In Her Element - Kathy and the '57 Chevy

I get asked quite often how I generate the images I post. I've explained the process in detail before but for those of you who are new here, I not only unapologetically extensively post-process my images but also during image capture I typically use a tripod to steady my camera while taking between 9 to 11 exposures to capture the range of light I want to work with. This is especially important when the ambient lighting is low and long exposure times are expected. As you can imagine it would be impossible for me to hold my camera perfectly still for the full duration of a 30 second exposure. 

In this image I have not only captured the red 1957 Chevy truck, I have also managed to capture Kathy in her preferred element: Cool overcast morning, a classic car (or truck) in front of her, camera mounted on her tripod at the ready, and her camera bag. She is pictured wearing her hat with "Close your fucking hood" pinstriped across the brim. She knows what she likes and while she tends to be quiet and reserved, she isn't shy about expressing her opinions with a searing delivery. 

I wandered over to this truck just as the owner was parking it and immediately asked him if he would leave the lights on so I could take a few photos. He gladly obliged, initially leaving the parking lights on and afterward turining on the headlights. Seeing this, Kathy wandered over and also took a few shots. I backed my tripod up a bit so I wouldn't appear the images she was taking because I know from long experience she doesn't like that and will likely ask me to "move my fat ass out of the shot" or fire some other endearing comment my way. After 17 years we understand each other. I often do the "meet and greet" with the car owners while she makes the best images and writes the more compelling stories. I enjoyed conversing with the owner about the truck and was glad he braved the rain which fell intermittently. Kathy gave him a business card so he could see the photos we took of this beauty that early morning under stormy skies. 

'48 Pomona Blues

Toward the end of our time at the Pomona Auto Swapmeet this past March, I walked along the drag strip grandstands and came across this two tone, blue 1948 Chevy Fleetline sitting in the area generally reserved for cars for sale. I don't typically peruse the cars in this section since they usually have their hoods raised and for sale signs plastered on the windshield but while this car wasn't for sale the paint was amazingly reflective and the chrome was spotless and perfect looking even with the intermittent rain showers and threatening skies overhead. After taking four or 5 sets of images I took another photo with my phone and sent it to Kathy letting her know about it and where it was so she wouldn't miss it. Not sure if she ever has seen this particular car before but I'm sure glad I got to add it to my digital collection. 

 

1950 Buick Eight

This beautiful buick eight which i think is a 1950 model year, was either very well cared for or expertly restored. This is yet another car I stumbled upon just after sunrise at the Pomona auto swapmeet. 

Pomona Sunrise

Arriving at the Pomona auto swap meet before dawn has its benefits. We drove over to the Pomona fairgrounds along very empty freeways and arrived just after 5:00 am. As we got closer, we began seeing lots of classic cars making their way to the entry gates. After paying for parking, we found a place to park not far from the entry gate and got our camera bags and tripods out of the car. It was bracingly cold outside and quite a bit colder than at home. Having attended this swap meet in the winter previously, we were well prepared and brought our scotty vest jackets to keep warm. For those who are unaware, the Pomona Auto Swap meet is a very large event that has been held for the past 47 years in Pomona California. It typically is held 7 times a year from 5:00am to 2:00PM on selected Sundays. I’ve heard you can find nearly any type of part for any type of car there. After having walked up and down a few of the aisles, I believe it. It is also a place for people to show off their cars. Sections for doing so are provided as well as places to display a car you wish to sell.

We like arriving early so we beat the crowds and are always there before sunrise in case it turns out to be a spectacular one like it was on this January morning. Even before the sun began peeking over the horizon, the sky to the east started glowing a yellow orange color which was promising and there were some clouds for the orange light to illuminate. The western sky was still deep in the blue hour when the sun rose above the horizon and the most beautiful orange colored sky quite suddenly lit up. Kathy and I returned to the cars we liked most that morning and began shooting some images. I really liked this 1940’s Fleetline panel delivery vehicle. I shot this from several viewpoints and was generally pleased with the results.

East Facing Pontiac

Kathy and I have a habit of getting to car shows very early. This show, actually a auto swapmeet held at the Pomona fairgrounds opens around 5am. We arrived only slightly afterward and there were already thousands of cars in place. This ncluded the subject of this photo a pontiac with a very cool hood ornament. This was shot with my nearly 40 year old 100mm macro lens.