Want to do a photography project on trucks

Start here:

"Truck Stop" by Marc F. Wise and Bryan Di Salvatore. Author and Artist Series, University Press of Mississippi, 1995.

 

Your second question. I can easily see a situation where a young woman could get into trouble asking your question, if you get what I mean; a lot of guys are just going to get the wrong idea. Many drivers, however, will probably take an interest in your project and be more than willing to help you get your photos. I personally wouldn't have let you in, but that's because I cherished my solitude and my space and guarded them jealously; nothing personal. I suggested "Truck Stop" because it includes pics of sleeper berths and because I like Wise's photographs. Bear in mind that he drove trucks. He probably still got turned down any number of times. The book is well worth having.

Your first question. Photographs of the working world are always interesting. I think it's a great idea.

BTW, there are many women who drive big trucks (hint). And: there's an organization called Women In Trucking (another hint).

oh -- Google "Bette S. Garber." BOL.

 

How about this... I am returning to trucking after 15 years. I will be photo/logging each day with youtube added. There's some cool things happen out here. Hope to score NatGeo (Open Road)

 

Only pictures that I would care to see of interiors would be those of show trucks. You can find those at truck shows....most of the time with the doors open inviting photographers. However, this is not a "real" protrayal of a working truck. But what's to look at in a bare-boned company truck anyway? Just my opinion.

 

Could be a good thing. Look at "7784Patrick" on YouTube. He does this and he's really good. Well, he doesn't do it every day, but his clips are good. I'm addicted. When you get some clips up, let us know. Safe trip.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm not sure why it's "weird" that you joined but........okay.

As for your project and how to do it safely:

1. If you think it's interesting, then it's interesting.

2. Take a safe male with you at all times. Such as your father, brother, extremely large burly boyfriend etc.

3. Print up a little flyer saying what you're doing.

4. Go to a large truckstop near you and first talk to the manager and get their written permission to be on the lot and ask driver's permission. Make sure you take some type of letter or assignment sheet from school so the truck stop management and security doesn't think you're a hooker.

5. Go back on a weekend and stand up at the doors, introduce yourself to the drivers and ask them for their help.

6. DO NOT KNOCK ON THEIR TRUCKS. you'll wake them and we get very VERY mean about being woken up. seriously. mean.

7. AGAIN...........TAKE A BIG SAFE MALE WITH YOU


I would let you take photos of our cab if we were anywhere near. *nods* I have a number of things that bring me comfort. An afghan made like the American flag, made by a beloved friend for me when I was her pastor. A stuffed pig given to me by some children when I was their pastor. Photos of our children and grandchildren. Large stuffed flowers given to me by my grandsons. Other pretty soft things given to me by people who love me. These things bring me joy and comfort.

Personally I think your project is a good one. Good luck with it!


P.S. Hun, don't dress like a hoochie mama. Dress like your daddy picked out your outfit. Truckdrivers are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, grandmas and grandpas. If they think you're a hoochiemama they'll treat you like one. You act and look like their daughter and most likely that's exactly how they'll treat you. We're not scummy people on the whole.

 

#1, SAFETY!
Take a 'Male' friend along when you do photo shoots.
Everyone needs a 'Roadie' to hump equipment, and having another person there will keep you MUCH safer.

#2, Put up flyers at the truck stops about what you are trying to do with a phone number to contact you.
If they are proud of their trucks, they can let you know when they are going to be in the area.

#3. Find places around lakes, with trees, ect. for background,
And make SURE they have parking lots with no overhead obstructions the trucks can get hung up on, like low limbs or low power lines.
Make sure your choices aren't truck restricted, or get permission ahead of time IN WRITING, so the local cops don't try and give the drivers a hard time.

Keep it close to the truck stops since these guys will be paying fuel/mileage out of their own pockets to help you out...

#4. Watch for small things,
The way guys deal with wet cloths, or charging phones, or installing cup holders, ect.
It's ALWAYS the details that get the most attention!

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I can't stress safety enough,
You will be dealing with guys from everywhere, that you don't know a thing about, and the occasional 'Weirdo' will show up, just like with everything else in life.

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I take pictures about everywhere I go,
Desert in spring when it blooms,
Dams & Bridges, rustic things that catch my eye...
When I'm in Las Vegas, I can't wait to drop the trailer and get out to Hoover Dam and take pictures of the dam, the big horn sheep that live around the area, ect.

Nothing like a desert cactus in bloom! Love those!

I'm the king of stupid road side attractions!
World's largest rocking chair, largest ball of barbwire, worlds largest ball of twine, worlds largest milk bottle, ect.

I also like taking pictures of the old truck stops that have gone under, especially in the south/west.
What trucking used to be when the roads were all 2 lanes and the only information a driver got was from the local fuel stops...

Anyway, good luck with your project, stay safe, and By The Way,
I'd buy a book of truck details...
I know a good idea when I see it!

 

I'd buy it too! I really think it's interesting.

 

I would also buy a book of old truckstops. You should think about publishing that.