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Mixed Messages
2nd PlaceMixed Messages
kanaj


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Chaos IV (Standard Editing)
Collection: Portfolio
Camera: Canon PowerShot SX540 HS
Location: Round Top, Texas (USA)
Date: May 15, 2026
Aperture: 5.0
ISO: 80
Shutter: 1/202
Date Uploaded: May 19, 2026

 This challenge topic instantly made me think of this roadside junque shop, which in the off-season looks like a massive horde of curios. This is just one scene facing the road.

Decided to go for a recolored monochrome treatment to bring a little order to the chaos. The sheer volume of colors was a bit overwhelming even for my high tolerance of such things, and I think maybe the messages on the signs pop a little more this way.

Statistics
Place: 2 out of 34
Avg (all users): 6.9714
Avg (participants): 7.0870
Avg (non-participants): 6.7500
Views since voting: 46
Views during voting: 71
Votes: 35
Comments: 7
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 06/01/2026 09:15:43 AM
Great Capture and totally chaotic. Congratulations
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2026 06:57:38 AM
What a great find and your editing skills have brought out the essence of the challenge. Not to say that your composition is really interesting nonetheless!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/01/2026 03:11:15 AM
Originally posted by PennyStreet:
Here, we have the Cathedral of Junk. This brings back memories.


Oh, yes. I hadn't made the connection, but I definitely know the place. :-)
 06/01/2026 03:09:19 AM
Originally posted by primabarbara:
I'm just wondering, what the angel statue represents amongst all this traffic themed stuff.


Part of the chaos, to be sure. There are also dozens of those carved indigenous Americans like the one on the left of this frame among the various things assembled here. During the main spring and fall antique fairs near town, this place become a LOT tidier to get around, and the junque is a bit more categorically organized. But I think I like it better this way. :-)

Actually, there are miles of scenes not dissimilar to this between the various small towns in this part of rural Texas. The "destination antiquing" is such a phenomenon that you have everything from chaotic seasonal junque shops like this to curated year-round "boho chic" shops with private chefs and wine bars. My favorites are the ones that feel like they were dropped in place by a tornado.
 06/01/2026 02:25:33 AM
Hey - The K Family takes the top spots! That's so amazing!
I loved this chaos—this place is definitely a true treasure trove for photographers. The bw treatmeant was definitely the right choice!
I'm just wondering, what the angel statue represents amongst all this traffic themed stuff.

Message edited by author 2026-06-01 02:43:20.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
05/31/2026 11:48:00 AM
Here, we have the Cathedral of Junk. This brings back memories.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/28/2026 12:51:02 PM
Composition: 6
Technical: 7
Creativity: 8
Appeal: 8
Challenge: 9
Overall Calculated Average Score: 8
Signs ♫
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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