Kelso

Black And White Photography, Emilio, Photography

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Please click on the image for a high res version.

One of the many ruins that dot the Mojave National Preserve. Situated close to the edge of a huge sandy area named the Devil’s Playground – dunes and salt flats that stretch over 40 miles and merge with several dry lake beds around Baker, CA. Kelso is a small settlement that looks as if it has been largely unchanged for many years. The town is built around a large Spanish-style building; formerly a railway depot. It now contains the Mojave National Preserve visitor center. Kelso once had a population of 2,000, and was at one time both an important railway stop, providing water for steam trains on the Los Angeles – Salt Lake City route, and a center for iron ore mining, but is now nearly empty.

Please visit Photos By Emilio for more of my work in color as well as black and white.

36 thoughts on “Kelso”

  1. Mark Kertesz Photography's avatar

    Awesome shot, it looks fantastic when enlarged to full screen. You’ve done a very nice job with the post processing it adds a great feel to the image. I have to admit I was really drawn in by the title, my dogs name is Kelso but he was named after a character in what was a popular sit com many years ago.

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    1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

      Yes, Kelso from That 70’s Show? But who really had a name like Kelso back then? I would love to see a shot of your dog Kelso anytime. In Monochromia, of course! Thank you for your compliment!

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  3. Stacy P. Fischer's avatar

    The processing you’ve chosen reminds me of the scene from “The Wizard of Oz” right before the twister hits the Gale farm (and I mean that as a compliment)! Great photo, Emilio – very dramatic, full of wonderful detail.

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    1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

      Thanks, Elina. I had it in color for the longest time but it did nothing for me. Then, because of Monochromia, I converted it. Now I love it.

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    1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

      Thanks, Sue. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite b&w shots! And to think it had some major problems that, as I became more familiar with Lightroom, I was able to fix!

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  9. kilted1's avatar

    Wow! The shots looks 3 dimentional on my screen Like I could step into the scene. It especially noticably by the tree. Great work. Full marks from the Norwegian jury :0)

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    1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

      Thank you Oh, Kilted One! Speaking of juries, I have to report for jury duty tomorrow. Most people do not like to serve, I think. I enjoy it. Thank you for letting me off on good behavior!

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        1. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

          I don’t even remember what filter I might have used. I just read recently that a photographer should carry around an idea book and jot down notes to yourself constantly. And it’s funny that, even though I have my phone always with me that has an app for notes, I still want a small book. And pencil. Not a pen, but a short stubby pencil!

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          1. allentimphotos2's avatar

            Yes, yes, YES! I’ve got a small spiral notebook in my shirt pocket. Pen in this case – I like the fine points you can get in art stores. Oh, I too have a smart phone with the notes apps. Too slow and small. Ugh. lol

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