you've managed to take a relatively mundane subject and transform it into a work of art. The post-processing on this image is excellent, and conveys exactly that sense of history and age... and using a subject less than 10 years old in the bargain! Well done, sir!     Name: Lisa Cargille Town: Sierra Vista, AZ This photo belongs on a calendar. Truly great Mr. Brugman!     Name: Ed Morrison Town: Dunwoody, GA I like this picture a lot, and I too would love to know how it was created. Outstanding job on the conversion!   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"