Howard Faxon
SELLING SINS – Liquor Stores At Night
I have always enjoyed urban nocturnal photography. I used to do it when there was film in my camera. I used a tripod and a shutter release cable. There was no immediate feedback and the mistakes only became visible later when the film was developed. So it took planning and I kept a notebook of details for each exposure so that I could adjust them for the next role of film I burned. And burning film was burning money. Now the results are instantaneous and I seldom bother with a tripod. I do have various ways I brace the camera but if one picture is bad I just do it again and again until I get a good one.
I am doing a continuous series of small liquor stores at night. It has been going for time and will continue probably for years. I love these little stores because they are the only things open late. The signage, the neons, the lighting, and the bars on the windows make them good subjects. They sell cigarettes, liquor, and lotto tickets primarily so I titled this series “Selling Sins – Liquor Stores At Night”.
I’m using relatively low exposures because I love the inky blackness and the neon flares up too much at more normal shutter speeds. Some of the best ones are in areas where leisurely hanging around with a camera at night might be taking a bit of a chance. So I work quickly and pay real attention to what is around me. It makes it a little exciting.
And some of them are the quaintest nostalgia that some little town can offer. They all have titles which I didn’t include but this last one I call “Coldest Beer In Town”. That sign has been there a long time and I have also a close up of that sign in my signs collection.
There are tons of these lonely little markets selling sins in the darkness. They are not always relaxing or comfortable to walk into but they have the cigarettes, the gambling, and the liquor you want. … And where else can you go this late to get them?
good
Thanks so much 🙂
Great post
Thanks Pamela Cheers 🙂
its a bait 😀 nice post!
Thanks, Yeah, I love that sign – “fresh and frozen bait” and “coldest beer in town”. What more could a fisherman want?
You put a lot of effort into taking these pictures! I don’t think I’d have the patience. These places serve a purpose, though, even though they are rather what could be called ‘dens of inequity’.
I go out to do night photos anyway – mostly landmarks and stuff. These are always around where I go. They do have a purpose. Anywhere you live in San Francisco there is at least one on the corner by your place. It’s where you get any spur of the moment stuff you need. I’m kind of joking about the sin aspect. At night they seem more that way. They all have liquor and cigarette ads. Cheers.
Fantastic night shots!
Thanks very much. I love the neon signs.
great reference
Thanks so much. Having some fun with them.
I’d like to think film is not dead! I use everything. I love the night shots . Absolutely amazing.
Film will never die. Artists will continue to use it. They still do and always will just like etching and lithography and painting, etc… Thanks
What a great collection of night photography and an interesting subject. Cool neon!
I do like filming neon signs. For a long time I did night photos once a week and no matter where I went I came across a little market or two. I started recording them. Thanks.
Oh I remember those days when we have to buy films and paid for developing! So glad for the digital technology! Fantastic night shots!
Yup, I have some nostalgia for film but not the waiting and the expense. It’s nice to take twenty and check them in the car and go back for more if necessary – all for free! Thanks so much.
“Sins in the Dark”! Great series, Howard 🙂
Couldn’t help the dramatic prose – that film noir gets imbedded I guess. Thanks.
Great post and the pictures are absolutely beautiful as always!
Thank you very much Gina. Cheers 🙂