At sunset today, took a picture of a train. Cloudy, flat light, almost no color, totally boring. But, going with the old depression-era saying 'waste not, want not', I put it into my Xara art program, cranked up the contrast, added a faux postmark, some 1940s style text, and... a signature. Because signatures add an intangible value, and that horrible snapshot becomes... art! Must get a beret to replace my New York Mets baseball cap.

[Kerrowdown]

Because signatures add an intangible value, and that horrible snapshot becomes... art!

So that's where I've been going wrong all these years.

[jon404]

@kerrowdown -- yes, a signature... and as much meaningless text as you can add to the image without throwing up, and then about three pages of critical analysis that you can tack on the wall next to the picture at your next gallery show. There's money in them thar hills!

[Kerrowdown]

as much meaningless text as you can add to the image without throwing up

And I thought I could be a bit cynical at times...

Good to know it's not just me then.

[daacon]

haha yes great idea - signature, text , call it art and also make sure to include 'limited or one of kind' ........

[jon404]

You bet! Artist's Print Limited Edition, No. 345 of 4500... personally enhanced by Jonathon Donahue with [insert adjective] HDR! Which actually does help. I could get carried away with this... HDR is a kick on B&W! See second pic below. Possibilities!