Rock Hill Chop Suey

Posted on July 12, 2012 by spilledinkguy

Holy moly… I’ve been gifted a smart-ish phone! Pretty much all I did to the above in Photoshop was to airbrush a few things out… the rest was all done in-phone. Wild. If only I could figure out how to make a phone call.

Steve Zissou: “I’m on the echo box. Push the red button to answer.”

– Bill Murray – The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

(I’ll label any photos taken and/or edited via phone in the ‘About this image’ info at the end of my posts… just in case anyone is curious.)

About this image: digital photograph taken and modified with smart phone (minimally re-touched in Photoshop)

77 thoughts on “Rock Hill Chop Suey”

Annabelle on July 12, 2012 at 12:27 am said:

This photo is great for so many reasons! The street photography aspect of it is fun (with your stealthy new phone camera)! The colors really capture the mood and give it a grungy feel. I’ve always loved that sign. Talk about retro! I don’t know if I’ll ever be brave enough to eat here, but I’ve always enjoyed driving by… and I love your image!

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- Laura on July 12, 2012 at 1:47 am said:
  
  Awww — I was going to ask how the food was.
  
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  - spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 8:06 am said:
    
    *burp*
    Uh. Let me get back to you on that.
    🙂
    
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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 8:00 am said:
  
  Thank you very much, Annabelle! I agree! I think the best parts about using the phone camera are: 1) ‘always’ having it with you, 2) its stealthiness compared to a DSLR, etc. and 3) less to think about re: settings, controls, etc. (although that last one can also be a huge disadvantage, too… depending on the situation.
  Hahaha… agreed again! Fortune cookie?!
  🙂
  
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- bearmancartoons on July 12, 2012 at 10:31 am said:
  
  Cmon Annabelle…I was counting on you to do the deed and be brave.
  
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  - spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 10:48 am said:
    
    She is braver than I am… so…
    🙂
    
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    - bearmancartoons on July 12, 2012 at 10:53 am said:
      
      I know. That is why I said I was counting on her instead of her wussy husband.
      
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      - spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 10:55 am said:
        
        HA!
        *snort*
        🙂
The Bumble Files on July 12, 2012 at 12:32 am said:

Amazing. I love the coloring. It’s amazing what you can do with the smart-ish phones these days, isn’t it? That’s so funny I was just writing a post about my dumb phone.

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 8:03 am said:
  
  I know, right?! So cool what these things will do! I did add a faint bit of yellow in PS, but 95% of the processing was filtered in with a handful of clicks… I didn’t know weather to laugh or cry, really.
  🙂
  
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nonoymanga on July 12, 2012 at 12:33 am said:

Lovely photo, it’s like going back in time!!! Cheers Nonoy Manga

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 8:04 am said:
  
  Thanks so much! I was hoping it would feel that way… I removed a few more modern elements in the hopes it would seem like it could be an older image, so it’s very nice to hear you say that!
  🙂
  
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pattisj on July 12, 2012 at 1:17 am said:

My phone is smarter than me. I’m trying to catch up. Don’t push the red button! Great shot!

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 8:05 am said:
  
  HA! Mine, too, Patti! Mine too! It usually takes me about half an hour just to figure out which side of my phone is the speaker…
  hello? Hello?
  🙂
  
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Verena Fischer on July 12, 2012 at 8:39 am said:

Very cool that your phone can just do that out of the box. Mine is old and stupid. I guess I tend to invest my money in camera equipment instead of phones 🙂

About the red button: One of my friends once wrote a fantastic article about his temptation to push the big red “ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES” button in a recording studio. He’s a musician, so he gets that temptation a lot. Oh, on that subject: http://experimentsinexperience.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/temptation/
Maybe you know it already 😉

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 9:47 am said:
  
  To tell you the truth I’ve never had a phone like this (and – long story – it was ‘free’ with a contract that needed to be renewed, etc. and gifted to me… one of those things that’s really nice to have but that I never would have bought on my own). So, I definitely understand (and agree) with what you’re saying. Still an awful lot of fun, though… I’m sure not going to complain about it!
  I do indeed remember that image, Ms. F! I love it! Except it always messes up my computer screen… not that it would tempt me into pushing on my monitor, or anything silly like that… really. Honest. 😉
  
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cocomino on July 12, 2012 at 9:16 am said:

The letters look Chinese. The combination between eastern and western culture is cool.

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 9:43 am said:
  
  Thanks so much, sir!
  I think it is, indeed Chinese. I’ve never eaten at this particular restaurant (and I’m not even sure if it’s still in business – it seems empty every time I’ve been by there), but I always thought it would make an interesting photograph. And I finally had a camera with me to try that out!
  🙂
  
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Patti Kuche on July 12, 2012 at 9:56 am said:

No stopping you now! You will know you’re in trouble when you are using the camera, the phone rings and you ignore the call . . . Such a neat Chop Suey shot SiG!

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 10:49 am said:
  
  Hahaha… I can see that happening to me, Ms. K! I’ve got a good excuse planned, though… since it will probably take another 6 months or so to learn how to actually answer my phone!
  🙂
  
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Madame Weebles on July 12, 2012 at 10:25 am said:

It’s so nice that you went back to 1972 just to take this photo for us. Nice job!!

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 10:50 am said:
  
  And boy… are my arms tired!
  Thank you very much, Madame!
  🙂
  
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Lenore Diane on July 12, 2012 at 11:04 am said:

“If only I could figure out how to make a phone call.”
Hahahahaha! You slay me, SIG.
So, you snapped this shot with your smart-ish phone? Nicely done, Mr. SIG. Nicely done.

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 6:36 pm said:
  
  Hahaha… it would be even funnier if there wasn’t so much truth in it, Ms. D!
  Indeed! It’s one of those things I’m simultaneously thrilled about and a bit dismayed by at the very same time.
  🙂
  
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Deb on July 12, 2012 at 12:00 pm said:

Excellent work, as always Bob! 🙂 Love the sign, but I don’t think I’d trust the food…just a feeling though. 😉
Hugs xx

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 6:35 pm said:
  
  Why, thank you!
  Hahaha… always trust your gut, Deb (especially if you fear for it)!
  🙂
  
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frizztext (@frizztext) on July 12, 2012 at 12:14 pm said:

I like the vintage flair (by photoshop) …

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 6:34 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Frizz!
  🙂
  
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  - frizztext on July 22, 2012 at 3:45 am said:
    
    I hope your internet connection recovers …
    
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    - spilledinkguy on August 13, 2012 at 9:15 am said:
      
      The recovery is a bit slower than expected, Frizz…
      although… you probably expected that.
      🙂
      
      Reply ↓
milkayphoto on July 12, 2012 at 2:09 pm said:

I must admit I have mixed feelings. One, I do like the photo. Two, however, I am dismayed that once can achieve that with a SmartPhone. What is to become of us SLR photogs?? Sigh. The end of the world as I know it….

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 6:33 pm said:
  
  I feel the same way, M.P.
  On the one hand a tool is a tool is a tool (I’m sure the initial advent of photography made quite a few painters feel the same way). I am happy that it’s become easier for people to express themselves… a very good thing, I think. AND I know some very talented folks who I would classify as photographers first who choose to work with a phone camera (as opposed to folks who use a phone camera just because they happen to have a phone camera).
  On the other hand… it’s a bit disheartening you can virtually hold your phone behind you, take a photo (without even looking what you’re shooting), and then (in a matter of seconds) throw a few filters at an image and, really, be guaranteed something decent.
  I’d say that trend extends beyond photography, too, really. In the digital age there seems to be two camps… those who appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating and those who literally aren’t impressed by anything (since ‘all I have to do is Google a subject and I’m flooded with instant ‘results’ – right)?!
  I don’t know… it’s a dilemma.
  🙂
  
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  - milkayphoto on July 13, 2012 at 8:58 am said:
    
    You make very good points, Sig. Yes, a dilemma indeed.
    
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    - spilledinkguy on July 13, 2012 at 9:40 pm said:
      
      Agreed!
      🙂
      
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pegoleg on July 12, 2012 at 3:41 pm said:

Can I have a couple of egg rolls with that?

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 6:22 pm said:
  
  Good thing you asked, Peg…
  I’d eaten all but one of them (I’ll do my best to save it for you… although it’s starting to look better and better by the minute)!
  🙂
  
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  - pegoleg on July 13, 2012 at 12:53 pm said:
    
    I’m serious, SIG. I’m eating a Lean Gourmet frozen chow mein dinner at my desk right now (that’s the $1 version that makes Lean Cuisine look like haute cuisine) and I’d probably KILL for some real food.
    
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    - spilledinkguy on July 13, 2012 at 9:39 pm said:
      
      Ha! Hey… I’ll trade you my snack pack for… er… on second thought… um… never mind…
      (sorry Peg… I’ve been there)!
      🙂
      
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Friggin Loon on July 12, 2012 at 5:04 pm said:

and you can use the phone to make a booking too 🙂

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- spilledinkguy on July 12, 2012 at 6:21 pm said:
  
  In theory…
  What button turns this thing on again? I’m pretty sure it’s this one… no, no, wait…
  🙂
  
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Androgoth on July 12, 2012 at 6:44 pm said:

Hey you should show both sometimes,
a sort of before and after sort of thing 🙂
I like this one though… Now where are
our chicken and pineapple surprises? 🙂

Have a great evening SIG 🙂

Androgoth

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- spilledinkguy on July 13, 2012 at 9:45 pm said:
  
  A very good idea!
  That would be kind of fun… especially with some of the ones I completely make-over (except it might also be a bit embarrassing for everyone to see some of the stuff ‘as-shot’… it’s not always very pretty)!
  Hahaha… they never tell me these things, A.G… I’m just the dishwasher, you know.
  I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Andro!
  🙂
  
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Binky on July 12, 2012 at 9:33 pm said:

Has such a nice retro feel to it. But camera phones weren’t available back then. . .

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- spilledinkguy on July 13, 2012 at 9:43 pm said:
  
  It’s wild what those things can do, isn’t it?!
  Hahaha… True! Although I think I had a telegraph that… no, wait… I’m just having one of my old guy ‘spells’ again…
  🙂
  
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Jackie Cangro on July 12, 2012 at 10:27 pm said:

I got a smart phone just a few months ago. My old phone was like a Camry and the new one is like a Ferrari!
Can’t wait to see all the photos you’ll take with your new phone. Enjoy!

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- spilledinkguy on July 13, 2012 at 9:40 pm said:
  
  I’m pretty sure my old phone ran on steam.
  But then, I probably shouldn’t talk, because I’m fairly certain that I do, too.
  🙂
  
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Syncopated Eyeball on July 13, 2012 at 4:57 pm said:

I really like the colours, the type faces and the simplicity of this Robert. Nice one.

(Psst! I think I’ll be back on my blog in August. I think.)

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- spilledinkguy on July 13, 2012 at 9:37 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much, S.E! I had been by this place a few times (and the signage always caught my eye), but it was one of those things where I just never seemed to have my camera with me… so I was very happy to finally get a shot!
  Looking forward to it, S.E.! Thanks so much for the heads-up (I feel a bit better now, too – when someone who sticks as closely to a regular posting schedule disappears I get kinda bummed out – and nervous)!
  🙂
  
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Jeremy on July 13, 2012 at 9:05 pm said:

Hey can I get the german shepard chicken and the fried lice?

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- spilledinkguy on July 13, 2012 at 9:32 pm said:
  
  Ah, yes… the blue ribbon special!
  Coming right up, J.B.!
  🙂
  
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ristinw on July 14, 2012 at 10:11 am said:

I like the strong strokes in this image! 😀

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- spilledinkguy on July 14, 2012 at 10:40 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Cristina! I’ve always thought this was such an interesting place (I love the sign)…
  I was happy to finally have the chance to take a photograph!
  🙂
  
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Androgoth on July 14, 2012 at 6:51 pm said:

Just calling in for another look at this one SIG 🙂
Hope your weekend is rocking along very nicely 🙂

Androgoth

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- spilledinkguy on July 14, 2012 at 10:41 pm said:
  
  Not too bad for the most part, Andro… so far, anyway!
  Thank you so much, my friend! I hope you hare having a wonderful weekend as well!
  🙂
  
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nigel on July 15, 2012 at 12:52 pm said:

would eat there… I do like the look of this photo… nice tone to it.

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- spilledinkguy on July 21, 2012 at 10:06 am said:
  
  Thanks much, Nigel!
  It’s pretty crazy the kind of results you can get from a point-and-shoot camera / processor these days…
  I love it and fear it at the same time!
  🙂
  
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Red on July 16, 2012 at 12:14 am said:

Love this one. There is a Rock Hill (not chop suey) not all that far from here. The sign is seriously cool, but I think I am with you and Annabelle. Not much chance I would venture fighting the residents for a bite.
Red.

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- spilledinkguy on July 21, 2012 at 10:05 am said:
  
  Thanks very much, Red!
  I’m from Eastern ND so I’m still trying to figure out all these wild ‘hills’!
  But… I brought you some rangoons!
  🙂
  
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Sabina Brave on July 16, 2012 at 12:55 pm said:

I can’t take pictures, so maybe such phone could help? 😉

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- spilledinkguy on July 21, 2012 at 9:56 am said:
  
  Aw, I’ve seen some very nice photos of your garden etc. on you blog, Ms. B…
  you are being far too modest!
  🙂
  
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Derrick Birdsall on July 16, 2012 at 2:45 pm said:

retro-fabulous!

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- spilledinkguy on July 21, 2012 at 9:52 am said:
  
  Many thanks, Mr. B!
  (that’s what the minimal Photoshop work was about… removing some contemporary ‘stuff’… everything else seemed pretty convincing straight out of the phone… didn’t know weather to laugh or cry)!
  🙂
  
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  - Derrick Birdsall on July 22, 2012 at 8:56 pm said:
    
    do both! Why pick?
    
    Reply ↓
    - spilledinkguy on August 13, 2012 at 9:31 am said:
      
      That’s kinda’ what I’m thinking, too, Mr. B…
      seems like a tool is a tool (sometimes it works perfectly on it’s own, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be getting out / breaking stuff with the B.F.H, too)!
      🙂
      
      Reply ↓
Blunt Delivery (@bluntdelivery) on July 17, 2012 at 10:44 pm said:

LOVE LOVE LOVE.

miss you!!!! ah, summer gets the best of us. this pic makes me wanna road trip!

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- spilledinkguy on July 21, 2012 at 9:43 am said:
  
  Thanks so much, B.D!
  Aw, shucks! That’s what a lot of people think at first… until they realize how much more peaceful it is when I’m offline!
  🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Tony McGurk on July 18, 2012 at 3:53 pm said:

Shouldn’t that be Shop Suey??? A bloke at work was showing me all the great features of his new android mart phone. Pretty impressive. Then I asked him “So does it make phone calls?” It took him a while to work out where to find the number dialler as he hadn’t made a phone call since he’d got it a few days before.

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- spilledinkguy on July 21, 2012 at 9:40 am said:
  
  I’d laugh, Tony… but I was literally the same way… it was embarrassing! At first it didn’t seem very intuitive, but after some messing around I think I’m finally able to turn my phone on now… so… that’s a start… right?!
  🙂
  
  Reply ↓
  - Tony McGurk on July 22, 2012 at 6:58 am said:
    
    Right. A start is always the best way to start
    
    Reply ↓
Unapologetically Mundane on July 18, 2012 at 4:26 pm said:

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I am going to cryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Although if anyone can do Instagram, it’s you.

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- spilledinkguy on July 21, 2012 at 9:38 am said:
  
  Cheer-up, U.M… (I’ll let you know which posts I’ve shot how down at the bottom so you know when to start throwing tomatoes…)
  🙂
  
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jakesprinter on July 21, 2012 at 6:31 pm said:

Great work Bob , This post is amazing 🙂

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- spilledinkguy on August 13, 2012 at 9:18 am said:
  
  Why, thank you, Jake!
  I sincerely appreciate that, sir!
  🙂
  
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marina on July 21, 2012 at 7:35 pm said:

hey, this shot is great! are you reading this on your phone? 🙂

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- spilledinkguy on August 13, 2012 at 9:17 am said:
  
  Thanks so much!!!
  I probably should be reading it on my phone… but I’m still working on the first few buttons! Maybe this one… no… no… wait… this one… no…
  🙂
  
  Reply ↓
elmediat on July 28, 2012 at 10:20 pm said:

Well done ! If you have trouble phoning there is an app for that.

Historian: “Now this is an old dial phone. The hand receiver is attached to the cord and the phone is mounted to the wall line. There is no speaker, mute. screen, texting, camera or video, games etc..
Student: “What makes it a phone ?”
-CBC Radio Comedy Sketch

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- spilledinkguy on August 13, 2012 at 8:57 am said:
  
  HA! I might have to ‘phone a friend’ for instructions on how to use that app… or… you know… send an e-mail.
  Hilarious! I’m pretty sure the phones I grew up with would be considered a few steps closer to telegraphs at this point!
  🙂
  
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