For some, Route 66 is just a road sign. However, for millions of Americans it is the Main Street of America, a legend, the symbol of freedom, blue skies and the culture of the open road.
The purpose of Route 66 was to provide a way for those “Going West,” especially in the 1930s. Along with its popularity, many businesses and communities were created to serve those on the move.
Route 66 spans eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica in California. We only drove a tiny portion of this historic route to get a sense of what we had got ourselves into. Our interest is always in what is forgotten and abandoned so we decided to leave areas close to Santa Barbara, California, for the next time. While exploring Route 66 it is important to distinguish real history from commercial ventures that attach themselves to the legend of this incredible road.
As we said, we visited only a few places. We found some areas of Route 66 closed, with many historical sights in really bad shape. The distance between marked attractions and the condition of some sections of Route 66 made it difficult to explore in such a short time. We will certainly organize a trip dedicated to exploring this fascinating road in the future.
Here are a few images we were able to capture (Classic Chrome film simulation), all taken with the Fuji X100T, X-T1 paired with the XF 14mm F2.8.
2015 © Olaf & Kasia Sztaba Photography. All rights reserved.
Great photos, as usual. I love that Chrome simulation but haven’t yet found the right subject to use it on. I guess I’ll have to go for a walk soon. Thanks for the incentive!
Lseco,
We like Classic Chrome a lot but you are right – you need the right subject to use this simulation.
Thanks for visiting.
Olaf
Hi Olaf, amazing photos, per usual! I was first drawn to your blog via your posts on the ghost towns in Canada and I even went to a couple (Antelope and Shaniko, Oregon) in the US because I read about your trip there (alas, my photos are nowhere as evocative as yours, even though we were shooting the same locations!). Classic Chrome is perfect for this occasion.
Anyway, could you share your workflow regarding RAW processing? Are these all SOOC images? Or JPEG with slight adjustments? I shoot RAW only with X-T1, import RAFs to Lightroom, then export them to Iridient for raw processing, and then export the TIFF back to LR for other adjustments and cataloging. I can’t find a way to apply the Classic Chrome simulation provided by LR when I do it this way, as the TIFF is from Iridient. Does it mean if I want a CC look, I will have to either 1) shoot JPEG, or 2) use LR for RAW processing instead of Iridient so I can use the CC profile embedded in LR? Thanks for any tips!
Hi,
Thank you for your kind comments.
The latest version of LR is doing much better job with the X-Trans files. I would use LR for RAW processing if you want to apply a CC film simulation. Then we usually play a little bit with Curves to add some contrast and increase Clarity +20.
Also, while sharpening in LR, don’t be afraid to be generous with the Details slider (you can even go full 100%).
If you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
All the best,
Olaf
Reblogged this on Nevada State Personnel Watch.
Stop into Joshua Tree while there?
Charles,
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time for that. We will do it next time.
All the best,
Olaf
Great set of images!
Doug,
Thanks for stopping by.
Olaf
beautiful photos and a great route to travel by the looks. Don’t forget too – great song – get my kicks on route 66…… 🙂
Funny you mentioned this song… we though to write about it…
Thanks for you kind words.
Olaf
Beutiful!!!!!
Thanks.
Olaf