Ralph Pickering (View Larger)

Back in the early part of the 1990's I would travel all the back roads

of the American southwest in search of grand landscapes. Quite often

in these remote rural areas I would happen upon a piece of the old

west. Such was the case here.As I pulled into this gas station-general

store I was immediately taken back to years gone by. The gas pumps

were as old as they come and the general store had a pot belly stove

right in the middle of the store. Surrounding the stove sat a group of

locals sitting on chairs that must have been a hundred years old.

They sat there drinking coffee, warming themselves from the bitter

cold outside and sharing local gossip.I walked in and immediately

every eye was on the "city slicker" . I explained that I was a

photographer looking for some good vistas and they soon were directing

me around the area that they knew so well. I asked if they would mind

if I took a couple of photographs and they easily agreed. I went out

to the car and got by 4x5 equipment and began to setup. They had never

seen such equipment and all eyes followed my every move. This is one

of the images that I captured that day and is one of my favorites as

it not only captures the "mood' of the general store but the people I

encountered there. I toned this image with Ektalure cream as it just

fits that bygone era.

Classic photo and a nice story. I love the mood. Thank you for sharing. Best Regards

Nicely done. Great story about how photography opened you to meeting and getting to know people you might not have.

Wonderful timeless shot. What a lucky find and a great capture. Regards, Tina.

Beautiful rework! Glad you mentioned it at camp. This is real Americana...RAY

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and image. To get this kinde of black white, is what Im striving at. Somehow, mine ends in a kind of dullness. Just cannot get this sparkling metal glow. Great!

A wonderful shot. No suggestions.