There’s something timeless and captivating about the stories of the West. The tales of outlaws and cowboys have always held a special place in my heart, and I recently had the opportunity to immerse myself in this rich history by visiting Tombstone, Arizona – the legendary site of the OK Corral.

A Love for the West

My fascination with the West isn't just about the historical facts; it’s about the grit, the untamed spirit, and the larger-than-life characters who shaped this iconic era. From the daring escapades of outlaws to the heroic stands of cowboys, these stories have fueled my imagination and inspired my trip to Tombstone.

Capturing the Authentic and the Theatrical

Certain places like the Bird Cage Theatre remained untouched, allowing me to literally walk on the same floors as the legends from the Corral and belly up to the same bar as Doc Holliday. The Bird Cage Theatre, in particular, was the highlight of my visit due to its authenticity. However, much of the town had a tourist feel that didn't fully capture the charm of the old West. Even the Bird Cage, with its historical significance, had numerous signs on the front that detracted from its authenticity.

The OK Corral, the site of the infamous gunfight immortalized in countless books and movies, was another key location. The show itself was more comedic than dramatic, which wound up being a bit corny but entertaining.

Despite the theatrical nature of the setting, I was able to capture the essence of the characters in my photos. The actors themselves resembled the look we have become familiar with in movies, and their costumes recreated that rugged, authentic feel, even though the set was more theatrical. I aimed to give the images a more cinematic feel with some post color grading.

The Power of Black and White

While color can add depth and vibrancy, I have a love and affinity for black and white photography. The stark contrasts and the play of light and shadow bring out the raw emotion and timeless quality of the scenes. Some of my favorite shots from the OK Corral are in black and white, where the absence of color intensifies the drama and transports you to a bygone era.

Overall, visiting Tombstone and the OK Corral was a fun experience. There were a few spots marked where legends were gunned down, adding to the mystique of the place. I would have loved to spend more time there, really taking it all in. Through my images, I hope to share a glimpse of the theater and charm of the OK Corral gunfight.