One of the highlights of the trip down RT66 was to see some of the restored gas stations in Shamrock, Texas.  We were fortunate to have a storm roll in and give me some good evening clouds.  The trip to the Magnolia gas station was inspired by a photo photographer Ben Wilmore created.  Here is what I was able to capture of these fine restored gas stations.  Turns out you normally need reservations in this small town due to the oil and gas boom, but since it was a holiday weekend we were able to get a place for the night.

Continue reading for some addition details of these photos.

Magnolia Morning

Conoco Cars

Here are some additional details of these photos:

Magnolia Morning was shot well before sunrise.  In the background the lighter part of the sky indicates where the sun will rise.  In these early hours one can get a very rich blue sky, especially by using a polarizer filter.  The shadows of the Magnolia sign are caused by a street light behind me.

At the Conocco Station, I met two gentlemen driving cross-country on RT66 in their old, classic muscle cars.  This is a very long exposure of about 30 seconds.  Near the end of the 30 seconds, I motioned for one car to drive off, then the other.  The exposure recorded their lights but little else of their movement.