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Lens-Artists Challenge #272 – Billboards and Signs

Maxie’s Hats

This week’s challenge was suggested to me by Charles Chubb. Thanks for the suggestion, Charles. In the 1970s, the sign in the opening image hung on a storefront at 46th Street and Broadway in Times Square, New York. It is an artifact that was on sale at the Mecum Auto Auction in Glendale, Arizona in 2022.

There are signs everywhere, they try to sell us, they can provide information, they can warn us of hazards, they can make us laugh, and they can tug at our emotions. This week’s challenge asks you to share images of signs or billboards that strike your fancy. Finally, for those who don’t make a habit of capturing images of physical signs, consider any photographs of metaphorical signs. I will start with some examples.

The first sign of winter in Utah.

A sign of the change of seasons came early one morning near Bryce Canyon. The day before was cloudy with rain and fog. We were up early to drive to Bryce to capture the morning sunrise. When I stepped outside, I saw the sign that winter was soon upon us.

A sign of the changing times.

My last example of a metaphoric sign is this image of an all-electric Ford Mustang. This car with its 1400 HP electric motor system is a proof of concept for an electric high-performance race car. It reflects a sign of the changing times in personal vehicles.

Burma Shave Signs.

In the mid-1920s, a Minneapolis company came upon the idea of a group of sequential signs they placed along highways. At an automobile museum in South Dakota, a compressed version of these signs, normally placed much further apart, is on display. This example of these small rectangular signs brings back memories for those of a certain age when U.S. highways featured Burma Shave advertisements. In this case, the signs read, “Past the Schoolhouse”, “Take it slow”, “Let the little”, “shavers grow”, and “Burma Shave.” The campaign was a catalyst for the Burma Shave Company and their sales exploded.

A billboard-style mural.

In Siler City, North Carolina, one of the many murals duplicates a historic billboard. Some states have limited, or even forbidden, these larger signs especially in areas with beautiful natural scenery. As one who travels many of the scenic byways of this great country, I am grateful for these regulations that keep America beautiful.

Vintage poster as art.

Posters are popular and are often reproductions of vintage signs. At one restaurant in Dickinson North Dakota, many of the pieces of wall art are reproductions of vintage signs from various attractions and businesses in North Dakota. It was fascinating to see many of these early ads on display. I photographed over half a dozen of them. They were all transferred to a wood backing and finished to protect the surface.

A humorous “Watch your children” notice.

In a small shop, I noticed this sign asking people to keep an eye on their kids. It got the point across without being “preachy.”

Trail signs.

The signs may look like ordinary trail markers to most people, but to me, it’s a special photo. Maricopa Regional Parks has featured a “100 Miles in 100 Days” challenge over the years. This year’s challenge starts on November 1 2023 and continues through February 8, 2024. Lynn and I both met the challenge a couple of seasons in previous years. What makes this photo special to me is that Maricopa County Parks used the image as a background for their certificates. I don’t know if they are still using the image, but I was happy that my own photo graced the certificates we received.

Warning sign on a barge.

Warning signs are not to be ignored. On a trip through the Panama Canal, I happened to notice that we passed a barge at some distance from our ship. I was happy I had a telephoto lens so I didn’t have to get too close to the barge to capture the image.

Wordless sign.

Not all signs need words. The red light in the window of the Brothel Museum above the Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, Alaska tells people what used to go on in the rooms on the second floor above the bar.

A sign to make you think before you drive.

A wrecked car inside this glass-walled trailer and the sign beside it act as a reminder that alcohol and driving don’t mix.

I am looking forward to seeing your challenge response this week. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists so I can find your post in the reader, or put a link to your post in a comment below.

You can view my entire gallery in my Flickr album here. I even have a few more example images in the album. Thanks to Amy for hosting last week’s challenge, “Contrasts”. Next week, it’s Sofia’s turn. If you’d like to join in the challenge, but aren’t sure how to get started, check here.

John Steiner

176 comments

  6. Exactly what Dawn just commented–I’m already sharing a couple of signs for Sunday Stills tomorrow! Great timing. Gotta love the restaurant sign cautioning parents to watch their kids! I also love the vintage signs.
    Great theme, John! Will link up tomorrow!

    Reply

  8. Terrific post and challenge John. Loved the sign for the children and it’s fabulous that your image graces the walking challenge! I think the closing image is dramatic and hopefully effective although I suspect the wrong people will get it rather than those who most need it. Looking forward to seeing the responses this week!

    Reply

    • That car in the glass trailer is far more effective in real life than it is in my image. We can only hope its touring the country can save some lives and prevent injury.
      Thanks for your comments, Tina!

      Reply

  13. GREAT theme John, and GREAT photos. My favorite ‘watch your children’ sign that I’ve seen elsewhere. Perfect! Neon Hats is a beauty, and Burma Shave is always a fave for those of us with olde memories. 👍

    Reply

  31. I love your changing times approach to this, John, and some very thoughtful examples. I always like signs that make me giggle and I’ve just had a good laugh over at Brian’s place before I came here. Have a great week!

    Reply

  45. Thanks for the additional lessons, John, great job expanding on the initial thought of a sign or a billboard. Thank you too for hosting this week’s challenge. And…congratulations that Maricopa County Parks used the image as a background for their certificates. That makes it even more special.

    Reply

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