What a fantastic show Cherry Creek is… my best show ever.

I went shooting last night in Denver. I had planned to go Friday and Saturday but I was too wiped out, so Sunday night I dragged my sorry ass into the night air, determined to find something. A double espresso brought me back to life.

I had many leads from the good Denver folk, but after several hours I was having a hard time finding what I needed. Then I headed for the Gates Rubber Plant, a hundred-year-old factory that had seen better days and was slated for demolition.  As soon as I saw it I perked up… this was a beautiful eyesore… just what I love. I parked the car in its parking lot and got out for a closer look. Immediately a spotlight is on me, coming from a nearby security vehicle. I groan. I walk over, shielding the bright light from my face, and try to explain why I’m there. “Leave now! This is private property” is the snappy reply.  I look around and see that I might even get a good shot from a few steps away. “Can I just take a picture from right there?” I ask, pointing to a nearby spot. “No!” “But you’ll be seeing me the whole time!” “No!” But, but, but… No, No, No! Aaaarrrggg!!!

I see there’s no choice. I get back in the van and drive away. Gates Rubber is my undoing. Its 2am, Pam has been sleeping most of the time and I’m getting tired again. We have an 18-hour drive back home so I decide I’ll give it another try when I return some day to Denver.

Two blocks later I see an old abandoned gas station and stop. From a first glance I have little hope of getting a shot here, but I get out to look. I can’t believe my eyes. The old pumps have been stripped of their skin and the corroding guts are in full display. Beyond the pumps is an antique store that frames perfectly within the shot. Everything is working together and I’m delighted! I do several 10-minute exposures, using some of my lighting, until I’m satisfied I have what I want. Yay!

I shot a polaroid to test my light; it is a feeble version of the final image.