Feeling Dated

It's been a long time since I have worked with Sepia-tone prints. Doing so and I get to re-live the beginnings of learning about graphic arts. Sepia was cool duotone effect using black and brown ink. The technique simulated the reddish tone of the sepia used in early photographic developer chemistries.

Here it is in 2024 and the effect still works and looks good. The shot is Main Street Melrose MA, and I shared a color version last December. Where it’s 500 AM and the streets are empty the date of the photo is only obvious if you know the stores. On the other hand, the Sepia-tone and it's antique effect is both appealing and challenges the viewer as to whether the print is current or out of the archives.

Melrose is an old town originally settled in 1628 by explorers. Melrose became part of Charleston in 1633.  In 1899 the city incorporated and became a city in 1900.  But the city has kept its charm with store fronts, signage, gas light style streetlamps etc.

Enjoy the image. Our recent newsletter has an article with technical and historic information about Sepia. To learn more about Sepia please visit our website and join our mailing list.

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