I made this photo to look like it was taken decades ago, but in reality, I took it in Tombstone earlier this year.
Modern-day Tombstone is a bit of a tourist trap. Almost every storefront is some variation of a gift shop. Some time ago they moved the O.K. Corral multiple city blocks to be closer to said shops. And then there’s the somewhat cheesy re-enactment of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral that happens three times a day.
I wouldn’t say I love it, but that’s also just my opinion. And regardless, I do think its worth a visit. There aren’t many places you can get this kind of taste of the Old West, even if its been doctored up a bit.
The men in the photos are gunfight re-enactors, going by the moniker “The O.K. Corral Boys”. And if any of them happen to read this, I hope they won’t take offensive to my “somewhat cheesy” comment. That’s the nature of historic re-enactments — again, just my opinion — and I really like their look and period-appropriate attire.
In between gunfights, they hang around on historic Allen Street, which remains unpaved and is closed to car traffic for three blocks. That’s where I snapped this candid photo. I like how it seems natural, like a bunch of ruffians actually milling around outside a saloon in 1880s Tombstone.
A sunny but cool day in January, it was a rare time when the few trees lining the streets stand bare, leaving the color palette as browns and grays with a few touches of blue. Standing there in person with a bunch of tourist walking in and out of gift shops, it feels a bit Disney-fied, but snapping the right photo at the right angle can take you on a time warp. Is it going to far to say à la Back to the Future Part 3?
I did have to photoshop a few tourists out of the background, however! Just a little photo magic, baby.
That’s today Daily Dose! And don’t be afraid to let me know what you might like to see here in the future.
Adios,
-Jake
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