Something tells me the postman doesn't stop by this post office too often these days. This is part of a new project I've assigned to myself to photograph stuff I find while traveling that is long past its heyday. I've always been fascinated by the almost-a-ghost-town of Cisco. I spent all day today wandering around Cisco and the Sego ghost town photographing the past.
1Ds MKII, 17-40mm lens, lots of processing in LR and PS CS2
I really like this, Bret. I've always thought of stopping to scout Cisco, but every time I pass through I'm in a rush to get to Moab. I like the BW conversion.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on March 7, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Did you get the impression that the natives are photographer friendly?
Yes, I wonder if they are!!! As tempted as I am to stop and photograph the old dilapidated buildings, I get the sense that I better just keep driving!
I really like this, Bret. The centering works great with the wood walkway and all of the fun debris all around. My wife and I drove through Cisco last night (to Moab) and she just said I didn't realize THAT was the post office. Sounds like a great self assignment!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on March 7, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Captures Cisco pretty well I'd say. The leaning telephone pole is particularly effective in conveying the nature of this town.
Bill, when I've driven through Cisco, I've always had the feeling that the natives are not visitor friendly period.
I've never had any problems with the natives. I talked to a very old man there once who was just hanging out on the porch of the Cisco general store (closed for business). He was quite pleasant and had a great sense of humor. However, I can't help but feel like someone is peering through a dirty window watching every move I make when I'm out walking around. I guess that's okay so long as they aren't peering through a rifle scope!
Posted by Guy Schmickle on March 7, 2008 at 12:01 PM
A cool shot and a great candidate for b&w. That's what my place is gonna look like if we get a couple more winters like this year!
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 7, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Looks great, Bret. I love the blue toning, and the "reaching out" effect of the wide-angle view. Very nice.
Like others have mentioned, I always think about stopping in Cisco on the way to Moab, but I always want to push on. I really like the feel you captured in this shot, Bret -- it captures the run down desperation of an almost ghost town perfectly. It should fit nicely in with the self assigned project and I'm looking forward to more from it.
Paul: Cisco is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it "town" between Moab and the I-70 on Scenic Byway 128. It orginally served as a water refilling station for the Denver & Rio Grande railway during a time when steam locomotives were still in use. When diesel trains took over, Cisco slowly faded away. Though the town isn't likely to see any new growth the oil and natural gas rigs around the area are going up at a record pace.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on March 8, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I like this photo very much. I would prefer if some (or most) of the sky was cropped, but that's a minor point. Thank you for sharing.
Discussion
17 replies1Ds MKII, 17-40mm lens, lots of processing in LR and PS CS2
Durango and Moab are just too expensive, so I think Cisco is due for a real estate boom.
I like your BW conversion.
While driving by, I noticed there appear to be some residents in Cisco.
Did you get the impression that the natives are photographer friendly?
Yes, I wonder if they are!!! As tempted as I am to stop and photograph the old dilapidated buildings, I get the sense that I better just keep driving!
Bill, when I've driven through Cisco, I've always had the feeling that the natives are not visitor friendly period.
Cynthia: I was using my 17-40mm lens at 17mm on a full frame DSLR.