Not just cabins here, the smaller ‘houses’ can be seen off to the side.

Several different monochrome methods were used here in finishing the photographs.


Indian Fields, South Carolina.
The first Masonic Lodge in North America, Lodge # 1, was in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston was still part of the American Colonies then.
Several of the old cemeteries here have sections own by the original Lodges.
Charleston has many old alleys running through town. Most date back to the original settlement, some are still cobblestone or ballast rock. Lodge Alley (home of Solomon’s Lodge #1) is one of them.
Every old town still trying to hang on has the ‘antique’ shops along Main Street. Some shops do have a few antiques, but for the most part they sell ‘stuff’. Anything that someone might buy.
The real treasures are the shops and buildings themselves. All are way past their prime but just exude character.
I think shooting here makes a photographer work hard for a decent image. It’s too easy to point and click.
But B&W shots here let us push the pure blacks, bright whites, and use shading to accent what we think is important in the shot.
Without ‘artsy’ talk… it lets me play with the end result, and use gear general left in the bag.
These are the types of rustic, antique looking shots I enjoy creating.
Monochrome’s are all about using the shade, textures, and shadows. Some photographers really pushed shadows in the Film Noir style. I love the style but lean more towards blending the light.
Over time I have created my own custom presets for both Lightroom and NIK Silver Efex. I use them as a starting point and it helps keep continuity if needed for an article.