The Garage - What's Missing?

seastack

So I'm working on a little documentary project of a classic greasy wrench garage that's been in continuous operation since 1930. I spent a good part of one day there and go back Monday. I'll augment these with 4x5 environmental portraits of the guys that work there.

My apologies for this set being a bit large, for me it's harder to edit when it's fresh. I know in the end I've only a handful of keepers here (likely 3, 8, 14 and a wider contextual scene setter).

Question: As I prepare myself for Monday, what's missing in this set?

My initial thoughts: I don't see enough close-ups of people. I should shoot more ephemera. Look for moments, layers, and opportunities to capitalize on foreground, middleground, background. Get the definitive greasy hands/wrench shot. Try to break out of cliches. Work the office and the front window more (19 and 20) ... almost there, not quite.

Are there other elements of a classic visual story I need to incorporate? What do you think? Many thanks for any suggestions or input.


#1


#2


#3


#4


#5


#6


#7


#8


#9


#10


#11


#12


#13


#14


#15


#16


#17


#18


#19


#20


#21


#22


#23

Juano

I think your project has a lot of potential. I like 8, 11, 15 and 21. Perhaps try to explore these avenues a bit further?

Richard

Lots of nice work here. Personally, I prefer the shots that include people working to the purely mechanical details, but it sounds like you've already targeted that aspect. It would be nice if you could get a shot that shows some clear interaction between the mechanics and a client, preferably one looking confused or experiencing sticker shock at the bill. . If it's a truly old-time establishment, there's probably a pinup girl calendar somewhere, which would make a nice background detail if you could get the shot. And, yeah, a wide shot to put it all in context. Looking forward to seeing the final set.

M38A1

Food! I'm sure these guys either 1) buy fast food which means eat in 30 seconds, toss wrappers and go, or 2) bring lunch in a bucket or pail of some type. That sort of shot shows these guys are human like the rest of us.

Beverage! Do these guys drink water all day? A cold beer in a bottle afterwards? How do they unwind?


On a different note, what stuck out was the newer vehicles in the shots. To some extent for me, they detract from what these garages once were. Yet I believe the angle is to combine their past as well as weave their current state into one series. Correct?

I didn't see a single computerized diagnostic piece of gear either. With the electronics and emissions requirements of new vehicles, this shop truly is a dying breed.

I like what you've done thus far and hope these help....

.

torags

I'm liking #16 & 21.

I used to do that, so the shop shots are nothing special

rainbow

Wonderful project with some excellent shots here.

Missing?: A few more with wide angle (ultrawide if you have one) to get the setting/environment/milieu. #12 & #16 are good examples of this. And you need something like #23, but reshoot it from the other side so that we can see into the garage/work area/office.

Nmahooch

nice set.