I am not sure about the direct flash in the car photos. Handsome cars none the less.
The huge cylinder thingy with stairs is a phenomenal photo!!! The composition is right on. Excellent use of a long lens.
I would also like to mention that I have a fear of long lenses. Fear may be the wrong word. Lets just say I rarely use them. I love teasing my co workers about using theirs all the time. Anyway, have you asked to enter the grounds of the tanks? (I wish I could think of what they are called) They will almost certainly say no, but it may be worth a try.
Craig here's the interesting story to go along with the petroleum tanks. I was across the street from these tanks and I no sooner got one or two shots off and a pick up truck comes roaring up and stops right in front of me.
"What are you taking pictures of and why......?" The guy climbs out and comes over to me. I told him just general photog etc..... "Sorry I have to ask, plant security and ever since 911 we have to check it all out."
Well all was cool after I told him etc and he drove off. I had mixed emotions about it.
1. Hey dude back off we're in America and I have the right blah blah blah
and the second emotion was...
2. Thank God someone's watching for possible catastrophies, because I sure haven't been.
Your sure getting some good shots in. Like the way you frame your pictures. The tank shot is really good, the way you composed it is perfect. I have a hard time decieding if different lighting conditions would improve it. Anyhow good eye.
That is what I was looking for. I just a love photo stories. It is good looking out by the plant security. You never can be too careful. At least they were respectful and did not confiscate your gear.
I am sure a lot of people are torn on the "Hey, this is America... I have rights" theory. The subject is deserving of it's own thread and can be debated 'till we are all blue in the face. So... Again, amazing photo and deserving story!!!
A fright indeed! A couple of months ago I was interrogated by the gang at this small drilling company. Had somebody been in the office I would have asked. In this case two trucks pulled up in time to see me in the middle of their junk pile. They were pissed. They thought I was a "Green" (environmentalist) trying to exploit drilling. When they asked where I worked I told them the paper. That was my second mistake. I switched the camera to play back and showed them the 2 photos I had taken. They still did not get it. This went on for an agonizing 45 minutes. Finally I had to say "call the cops or I am leaving because I can not argue my intentions one more minute" They let me go.
Needless to say I got such a fright I now go out of my way to get permission. Most people are accommodating.