Two downtown Shell stations, one on Charlotte Street, one on Merrimon Avenue. Busy, bright places, both of them.
The Charlotte Street location’s recent remodeling included a light upgrade to comply with city rules intended to curb light pollution. Light fixtures under the canopy are flush to reduce glare onto the street, and LED bulbs replaced incandescent bulbs. The light the gas station has now stays on the gas station.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners recently passed new rules limiting the intensity of illumination allowed in new commercial, industrial and residential development, as well as parking lots, roads and other areas.
These two photos were taken within minutes of each other on the same night. The camera’s settings were the same (ISO 400, time 8 seconds, f 22) the distance was the same. The same lens was used for both photos, and the camera was mounted on a tripod.
Above, the Shell station on Merrimon Avenue.
Below, the Shell station on Charlotte Street.
Photos by Bill Rhodes
