Flatiron Building, NYC - Old Photo Effect

[Pierre81385]

Here is a photo I took the other day when I was in the city. I was limited by the fact I had only one lens on me at the time (85mm). I used selective gaussian blur, darkened the lower portion of the photo, and made adjustments in curves to achieve this effect. How did I do? Does this photo look like it was taken yesterday or several years ago? How could I improve this? I would say I've never altered a photo in quite this way so I'd like to hear opinions.



Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 5D
Shutter Speed: 1/4096 second
F Number: F/1.2
Focal Length: 85 mm
ISO Speed: 50
Date Picture Taken: Nov 11, 2008, 5:02:44 AM

[OsmosisStudios]

Interesting effect!

[ali1977]

I think it looks amazing! I wish I knew how to do what you did, cuz this is awesome!

[fletch]

I think you got the old effect in the top of the building and the background spot on. The gausian blur is really distracting and un natural though. Natural DoF would not give this effect so it ends up looking computerised which detracts from the old look.

[Pierre81385]

Originally Posted by fletch

I think you got the old effect in the top of the building and the background spot on. The gausian blur is really distracting and un natural though. Natural DoF would not give this effect so it ends up looking computerised which detracts from the old look.

Too true with the DoF comment. I have heard that tilt shift lenses would make this effect possible naturally... I think I should try some sort of other transition to mask the bottom rather than gaussian blur. Thanks for your critique!

[fletch]

Originally Posted by Pierre81385

I think I should try some sort of other transition to mask the bottom rather than gaussian blur.

Whats wrong with the bottom? Why not just leave it so it matches the top of the photo.

[Pierre81385]

Originally Posted by fletch

Whats wrong with the bottom? Why not just leave it so it matches the top of the photo.

Ah, good question. Well I was trying to hide the many things at the bottom that give away that this photo was taken yesterday, like ads from Sprint, modern taxis, electronic billboards, etc. I felt their inclusion wasn't great for the old feel I was trying for here.

[fletch]

Try leaving them in. When they go through processing they may look old as well. I doubt the was ever a time when you couldn't see advertising in New York! Failing that you could clone or crop them out. Hiding them just looks a bit obviously modern and computerized.

[Mr Guy]

I'd try leaving them in, but if you don't like them, try burning them out so it's a sky line silhouette with the bright main building.

[hugy789]

i really like this effect on your skill is spot on, however the blue corners are distracting and the gaussian blur looks like your len's corner sharpness.