Posts Tagged ‘car’

EVgo – Charging Cars in Chantilly

EVgo charging station in Chantilly, Virginia ©TimeLIne Media

Chantilly, Virginia

EVgo opened its 800th location for charging cars in its growing network. Electric cars are certainly more prevalent on our roadways. While their adoption is faster, it is the infrastructure to support them has also grown as quickly. It is a ‘chicken or the egg’ question where both needed to be built to sustain the other. With this in mind, these electric chargers have been opening in many fueling stations, and shopping centers in our area.

EVgo charging station in Chantilly, Virginia ©TimeLIne Media

At this time, EVgo wanted me to make some images of their location at the Sheetz in Chantilly. Appropriately, this is in the middle of a high technology section of the Dulles Corridor. To be sure, this station was where many commuters going to work in data centers and other technology companies in the area stop with their electric vehicles. Luckily, they had some electric cars available to be placed by the chargers.

EVgo charging station in Chantilly, Virginia ©TimeLIne Media

While we were waiting for all the cars to arrive, I was able to see some behind-the-scenes of EVgo charging stations. A technician was putting the finishing touches prior to their opening. He described how he is traveling the country installing these stations, and he was definitely familiar with how to get these online.

man charging and electric car ©TimeLine Media

Prior to leaving the station, I also made some images with people using the chargers. It was here that I tried to stretch more lighting to bring out their faces and make the action a little clearer. In due time, this will be a familiar scene as electric cars become more the norm, and gasoline is the anomaly!

man charging and electric car ©TimeLine Media

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EVgo – Pike 7 Plaza

EVgo charging station ribbon cutting at Pike 7 Plaza ©TimeLine Media
EVgo charging station ribbon cutting at Pike 7 Plaza ©TimeLine Media

Tysons, Virginia

Late in 2019, I photographed the opening of car chargers from EVgo – Pike 7 Plaza. In another step in the continuing development of Tysons, these electric car chargers added power options for the growing electric car market. At this time, VIPs from EVgo, Federal Realty, and the Commonwealth of Virginia attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. Stacy from TEDxTysons referred me to cover this event. As can be seen, this station is in the heart of the newest developments in Tysons.

EVgo charging station at Pike 7 Plaza ©TimeLine Media
EVgo charging station in Tysons are the Greensboro metro stop ©TimeLine Media
Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo at the Pike 7 ribbon cutting ceremony ©TimeLine Media
Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo at the Tysons, Virginia ribbon cutting ceremony ©TimeLine Media

Being a technology geek, this opening overall sparked my interest. Although they are becoming more popular, I am not that familiar with electric cars. While covering this event, I learned more about the partnerships between EVgo and Virginia to create more charging places throughout the state. In short, they have made it possible to travel throughout Virginia in an electric vehicle with the range of the cars, and the distance between stations. Even if gasoline powered vehicles are still the majority, this feels like the future!

Matthew J. Strickler, Secretary of Natural Resources in Virginia speaking in Tysons ©TimeLine Media
Matthew J. Strickler, Secretary of Natural Resources in Virginia speaking in Tysons ©TimeLine Media
Virginia Delegate Mark Keam at the EVgo car charger opening ceremony in Tysons ©TimeLine Media
Virginia Delegate Mark Keam at the EVgo car charger opening ceremony in Tysons ©TimeLine Media
Deirdre M. Johnson of Federal Realty Trust speaking in Tysons ©TimeLine Media
Deirdre M. Johnson of Federal Realty Trust speaking in Tysons ©TimeLine Media
Cars and guests at the EVgo ribbon cutting ceremony in Tysons, VA ©TimeLine Media
Cars and guests at the EVgo ribbon cutting ceremony in Tysons, VA ©TimeLine Media

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703-864-8208

Rapid Box Flash on Car

©TimeLine Media - Viper GTS details

After experimenting with my own car, I took my Rapid Box to photograph another, more exciting model, a Dodge Viper GTS. This would be another chance to try the Westcott Rapid Box as my new flash modifier. Photographing car details with this setup is very easy! The portability of the Rapid Box as well a small speedlight means that you can put the flash in a small space and still use some sort of light modifier to make the light softer. This allows for lighter area to fall into shadow nicely which helps to block out distracting elements in garage from being seen in the photo. Combine that with a macro or short lens, and you can really focus in on details.

Details

©TimeLine Media - Viper GTS details
©TimeLine Media – Viper GTS details

In this first photo, the flash allows you to control the light and give it a little shape. The light fades slightly from the top right to the bottom left, framing the letters. The addition of flash instead of using available light means I can hand hold the camera and adjust quickly than if stuck on a tripod. The ISO is also at the lowest setting on the camera meaning the color is still vivid and true compared to higher ISOs.

©TimeLine Media - Viper GTS details
©TimeLine Media – Viper GTS details

Again using a small softbox, you can get soft light in a tight spaces. The light still shapes the area under the flared out lid at the rear above the tail light. This is something that is very difficult to do without a light shaper in front of your flash. All of these photos of the car details can be put into a compilation poster to give an overall picture of the car. You may have seen it in a previous post. Try it with your car and let me know how it goes!

©TimeLine Media - Viper GTS details
©TimeLine Media – Viper GTS details

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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