A bus to Nowhere

Found an old rusted-out bus in the desert (Ocotillo Wells, Ca). Though it was nearing the end of the day, I think it still works, but it seems to have lost a little detail.

Old large, deserted vehicles or buildings like this are always a little strange. The fact that they once housed large groups of people but are now empty seems to make it seem like a photo of after the Apocalypse. Or. the fact that all the folks that rode it are now much older or passed away makes them seem like some sort of a time capsule w/o the people. (Whatever.)

GB

You found a great subject here, and I can relate to your sentiment about the time capsule analogy. I like the shots best in the order you posted them. The 1st image i like most because of your framing. The highest point of the bus starting at center and then leading out into the right frame. It might have been a little more dynamic if you were to have shot from a bit lower point of view to bring the sheds up a bit more into the sky, but this is fine.
It is also a little dark, but you addressed that and it is fine with you.
The third shot I just cannot feel comfortable with the bus being cut out of the frame and also the particular point of view there is not giving me any strong feeling of the bus and the scene .

Yes a lovely old subject. But somehow even in it's rusty state it still looks alive with memories and your first shot has brought this out. I love it. Perhaps a little underexposed from the sky down but at a quess the detail may still be there and could be brought out with a little post processing.
Were you able to get inside the bus at all?
Tom

Gary, I like your suggestion on getting low. I think I was slightly distracted by a watch dog behind a fence nearby (no excuse though ...) . My feeling on the bottom shot was to try to lead it a little so that it would appear that it was moving - guess it didn't work.

Tom, I actually did some more processing *after* I posted these. I will post them tonight when I get home -- they look totally different. And no, I didn't go inside.. I didn't have the **** to, cause you never know what the heck is livinig inside one of these old desert wrecks (snakes, coyotes, scorpions, etc), but I do have a shot or two aiming in. I will post also.

GB

Here are a few others I scanned and to which I was able to correct the colors. (The film scanner I use has several functions that can bring out underexposed areas, correct colors, etc.)

Would you go in there?

Interesting shots. My favourites are the second one and the fourth one you posted. I love with the second one how the shot has some silhouettes and some detail and color. Definately a great combination, including the texture and the sky. The reason why I love the fourth one is because that sky is brilliant. Almost looks painted right on.

Great eye and definitley an interesting place to shoot.

Jared

Thanks Jared. I think it's a good subject but am not sure I got it in the best way. Maybe I'll think of a better 'angle' sometime and go back and reshoot.

-GB

Great old bus... and I agree with Jared, the sky is beautiful in these pics. I can almost feel the cool that comes with the sunset, very nice.

Awesome subject. The first picture is my favorite, however I'm a little distracted by the junk on the left side but then again it kind of fills in the picture so good job!

I also like the 1st one best. I love the perspective of it. Even how the interior roof is angled (can't really describe it) and the fact that the skies are peering through the bus. Skies are also very dramatic and strong. I'm not too sure about the sheds to the left though, IMO it would've been stronger had they not been there and the dessert would've filled that part of the scene.

It's not like you can move 'em though, so you've done well with what you have.

I'm not sure about shooting it from a lower angle though, becuase that would've meant that you'd probably lose the skies that are coming through the bus as the dark roof of the bus would've been the backdrop to most of the bus' windows. I think you were at the bottom limit of shooting this if you wanted any skies coming through.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Overbeyond

Yes a lovely old subject. But somehow even in it's rusty state it still looks alive with memories and your first shot has brought this out. I love it.

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I totally agree. The first shot definitely invokes some serious thought about the history of that bus. The skies look great too. Those are some good shots GB.

THKS amithi, zenabi, LeeIs, and Stillsky - I think the clouds definitely added some drama to the shot. I have mixed feelings on the sheds... If they weren't there though, it would make the bus more 'alone' out there.

I have no idea how long this thing has been here. But stuff doesn't rust out in this part of the desert very fast - too little moisture - so it's probably very old. Maybe I can find some clues next time I head out to this part of the desert.

GB