Every time I explore the side streets and back roads of this country of ours I notice things that strike me as, well... odd; and not necessarily because they were intended that way. A lot of this obviously has to do with my own perception. After all, if you think something is odd it's because it doesn't conform to a certain preconception you have. I, for example, don't generally expect to see an iron gate barring the door to a windowless church--or is the gate there to keep the members in?
This was shot a few blocks away from LAX, hence the plane in the background. I still wonder whether this was a place for people who wanted to shop in the nude or for people who wanted to shop for nudes.
Something tells me this former used car dealer in Oklahama City doesn't finance much of anything anymore.
My suggestion for this week is that if you see something that triggers a similar reaction, such as amusement, puzzlement, or even disdain, photograph it. You're likely to get far better results in the long run than if you photograph something simply because it's "pretty," or a famous landmark, or worse yet, just there. It's only when you take the risk of expressing your true impressions of the word around you that you open yourself to the possibility of attracting people who are genuinely interested in what you want to say.
Absolutely. I well know the kind of quirky irony you mean - it ranks alongside juxtaposition as great for making messages/stories of photos.
If I may tout my own trumpet slightly: cf http://www.flickr.com/photos/7486487@N08/4104030364/ for wry humour factor.
Posted by: Tim | July 17, 2013 at 10:23 AM
Great Post! Thank You
Posted by: Frank | July 17, 2013 at 08:38 PM
When were you in OKC?
Jim
Posted by: Jim Meeks | July 18, 2013 at 12:48 PM
>>When were you in OKC?
Roughly ten years ago, when I was driving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. As anyone who has heard the song "Route 66" knows, "Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty."
Posted by: Gordon Lewis | July 18, 2013 at 01:11 PM
Glad you haven't quit blogging, and I hope you never do. I especially liked this post because it's about exactly what I do and have done for many years.
http://www.blurb.com/books/2390260
Posted by: Dave Jenkins | July 19, 2013 at 11:19 AM
The conclusion fits in well with the "Bagging It" post. Looking forward to future posts and the book. A lot of people are in the mode of not knowing what they have to say, not believing that it's worth saying, or not sure how to say it in photography. I think there would be a lot of interest in your thoughts on all that.
Posted by: Clay Olmstead | August 10, 2013 at 10:41 AM