Continuum (nocturnal photography at the truck stop)
Completely unhappy with the results of my initial shoot, I made my way back to the Transport for Christ Chapel at the truck stop. I thought the rain would make for some interesting contrast and armed with a serious camera, perhaps get better results.
It’s funny, when you get back to the basics of photography and apply some discipline, how things seem to work better. First of all, I looked at my viewfinder, rather than merely through it. This kept distractions like odd street lamps and other bright objects from making it to the final negative. Though there is always room for improvement, I have to say at this point, I’m pleased with the results. I liked the shot of raindrops on the lens, how they took on the shape of my aperture blades, but not sure how long I’ll like it, or if I’ll think it’s too cheesy later on.
Upon examing my negatives on the light table, I see how much “bounce” I had in my camera from the bad foam where the mirror flips up. It’s most noticable in the close-up shots, here, the 24hr drive-thru sign, and the coffee cup in the other set of images. I did use the MLU function of the camera in a couple of shots, but the freezing temps rushed me into not fiddling with it much. I have since scavenged some foam here at work, and replaced the foam myself. I haven’t shot with it yet, but just tripping the shutter, it’s much quieter now, so some of the vibration should be reduced.
I intended to shoot my interiors and portraits of the Missionary, but he is ill, and seriously so from what info I gathered. He was a kind and patient man, who indulged me all my questions, both informative and on a personal, spiritual basis. My thoughts are with him and his family as he recovers. 
Mudflaps
Rear of the chapel on a rainy night.
Drive thru McDonald’s or church?; what a choice.
Chapel rig
John 3:16 and God orbs
March 5, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Too tired too ramble now but have many thoughts on Jesus Truck stop. thanks for the thoughts on my Providence photos. Order fix from freestyle.com like B+H but more personal and they specialize in B+W also check Digital truth for formulas on fix. Once a film is washed it is not very light sensitive so if you have this problem again leave it in water covered.
enjoy pjc
March 6, 2008 at 9:01 am
I like this series a lot and feel its ambiguity allows the viewer many avenues to travel. There are some who worship Diesel/oil and will die for it or eventually by breathing the fumes. the choice of a Big Mac or the son of God tough problem. Can they both be Super Sized? I also enjoy the placement of the Air Conditioner on the scripture sign, lots of metaphors here and many ways to see them. Nice work. Makes me want to get out at night. But Norwich is a pit, and all that is worshiped here is “drinks before dinner wine with dinner and after dinner drinks.” Tom Waits. Keep up the good work.
enjoy pjc
March 6, 2008 at 8:55 pm
haha Super Sized God, I’m sure someone has tried it. Oh Peter, but the “pits” are so much more fun-I purposely seek them out.
March 6, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Thirty five years of seeking the highlight.
Thirty five years of self portraits.
Visual questions and verbal images.
Always asking Why?
The Farm
The old white brick farm on Flanders Rd I’ve watched it for years. Once a stunning color image of a maple in Oct with the farm in the background. As I watch the decline of the family farm this old structure mirrored the world of farming 11/29/04 I saw the image I wanted, bathed in the late afternoon sun the farmer sitting on the stoop I saw a tired proud man reflecting back on his life, his dairy farm. Resigned to the future a true metaphor for the family farm. I drove by. As a young artist I would drive by many images not skilled in confrontation unsure of what I saw or wanted to say. 11/29/04 I didn’t stop I knew what this self-portrait said and I didn’t want to listen.
© Peter J. Crowley