Art & Inspiration Traditional images that need no explanation.

Wonderful image!

 

Hello,

Photographers do the craziest stunts to get the most unusual shots for a magazine cover shot or centerspread. Back when we were traveling all over to get the “right shot,” of the “right hot rod or custom,” it was in the back of our brains as to what the editors wanted. They were a finicky bunch, with different ideas, not all good photo compositions, but it was their choice as to what went into the magazines.

So, from the creative end, any shot of the standard set up for feature hot rods/motorcycles/customs was part of the package submitted. But, everyone always threw in some creative shots in perfectly clear focus and composition for the acclaimed, “Cover” shot. To us, the cover was better than the full center spread photo as those silver staples ruined the whole idea of a great photo.

Jnaki

I wanted something that was unusual and I found it in the back bed of the El Camino. It was hard to get crystal clear moving/action shots using any camera, unless a tripod was used and the motion from right to left was used in the quick shot. The majority of the action photos showed action. But, a stationary camera moving with the action always tried for a clear shot, with a blurry motion involved in the background. It was a hit or miss opportunity.

So, from the secure pad in the El Camino bed, I was set up with three cameras, two 35mm film cameras and one 2.25 x 2.25 twin lens camera with a pistol grip for continuous shots, just pull the trigger and get the clear action shots. Why was this any different?

The hot rod and custom motorcycles were going the same speed as the El Camino with my wife driving. I was set up in the back to tell the hot rod driver/motorcycle driver to slow down or speed up to have the same speed as the El Camino. Now, everything in the background was blurry and the hot rod/motorcycle was in clear focus.

I thought it was a great photo opportunity and the shots were composed quite well. Non blurry moving//action shots added to the portfolio for me and the owners of the vehicles. YRMV

 

Me

 

^^ must be the youngest H.A.M.B. member

 

Pics of my avatar from our family archives. Note, the Olds motor eventually made its way into the FED.