What’s your Google+ ID?
I’ve really been enjoying Google+ since the beta version came out. It is like the best of flickr, facebook and twitter all in one easy to use format. I have to say I like it better than all the other social media networking platforms and it is especially great for photographers. If you have google+, please put your ID in the comments so that I and other readers can circle you. You can find me here: http://gplus.to/annemckinnell
And, if you are wondering how you get a cool URL for your ID like mine rather than using the long number that google gives you, first go to your google+ home page. In the address bar, copy that really long number. Then go to http://gplus.to and enter your number and the name you want to use to get a friendly URL.
Finally, if you want to get in on the Google+ fun and haven’t been invited to play (it’s still by invitation only) let me know in the comments and I’ll send you an invite.
Now, on to the Ghost Car…
On our way to Badlands National Park, we were going down the road from the campsite when I spotted this abandoned car in a farmer’s field. It was on the opposite side of the road and we zipped right past it. I said to Ray “we have to come back for that car! The light will be better later anyway.”
We visited the famous “Wall Drug” in Wall, South Dakota, which was super cheesy. I’ve seen that place listed on some people’s “must-see” list and I can tell you, just take it off your list, ok? Unless you really are into riding a giant jack-a-lope. Ray seemed to enjoy it. Yes, he made me take his picture on the jack-a-lope and no, I’m not going to show it to you.
I did enjoy seeing a wall covered in historical photographs and newpaper articles, that part was very interesting.
On the way home I fell asleep in the truck. When we came to a stop, I expected to be at the campsite but we were on the side of the road. “What’s happening?” I mumbled sleepily. Ray said “there’s your car.” I was so excited, I had forgotten all about it and, although it didn’t look that great in real life, I just knew I could make something out of it.
I made this image using a single hand-held exposure and processed it using Topaz Adjust.
Great shot Anne. I haven’t found my ghost car yet but hope to in my travels. Thanks for the tip on the Google+ url. I too seem to be moving away from Flickr and Facebook to Google+ and 500px.
Thanks Len. Once you start keeping your eye out for “ghost cars” you will see them more and more often. There seem to be lots of ghost tractors around too as I’m driving through the farms in the USA. I’ll have to stop for one of those.
I got a chuckle out of your Wall Drug comments. I’ve been there and would like to go back with a camera. It is pretty cheesy but a unique place as well for that reason.
Here’s my Google+ though I’m already following you:
https://plus.google.com/103423025783649000949/
Thanks Richard, I have circled you on G+ too. Wall Drug is unique, I’ll give it that.
Who doesn’t love a giant jack-a-lope? Probably get more tourists with cheese than with some other sort of attraction. I like that car though, too bad its just rotting in a field.
Already circled you on G+ but I can be found here if anyone else is interested: http://gplus.to/michaelrussell
I think everyone there loved the giant jack-a-lope while I was rolling my eyes 🙂 Rotting cars in fields make great photos! I have circled you on G+ too. Thanks Michael.
Google+ states that it is temporarily oversubscribed (in UK at least) but agree that it looks better than all the other social media. I follow you on my commute to work in Nottingham everyday and then home again at night and you keep me entertained and informed. Love the ghost car and Topaz adjust looks easier than wrestling with the photomatix aperture plugin – might invest.
Thanks Robert, I really appreciate your following the blog! About Topaz Adjust – yes! Well worth the money. It is my favourite plug-in. In fact lots of times when I have taken brackets for HDR, I end up using the middle bracket and topaz adjust and like the outcome more. Different tools work for different scenes, but topaz adjust has lots of options and it is so easy to use and fairly cheap too. I highly recommend it.
I wholeheartedly 2nd the Topaz comment!! After years of beta testing for various softwares, I now live in the various Topaz plugins. (all that learning wasted….!)
Hi Brian, thanks for the visit. I don’t think learning is ever wasted. It can be time consuming to learn software but the more you do it the faster you get at it and evaluating new software becomes easier. I have just started using Nik Color Efex Pro and like it very much as well.
Good eye catching this beauty along the roadside! I’ve seen pictures from Wall Drug but I’ve never been there. I’ve talked to people who have though and it sounds about like you’ve described it!
We’re already mutually circled but here’s my ID for anyone else who’s interested: http://gplus.to/curtfleenor
Thank you very much Curt! Now I’m keeping my eye out for more “roadside attractions”, but I tend more towards the run down vehicles than tourist attractions!
Hi Anne,
I’m another armchair traveler enjoying seeing America through your lens. Thanks for the photos and commentary and for the offer of a Google+ invite 🙂
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining me 🙂 I just sent you a google+ invitation, looking forward to seeing you there.