Bench Monday: challenge edition...305/365

Being one to accept a challenge, I headed back to the fire station today for my Bench Monday shot. Besides the Bench Monday suggestions I received, Jim further challenged me take my shot with a fireman in the bench with me. It had to be today or never because of the time change this coming weekend which would make it too dark to shoot after work. I had some time constraints tonight because of scheduled dentist appointments, so timing was everything.

I made good time getting to the fire station after work. I pulled in, parked and grabbed my gear. I went to the door and rang the bell. No answer. I rang again but still no answer. A bit disappointed, I got setup to take my shot alone (outtake is below). I got everything set and took my place on the bench. When I stood on the bench, I could see into the garage and saw that all the trucks were gone. They were out on a call. I started clicking off some shots when the ambulance pulled in. I jumped off the bench and they pulled around and in front of the garage. They got out of the ambulance and I quickly and very briefly explained my 365 project and asked if they would stand on the bench with me. They kindly agreed and pulled the ambulance into the bay.

I decided that since I'd gone this far, I may as well ask if they had a fireman jacket I could wear. He said, sure, and went to find one. After he helped me on with the jacket, he asked if I wanted a hat, too. Heck, yeah!!! With jacket and hat on, I took my spot on the bench and asked them to hop up. I snapped a few shots and hoped for the best because I had to get home to get the kids for our dental appointments.

I wish I would have had more time to talk and perhaps take another 100 Strangers shot, but I really had to get going. Oh, btw, these paramedics are also firefighters. It just depends on what day of the week it is!

Happy Bench Monday!!

Better larger and on black.

FDT: fire station edition...292/365

I'd wanted to do a FDT in front of a fire house during the month of October (Fire Safety Month) and since today's FGR theme was ruby red, today was the day.

I Googled fire stations in the area and found a picture of this one (I was looking for red doors) that wasn't too far from where my son has tutoring. I dropped him off and headed right over. I got to the station and all three garage doors were down and no one was in sight. So, I parked my car and setup my gear. I took a few shots (sometimes waiting for the stopped traffic in front of me to move), and went back to check my position in front of this middle door. I went back to take another and I noticed that a fireman had come out to see what on earth I was doing. I explained the 365 project and Face-down Tuesdays {groan} and then asked him if he would mind opening the garage door. We had to wait a few minutes because there was a call for the ambulance (the door on the right). While we waited those few minutes, I asked him if he would mind if I took his picture and if he'd be my 3rd Stranger. I had my iTouch with me and I showed him a few of my recent images and he said he would. I took two quick shots here and I was done. I'm not sure about this, there's a weird uncontrollable asymmetry going on here.

And here he is, my 3rd stranger in my 100 Strangers Project...