Many of you probably know that I am really getting into photographing things of historical interest. I am especially enjoying images of antique machinery that I then exaggerate the detail in post. (The exaggerated detail I usually do through one of three methods; HDR, Nik Color Efex Pro’s detail extractor, or Nik Color Efex Pro’s tonal contrast.)

Well today I thought I’d tell you a bit about a location that had a lot to do with encouraging my enthusiasm in this realm of photography; Thompson Mills State Heritage Site.

This site is the oldest still standing grist mill in Oregon. It is near Shedd, Oregon, a farm community with other historic interest. The state has restored the site for educational purposes, and it is quite interesting. The site has examples of the machinery as well as a demonstration table of how flour is made and a demonstration area of how the mill was built.

I suggest you go. I think I’m going to make a return trip tomorrow.