The Garage - What's Missing?

seastack · February 18, 2012

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.

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Juano · February 18, 2012

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 · February 18, 2012

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 · February 18, 2012

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....

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torags · February 18, 2012

I'm liking #16 & 21.

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

rainbow · February 18, 2012

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 · February 18, 2012

nice set.

The Garage - What's Missing?

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