I've spent some time over the last year or so experimenting with the background and scenes alongside and behind route shields, to sort of blend the shield into the story the route is trying to tell, such as the scenes, the weather, etc.
Here are a few of them; let me know what you think.
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/11018608_443039985880622_1445652071328684491_n.jpg?oh=0179d570a1bf4a311aff8698cdb8a73a&oe=574156E5)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11902414_459237330927554_7256536796643477528_n.jpg?oh=aa5fae8d851c379531fb26c6083ab3f7&oe=57280936)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11863347_459573430893944_243426884988721880_n.jpg?oh=0ae3c3d53f04e1181199ca98ccb42db7&oe=56FB958E)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/944077_552756448221742_1432310156907546596_n.jpg?oh=41024e14e3c6646f52b66dacd658444c&oe=5733FADC)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12651137_508371256014161_2943621274067536528_n.jpg?oh=b029bf478930abac4846b3062315c05e&oe=57375015)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12573675_508360922681861_4284013335400561695_n.jpg?oh=6a39a62e17bfa35c6c2087319a9ff297&oe=573F1CF7)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/12243384_532624866901567_7867739696525596639_n.jpg?oh=a9a9441fbd60bac3d151c186d3939ef8&oe=573E76E5)
Far better than photographing just the highway shield or sign. Gives context. It's been my modus operandi for years.
Very cool. Enjoyed the pics! Thanks!
Love the photos Pat!
I'd say you could try using some different angles (that MN 61 shield for example), because sometimes it misleads the age of the sign (which, considering photos here, seems to be a compromise (between a scenery photoshoot and the sign itself)). Is the MN 61 shield really that old? I can't tell, because of the shade. Other than that, pitch perfect.
I prefer sign photos that show the road behind the sign as well. Particularly if there is an interesting feature or an intersection behind the signage.
Thanks for the photos.
I really like the variety of weather conditions you managed to capture. Nice pictures. I prefer these over closeups of the sign. The sign itself tells very little of the story. The scenery gives the sign meaning.
I don't consider these as good, but here are a few more I've tried.
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12662432_508577925993494_5318230815488031850_n.jpg?oh=81398951fe9a752797244acc5e68e74f&oe=572D7860)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/11221417_471968586321095_3030391829830293772_n.jpg?oh=1fa72cee7791dffb571d71d9b98d318c&oe=572C85C6)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12027692_471947169656570_3163239366596718230_n.jpg?oh=d2825570cfa54d6562e9c9be49912134&oe=5727FB12)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12019779_471947182989902_5893476118702128719_n.jpg?oh=e5867e3beb035c9cf831e611409c9ae3&oe=573A77C7)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11150805_465894756928478_8725316019898925167_n.jpg?oh=267ed7d7c30a8a6d72383f888173f4e7&oe=57362E12)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12647181_555934844570569_2486422315015803240_n.jpg?oh=ef111e4b905af71aa545198577a9828a&oe=57243F09)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12662727_555934907903896_8193360000779306721_n.jpg?oh=dea7103d5b9b81e428de8a56ef1dbbb8&oe=5725852D)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12391896_555935214570532_2496919012507264774_n.jpg?oh=023fa657c5682ea03eab04b890cc2312&oe=57453816)
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 28, 2016, 07:04:44 PM
I'd say you could try using some different angles (that MN 61 shield for example), because sometimes it misleads the age of the sign (which, considering photos here, seems to be a compromise (between a scenery photoshoot and the sign itself)). Is the MN 61 shield really that old? I can't tell, because of the shade. Other than that, pitch perfect.
That entire assembly is fresh out of the box as of fall 2015. It's an entirely new placement as there was nothing there at this location before then.
Thanks for the positive feedback guys, I appreciate it :)
For a lot of them, I think you're too close to the sign. Back up a bit.
I like the road behind.. I took this 2 weeks ago
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160130%2Fc3688be2a6c762edf97a0110b9da913b.jpg&hash=f297f292a8a9905551f8bef1ba90f171b446361d)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160130%2F1c6476ecbaeb91c7da00429715e1ebd2.jpg&hash=1cac0a3a4c687197e684be2822876a600c8e1482)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160130%2Fb2971de2cd3e2eec7eceb94bdbb3e7da.jpg&hash=c60dd1b5e77874a628524adb40738e96da733eef)
They were taken while driving in car. I like the junction spelled out. The other SR 2 pic was stopped and on foot
Nice work, Wolf! :nod:
Some good ones already on the Shield Gallery...
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/CA/CA19630061i1.jpg)
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/CA/CA19631012i1.jpg)
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/CA/CA19631011i1.jpg)
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/CA/CA19640012i1.jpg)
A couple from my collection:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5830/20334156104_0707e5caf8_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/wYRSbm)GEDC1032 (https://flic.kr/p/wYRSbm) by CTRoads (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135847145@N08/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5661/20964179231_d0c1be6b0b_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/xWwU74)GEDC1068 (https://flic.kr/p/xWwU74) by CTRoads (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135847145@N08/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5622/22875824344_b5add915f4_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ARszAy)CT 53 (https://flic.kr/p/ARszAy) by CTRoads (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135847145@N08/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5645/22875851214_4ed910a7aa_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ARsHzQ)Title I Dunno (https://flic.kr/p/ARsHzQ) by CTRoads (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135847145@N08/), on Flickr
Dale Mabry Boulevard, Tampa, September 13, 2009:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F7V65Im8.jpg&hash=f45ecbb5de9da50c51756ee7476f0b17b172f2f0)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FhA4uA4z.jpg&hash=c9afa50b19594efac2d5eabc1af54ecc0ea028b2)
Same road, a day later:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FA2pei2M.jpg&hash=6afc5e3d7f2f38c7f7c5b91b1dd07d9e024741c9)
Downtown Tampa, September 14, 2009, in Channelside section:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F2DuL3JM.jpg&hash=fbe2dd8f2dc110b9f53bc480b3396ed125588f1a)
Heading back to Tampa International Airport (TPA), September 15, 2009:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FdBctWkG.jpg&hash=ee5d1819a932cb4576e286f0fe34cc5ef6e25703)
Here are some from last week's trip through Wisconsin.
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12688332_561951827302204_573700373246154475_n.jpg?oh=a6a4ce6a882d7f05eb2f72d803e6806f&oe=57621B88)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12688352_561951767302210_591034486701838304_n.jpg?oh=247c8c3dbdaa1e75c506f20f2d411cb5&oe=57649708)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12744583_561951737302213_1325066526687403870_n.jpg?oh=6d71c10b199c17c4b6027f8bdc0b738b&oe=57242A40)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12715643_561951863968867_5838556876917127270_n.jpg?oh=f0cdafdbd7ef425c4f6e19d933a982d5&oe=576440E0)
Initial reaction: #1 is eh. #3 would have been better from further back so you can see more of the intersection. #2 and #4 are okay, though #4 looks cleaner. I'm guessing there was a bit of blowing snow that was causing some blur in #2.
Quote from: froggie on February 13, 2016, 07:47:05 PM
Initial reaction: #1 is eh. #3 would have been better from further back so you can see more of the intersection. #2 and #4 are okay, though #4 looks cleaner. I'm guessing there was a bit of blowing snow that was causing some blur in #2.
Don't mind him ... I think they're cool pictures. Thanks for going out in the cold to take them, and for posting them.
For me, context is central to any of my interest in roads (why is more important than what, in other words) so I appreciate what you're trying to do.
You have the same problem in some cases that we all have from time to time–backlighting, which is hard to remedy with a direct flash on retroreflective sheeting–but the pictures are really nice overall.
My approach to photographing most things that I take for "documentary" reasons has always been, when possible, a detailed close-up, and a broader establishing shot for context.
My approach is pretty similar to yours. With assemblies, I like to position the signpost 1/3 from the left or right border rather than centering it in the frame, unless I'm taking a photo of a sine salad. I think off-center makes the photo more interesting. I try to show some of the road alongside, but I'm overall more interested in the sign than the road so I actually get a little closer to the sign in my photos than you did. I also prefer to show the road with no traffic, but the world often conspires against me on that one.
I like some traffic. People and cars help give the photo period context over time.
Quote from: wanderer2575With assemblies, I like to position the signpost 1/3 from the left or right border rather than centering it in the frame,
The "Rule of Thirds" at work (which you'll hear about in any photography class you may take).
Quote from: froggie on February 14, 2016, 10:36:13 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575With assemblies, I like to position the signpost 1/3 from the left or right border rather than centering it in the frame,
The "Rule of Thirds" at work (which you'll hear about in any photography class you may take).
What if the sign occupies the middle 1/3 of the frame? That's about the amount of space I give when photographing signs ^_^
More effect and more context if it's off to the side. You'll generally lose whatever else is to the sides or behind the sign if it's in the center third.
Quote from: froggie on February 16, 2016, 03:04:45 PM
More effect and more context if it's off to the side. You'll generally lose whatever else is to the sides or behind the sign if it's in the center third.
Well, yeah. I'm starting to like that idea better too. But in the pictures I've taken with the subject in the center, usually I let the sign take up about 1/3 the width of the frame.
Just got back from a drive west to Omaha. To try and break the monotony of the drive through Iowa, I stopped to take some sign photos, inspired by the methods discussed in this thread. How does this look?
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1584/24970622312_3ae324d0d2_k.jpg)
I'm loving the photos in this thread! As for me, I'm more of a fan of those shallow depth-of-field photos...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUoDlPgbl.jpg&hash=72b2fdb9f8f6b8b472c04ade3d8111c4cbf688e6)
Unless the signs have changed from GSV's 2013 imagery, THIS gantry in Bangor has got to be the fuzzy collections of signs in the background:
https://goo.gl/maps/Exgz2UJ3QKn
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on February 24, 2016, 09:55:00 PM
Unless the signs have changed from GSV's 2013 imagery, THIS gantry in Bangor has got to be the fuzzy collections of signs in the background:
https://goo.gl/maps/Exgz2UJ3QKn
You are correct sir! And here's the shield in question:
https://goo.gl/maps/zG1MgPBpxfT2
I'm pretty much lost on Bangor. I've only been that far north once. That was 20 years ago, no less! All I remember is that we went past the building for MPBN. The bus I was on stopped at the terminal with the entrance for Bangor Airport across the way. The furthest north I've been since then is Augusta. I went to a big shopping plaza on the hill with Red Robin, etc. I saw the Augusta Civic Center down below in the distance. Usually, I'm just in and around Portland. I was last there this past Tuesday to (early) Thursday morning, crappy weather and all!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/gallery/10_28_02_16_10_47_20.jpeg)
Taken yesterday on the newest section of the Wekiva Parkway. This shield, manufactured by National Traffic Signs, Inc. out of Clearwater, FL, is posted far to the right of the pavement edge. Sure beats the unsigns posted on the John Land Apopka Expressway further south.
Rather than post all of the ones I have, here's an album of my sign photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/busman_49/albums/72157632094093334
Despite the poor lighting, this is one of my favorites:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8319804564_a2e8c880ea_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/dFcb3h)P1010564 (https://flic.kr/p/dFcb3h) by Ryan busman_49 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/busman_49/), on Flickr
St. Augustine, FL
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3070/2853851947_370c12a6e7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/5mbJKV)
St. Augustine (https://flic.kr/p/5mbJKV) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Greensburg, PA
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3214/3096609916_a63b46719e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/5HCWf9)
Road Signs (https://flic.kr/p/5HCWf9) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Near State College, PA (not a shield, but the background is nice nonetheless)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4143/4764787555_20a4470454_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/8g3Mkz)
I-99 near Port Matilda, PA (https://flic.kr/p/8g3Mkz) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Cumberland, MD
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3516/3281766241_ebf3e86779_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/5ZZULz)
Cumberland, MD (https://flic.kr/p/5ZZULz) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Near Lock Haven, PA (not a shield, but still a nice background)
(https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6153/6183384148_ce485fa967_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/aqpsFw)
I-80 near Lock Haven, PA (https://flic.kr/p/aqpsFw) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Several more from the collection...
Cleveland, OH
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3058/5855009346_64c990070a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9Vosi1)
US 6, US 20 & US 42 (https://flic.kr/p/9Vosi1) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Kingwood, WV
(https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6078/6108300001_d5667a276d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/aiLCMg)
WV Route 7 descending from Kingwood (https://flic.kr/p/aiLCMg) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Jacksonville, FL
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/7111179085_f34408f7fc_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/bQoDMX)
I-295 East Beltway @ US 90 (https://flic.kr/p/bQoDMX) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
St. Augustine, FL
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3253/3034168176_d236d82840_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/5C7Uuq)
Seawall (https://flic.kr/p/5C7Uuq) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Geneva, OH
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7393894556_2b9618b3a0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cgnDfC)
US 20 @ OH Route 534 - Geneva, OH (https://flic.kr/p/cgnDfC) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Hershey, PA
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7633924830_7f9805717f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cCzRTC)
US 422 @ PA Route 743 - Hershey, PA (https://flic.kr/p/cCzRTC) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Taneytown, MD
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8654039858_cf8d907fa4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ebJdxL)
MD Route 140 @ MD Route 194 - Taneytown, MD (https://flic.kr/p/ebJdxL) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Sorry for the excessive amount of photos. I just have a lot of them in my collection...
This one isn't really special, but it's one of my better ones:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb551%2Fslik_sh00ter%2FPhoto_zpsakk5meme.jpg&hash=c03a9c8f71cbcda407be48df38b90b5c3a18fcf1)
Taken 11-13 August 2015 in the evening. Shows typical Prairie highway in the summer.
I'm pretty sure I have some photos that would fit here. I'll have to dig through my archives.
Edit: here's one from a blog post I never finished. VA 165's south end at US 17 Business.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tf76GHPjeDU/VK884x2cmfI/AAAAAAAAH1E/jM4l5cmxU54/s640/DSC02468.JPG)
Took this one today on a trip up to Bloomsburg, PA for work.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3NpwnEgl.jpg&hash=caccf0cee5e20d4d3385b59182feb27930828515)
Quote from: jwolfer on January 29, 2016, 09:32:16 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160130%2Fb2971de2cd3e2eec7eceb94bdbb3e7da.jpg&hash=c60dd1b5e77874a628524adb40738e96da733eef)
They were taken while driving in car. I like the junction spelled out.
Oh, me too. And I'm so disappointed NYSDOT Region #10 took that one along westbound NY 25 in The Village of the Branch down, before it approaches NY 111 and the east end of the NY 25A overlap.
For the record, that one was white with black lettering instead of what you've got here.
Trying to catch the magic of the deep woods, especially the wind in the tall trees and the smells of fresh pine that pervade rural northern Minnesota.
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xla1/v/t1.0-9/1936349_570596279771092_9155461139496094665_n.jpg?oh=8bb2508bd49b230fd5305f1a23e4690d&oe=574B7033)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12814769_572216979609022_4552380862200028783_n.jpg?oh=ba60c3417d7cdbfea1ad989102c4fad2&oe=575CC1C6)
This one's not so good because of the weather and lighting conditions I took it in.
Into the rain and mists we go.
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/12809592_521976167987003_360396954201588243_n.jpg?oh=06624ab5f66fb82dd1f09df20f384dc0&oe=578D1275)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12804807_572219542942099_3704223602374779723_n.jpg?oh=a20bcc9f0288dbc74976d6151fcd9927&oe=5758EF6F)
State College, PA
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3043/2975463709_da7fcafd2c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/5wW2Gr)
US 322 (https://flic.kr/p/5wW2Gr) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Rimersburg, PA
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/8723965705_1623a60e58_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ehUB4P)
PA Route 68 @ PA Route 861 - Rimersburg, PA (https://flic.kr/p/ehUB4P) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Burnside, PA
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/8723959049_c55c77133b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ehUz64)
PA Route 286 @ US 219 - Burnside, PA (https://flic.kr/p/ehUz64) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Hershey, PA
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7633887706_7205480829_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cCzERy)
East Chocolate Avenue - Hershey, PA (https://flic.kr/p/cCzERy) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
McConnellsburg, PA
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8095563056_c7526488ba_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/dknSRo)
PA Route 16 shield - McConnellsburg, PA (https://flic.kr/p/dknSRo) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Greencastle, PA
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8654080676_29bd0423f7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ebJqFw)
PA Route 16 near US 11 - Greencastle, PA (https://flic.kr/p/ebJqFw) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Prospect, PA
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7237850662_d1a82815be_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/c2zSQE)
PA Route 488 - Prospect, PA (https://flic.kr/p/c2zSQE) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Lisbon, OH
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7393853672_6c2cf0002d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cgnr6J)
US 30 @ OH Routes 45, 154, 164, & 517 - Lisbon, OH (https://flic.kr/p/cgnr6J) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 11, 2016, 11:38:10 PM
This one's not so good because of the weather and lighting conditions I took it in.
Into the rain and mists we go.
In the spirit of this post, what are some tips you guys have for taking sign photos when weather conditions are less than optimal? How do you adjust/position your camera to get good photos when it's overcast or rainy?
Quote from: jmd41280 on March 12, 2016, 09:17:49 AM
State College, PA
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3043/2975463709_da7fcafd2c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/5wW2Gr)
US 322 (https://flic.kr/p/5wW2Gr) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
I recognize that scene...what date was it taken, cause I swear that funding sign is gone now.
Quote from: jmd41280 on March 12, 2016, 09:17:49 AM
State College, PA
(clipped all)
Wow! I love these, especially how the springtime elements fit into all the shield shots.
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 12, 2016, 11:34:38 PM
Quote from: jmd41280 on March 12, 2016, 09:17:49 AM
State College, PA
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3043/2975463709_da7fcafd2c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/5wW2Gr)
US 322 (https://flic.kr/p/5wW2Gr) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
I recognize that scene...what date was it taken, cause I swear that funding sign is gone now.
I took it way back on 10/26/2008.
Quote from: paulthemapguy on March 12, 2016, 11:05:59 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 11, 2016, 11:38:10 PM
This one's not so good because of the weather and lighting conditions I took it in.
Into the rain and mists we go.
In the spirit of this post, what are some tips you guys have for taking sign photos when weather conditions are less than optimal? How do you adjust/position your camera to get good photos when it's overcast or rainy?
Probably the easiest thing to do on an overcast or rainy day to improve your photos is to increase your camera's ISO sensitivity. This is particularly relevant from a moving car. Increasing the ISO reduces the amount of light that you need to expose your camera's sensor, which can allow you to maintain a fast shutter speed and hopefully still get a clear photo.
Specifically, in the rain, the shiny roads can cause trouble for a lot of cameras to find focus with the camera's autofocus system. You can always try to manual focus (leave the camera at focus infinity, for example), but there isn't an easy solution to always guaranteeing good photos in the rain. Similarly, in a snowy environment, on an overcast day where there is a lot of salt on the roads, the camera will also have trouble finding focus, as there might not be a lot of contrast for the camera to search for.
One other note too, in general from a moving car, you generally don't want to set your camera's aperture (the f-stop) to an overly low value when taking sign photos, unless you are deliberately going for that effect. Setting a low aperture, say at f 2.8 or f 3.2 will narrow the depth of field for you camera. In my experience, from a moving car, it's better to use a higher aperture (say in the f 7.1 range) and a higher ISO, than it is the other way around.
All that said, the best photos will always come from the days when the light is the best.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FON%2FOntroads%2F407_ramp_400_west_sign_Sep15.jpg&hash=461ec09a3c607db3402a10ea9cca8bce6734bcce)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/Ontroads/407_ramp_400_west_sign_Sep15_24x16.jpg
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FON%2FOntroads%2FA85_sign_sud-Nouveau-Brunswick.jpg&hash=dc64f337993a0ee19b9552661093f857930a6772)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/Ontroads/A85_sign_sud-Nouveau-Brunswick_lg.jpg
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FON%2FOntroads%2F407_Toll_Shield.jpg&hash=bae37b6030f23049a1c530a234508427e0d220b4)
Quebec Autoroute 85 SOUTH for New Brunswick...in that area north of northern Maine, I assume?
^ A-85 is always signed north/south. I think this photo was taken about 30km north of the New Brunswick Border or so.
Red House, MD
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4103/5066756664_a03c549ef1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/8HJsew)
US 219 @ US 50 (https://flic.kr/p/8HJsew) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Fayetteville, PA
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4132/5009932501_32a4460b29_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/8CHdoz)
PA Route 233 @ US 30 (https://flic.kr/p/8CHdoz) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Fort Loudon, PA
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4088/5010521020_12523047a0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/8CLeks)
PA Route 75 @ US 30 (https://flic.kr/p/8CLeks) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Biglerville, PA
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4089/5006310409_362223e7cb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/8CoDEH)
PA Route 234 (https://flic.kr/p/8CoDEH) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Kirtland, OH
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2467/5850071045_664c5e9a8f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9UX9iT)
OH Route 306 (https://flic.kr/p/9UX9iT) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Garrison, NY
(https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6160/6182825219_63d0f9e6f8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/aqmAwP)
NY Route 9D, US 6 & US 202 shields (https://flic.kr/p/aqmAwP) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Jacksonville, FL
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7092414827_b4aa15988b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/bNJtQg)
FL Route 211 (https://flic.kr/p/bNJtQg) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
PA 234 photo shows some useful context.
I have learned something from this thread...Include more context in the sign pictures. Now when I take snapshots, I take two pictures of each sign. The first is a close-up of the sign that centers the sign in the frame, so I can crop out the shield as a separate file (I collect these). The second is a photo that puts the sign off to the right side so that the left and center sections show the road/scene itself. This makes it more enjoyable for watchers (patrons?) because it's more a of a landscape shot.
Note: I almost wrote "crap out" instead of "crop out" :spin:
I was in northeast Maryland briefly yesterday, and got this photo of an MD 213 shield. I tried to be artsy and get the Chesapeake City Bridge in the background, but trees are obscuring the entirety of the bridge...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F1qQObq3l.jpg&hash=3a70a16d84c0fef39338b5997e0ad6bdff063901)
https://goo.gl/maps/W3VkysJGSFJ2
Am I close? Ha ha! One image said Elkton, MD. Unless Elkton takes up all of Cecil County, MD that can't be right. I think it's actually Chesapeake City, MD with this sign.
What you'll find is that, south of the Mason-Dixon, mailing addresses will often have a city name far from that actual city. For example, in Fairfax County, VA, "Alexandria" goes almost all the way to Newington.
And I have Newington next door to me here in central CT! Then again, we have no space between municipalities here. Every town borders one another. New Britain would only be for the 13.9 square miles it covers in southern Hartford County...and that's it!
Quote from: froggie on March 19, 2016, 09:00:38 AM
What you'll find is that, south of the Mason-Dixon, mailing addresses will often have a city name far from that actual city. For example, in Fairfax County, VA, "Alexandria" goes almost all the way to Newington.
This also happens in rural areas of PA. For example, Coudersport is but a small town, but it's zip code extends far beyond the town limits...
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coudersport,+PA+16915/@41.799155,-78.2441569,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89cdfd2382caad03:0xc471e4858afe97ac (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coudersport,+PA+16915/@41.799155,-78.2441569,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89cdfd2382caad03:0xc471e4858afe97ac)
Austin, PA is another example...
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Austin,+PA+16720/@41.5533079,-78.3609536,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89cdddf94afc1a0f:0xd87e9f4c72150a63 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Austin,+PA+16720/@41.5533079,-78.3609536,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89cdddf94afc1a0f:0xd87e9f4c72150a63)
Bedford, PA as well...
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bedford,+PA+15522/@39.9409509,-78.8511762,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89ca50d1fa041777:0x3340300120dd78b8 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bedford,+PA+15522/@39.9409509,-78.8511762,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89ca50d1fa041777:0x3340300120dd78b8)
A few more from the past few weeks. Here's DE 1 south of Milford.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FEuyApudl.jpg&hash=4687a70e347485252084bb3aa0c02e1d0d65df78)
I-84 eastbound in Connecticut just beyond exit 71.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxirjCEil.jpg&hash=021d0ae0be3f1fa71324b905cbc46ee1c6a277c4)
I-95 at the north end of the Maine Turnpike in Augusta.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FagFuYDFl.jpg&hash=2f6af621298d5862d52c46a466d678862656a871)
1. Haven't been there
2. You were roughly 10 miles from the Massachusetts border, in the town of Willington, CT. The last mile marker I've seen in this state is 97, immediately south of Exit 74 in Union.
3. I think I got onto I-95 South at that exit with a friend in 2011. We had gone up the length of I-295 heading north towards Augusta that afternoon.
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 30, 2016, 01:17:12 AMYou were roughly 10 miles from the Massachusetts border, in the town of Willington, CT. The last mile marker I've seen in this state is 97, immediately south of Exit 74 in Union.
I'll see your Willington and raise you a "This is at the acceleration lane from the Exit 71, Ruby Road onramp, off the top of my head."
Quote from: jmd41280 on March 19, 2016, 01:33:05 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 19, 2016, 09:00:38 AM
What you'll find is that, south of the Mason-Dixon, mailing addresses will often have a city name far from that actual city. For example, in Fairfax County, VA, "Alexandria" goes almost all the way to Newington.
This also happens in rural areas of PA. For example, Coudersport is but a small town, but it's zip code extends far beyond the town limits...
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coudersport,+PA+16915/@41.799155,-78.2441569,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89cdfd2382caad03:0xc471e4858afe97ac (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coudersport,+PA+16915/@41.799155,-78.2441569,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89cdfd2382caad03:0xc471e4858afe97ac)
Austin, PA is another example...
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Austin,+PA+16720/@41.5533079,-78.3609536,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89cdddf94afc1a0f:0xd87e9f4c72150a63 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Austin,+PA+16720/@41.5533079,-78.3609536,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89cdddf94afc1a0f:0xd87e9f4c72150a63)
Bedford, PA as well...
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bedford,+PA+15522/@39.9409509,-78.8511762,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89ca50d1fa041777:0x3340300120dd78b8 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bedford,+PA+15522/@39.9409509,-78.8511762,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89ca50d1fa041777:0x3340300120dd78b8)
Even Harrisburg does that to some extent, I know of Harrisburg mailing addresses as far east as the Linglestown and Paxtonia areas,
Quote from: Pete from Boston on March 30, 2016, 04:52:16 AM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on March 30, 2016, 01:17:12 AMYou were roughly 10 miles from the Massachusetts border, in the town of Willington, CT. The last mile marker I've seen in this state is 97, immediately south of Exit 74 in Union.
I even know the Red Art's service station near there has since closed and that the exit ramp in the other direction is short and quite dangerous, hence the two dozen safety reflectors and signs. It doesn't help that a truck stop is off of that exit.
I'll see your Willington and raise you a "This is at the acceleration lane from the Exit 71, Ruby Road onramp, off the top of my head."
Oak Grove, SC
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/7082314911_428b9131b8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/bMQHtM)
US 21 @ I-26 (https://flic.kr/p/bMQHtM) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Hardeeville, SC
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/7113605271_254f81972f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/bQB61K)
US 278 - Hardeeville, SC (https://flic.kr/p/bQB61K) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Luthersburg, PA
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7187843756_2828d9920d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/bXazwC)
US 322 @ US 219 South - Luthersburg, PA (https://flic.kr/p/bXazwC) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Uhrichsville, OH
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/7393968454_1839f74c25_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cgo2dJ)
US 36 - Uhrichsville, OH (https://flic.kr/p/cgo2dJ) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Colebrook, PA
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7633911116_7868032419_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cCzMPb)
PA Route 241 @ PA Route 341 - Colebrook, PA (https://flic.kr/p/cCzMPb) by Jon Dawson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmd41280/), on Flickr
Here's a photo I tried to capture in the rain. Because that's what happens in Washington State in March. It rains. :rolleyes:
Note that Washington doesn't have a state route 12...this is an erroneous sign that's supposed to be marking US12 lol :-D
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1491/26176922471_9011a8f25d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FTaz4v)
I personally, have considered adding a camera mount to my dashboard that I can slide back and forth whenever necessary, so I can take shots on the sides of the roads.