Old Texaco Station (photojournalism project)

Took a drive the other night to photograph an old Texaco station in a small town outside Houston. I've never actively thought to try a phtojournalism-type shoot, but mid-way through this one, enjoyed trying to capture an image that tells a story of decay. Lemme know any pointers or suggestions as I'll probably go back and try again some time.

1) 82 mm-ISO 400-1-800 sec at f - 5.0

Decay?? I thought that was what all filling stations in east Texas looked like.

In my opinion, when you go out to shoot a story (photo journalism), think about the story first. Decay isn't enough. Think it through. Then look for shots that tell that story. When shooting, don't abandon good basic photography (composition, focus, subject, etc.). The only time you can get away with tilted horizons and out-of-focus subjects is if you are under stress and are in the process of diving for a hole. That old gas station doesn't produce much stress.

Here's part of a possible story. The federal underground storage tank (UST) regulations that came out in 1988 gave owners 10 years to upgrade their bare steel tanks with corrosion prevention, overfill protection and something else (it's been a long time), or remove them. I'm asking myself, why are those pumps still there. If the two USTs (as evident from the two vent pipes in your first photo and two pumps) had been removed, the pumps would also likely be removed. How many abandoned USTs are still out there. Have they leaked. Have they contaminated anyone drinking water.

P.S. I bet that sign is worth a pretty penny.

Jon Clemens wrote in post #17154270
Decay?? I thought that was what all filling stations in east Texas looked like.

In my opinion, when you go out to shoot a story (photo journalism), think about the story first. Decay isn't enough. Think it through. Then look for shots that tell that story. When shooting, don't abandon good basic photography (composition, focus, subject, etc.). The only time you can get away with tilted horizons and out-of-focus subjects is if you are under stress and are in the process of diving for a hole. That old gas station doesn't produce much stress.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #17154295
Here's part of a possible story. The federal underground storage tank (UST) regulations that came out in 1988 gave owners 10 years to upgrade their bare steel tanks with corrosion prevention, overfill protection and something else (it's been a long time), or remove them. I'm asking myself, why are those pumps still there. If the two USTs (as evident from the two vent pipes in your first photo and two pumps) had been removed, the pumps would also likely be removed. How many abandoned USTs are still out there. Have they leaked. Have they contaminated anyone drinking water.

P.S. I bet that sign is worth a pretty penny.

Awesome comments, guys, and thanks for the time and effort. I really appreciate it. Every now-and-again I get a tiny glimpse of the power we hold behind the camera. It's pretty cool. Later,

I really like the second image. Nice work!

Bryan

Glimmerman,

I am by no means an expert but here are a few of my thoughts, intended as constructive criticism.

As John said "don't abandon good basic photography" For example in 3 the line of the curb takes my eye away from, not to, the Texaco sign. Also the log is front and center it has taken over the shot.

In 2 the bright pale sky and the somewhat dark building make for an harsh transition that takes away the emphasis of the Texaco sign. Go back to the location and try at a different time of day. You could also balance the light and dark areas with post processing

In 1 the sign should be the focus, and the edge of the building less so. The busy metal hardware sticking out towards the center of the shot confuses the viewer's eye. Also the way the sign and the edge of the building are not are not paralle unballance the shot. The tall straight sign post matched with the edge of the building and the two grey pipes on the building all set in parallel might be better composition.

Good luck on your project

Why is this in Nature & Landscapes? I don't think that's quite appropriate. Should probably go in Urban Life & Travel if anything.

Numenorean wrote in post #17163676
Why is this in Nature & Landscapes? I don't think that's quite appropriate. Should probably go in Urban Life & Travel if anything.

Yep.

Based on the OP's reply above, I believe he couldn't care less if it were deleted entirely.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #17163927
Based on the OP's reply above, I believe he couldn't care less if it were deleted entirely.

Your reading sarcasm maybe? I honestly don't see it. I saw a clear thank you. What did I miss?

Funny how the whole thread was very constructive until someone decided to play mod rather report it's being misplaced, had to post a blunt comment. From that point on all replies turned negative. Brought the whole thread down.

Pied piper effect?

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #17164185
Your reading sarcasm maybe? I honestly don't see it. I saw a clear thank you. What did I miss?

Funny how the whole thread was very constructive until someone decided to play mod rather report it's being misplaced, had to post a blunt comment. From that point on all replies turned negative. Brought the whole thread down.

Pied piper effect?

I could be wrong. My apologize to OP if I am.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #17164215
I could be wrong. My apologize to OP if I am.

Grossly wrong, in fact.

Would it help if I typed slower? <-- that's sarcasm.
Thanks for destroying my post. <-- that's sarcasm.

Awesome comments, ...thanks for the time .... I really appreciate it.... <-- that's an actual thank you.

In either case, move my post, give it a slam-a-jama, whatever... My Kung-Fu is strong.

Hey, he offered an apology. And he was not the one that was concerned about where you posted it.

No need to be sarcastic now.

Inspiring something from a long time ago.