Unrelenting Focus on Tail (Lights)

On a particular day in April, I dedicated my attention to capturing the tail lights of specific vehicles attending the “Run Whatcha Brung” car show in Rialto, California. The inclement weather had ceased, enabling me to resume my pursuit of visually captivating and compelling tail lights. Having removed my reliable 14mm f1.8 lens, I decided to explore my creativity by utilizing the Lensbaby Sweet 22 manual focus lens. In proximity to the show center, my attention was drawn to an exceptionally styled vehicle featuring captivating tail lights. Recognizing the potential for a compelling image, I resolved to attempt a shot. The remaining water droplets on the vehicle’s surface only enhanced the visual appeal of the photograph, and I found their presence to be unobtrusive. I estimate that I captured approximately six shots, meticulously adjusting the lens’s focus to ensure the chrome portion of the tail light was sharply defined, while the surrounding elements were intentionally slightly out of focus. This deviation from traditional lens design is a characteristic of the Lensbaby, which is engineered to produce a center of sharp focus with gradually diminishing sharpness as the subject is moved away from the center. Modern photographers are generally unfamiliar with lenses that possess this attribute. What I particularly admire about this image is that despite the majority of the vehicle’s design being at least partially out of focus, the overall exuberance of the car’s design remain distinctly evident.

 

The Back End Caught My Eye

Upon initially observing this automobile at the Chicano Park car show held within the Barrio Logan neighborhood of San Diego, I was initially hesitant to capture its image. However, my perspective shifted when I positioned myself at the rear of the vehicle and noticed the custom-repurposed 1959 Cadillac taillights. While I have encountered similar modifications in the past, I consistently find myself captivated by the craftsmanship and design that emerge from incorporating elements not originally intended for the vehicle in question.

It is important to acknowledge that this automobile possessed exceptional beauty, with its paintwork being flawless and its chromed parts exuding a spectacular appearance. Nevertheless, it was situated in close proximity to a 1959 Impala whose design and prominent horizontal arcing tail fins hold a greater appeal for me.

Hawaiian Gardens Blues

While attending the City of Hawaiian Gardens car show, I encountered a two-tone blue 1948 Fleetline that appeared remarkably familiar. The owner was seated at the wheel and, upon noticing my approach with my tripod and camera, promptly exited the vehicle and closed the door. I suspected that this might be the same car I had photographed at the Pomona Auto Swap Meet earlier this year and subsequently posted on my website. I swiftly located the post on my mobile device, presented it to the owner, and inquired whether it indeed corresponded to the vehicle I had previously captured. He confirmed its identity and expressed his admiration for the photographs.

To facilitate the owner’s access to the images of his car, I guided him to my website on his phone, enabling him to download the photographs. Once this task was completed, I proceeded to capture several sets of photographs of the car in its current surroundings. The owner then proceeded to share the photographs I had taken at Pomona with his acquaintances from the La Puente car club. The photo below is one of the shots I took on this day in Hawaiian Gardens.

 

The Show Before the Show - City of Hawaiian Gardens Car Show

During the LA Bombs car show in Santa Fe Springs, Kathy and I encountered members of the Compas car club. They extended an invitation to attend their car show, which would be held in mid-July in the City of Hawaiian Gardens. They also provided us with a flyer for the show and we agreed to attend.

We had previously attended their car show, which was exceptionally well-organized. In addition to inviting us to photograph the show, which was scheduled for a Saturday, they offered to allow us to visit the show location on Friday evening to capture images of the club cars that would be pre-positioned the night before the main event.

We departed on Friday evening after Kathy concluded work. Upon arriving, we entered the Fedde Sports Complex as the sun was setting. We located the club cars parked on the outskirts of the baseball fields and re-introduced ourselves to the club members we had previously encountered. After confirming our permission to photograph the approximately ten cars already present, we commenced capturing images.

The rapidly changing evening light due to the setting sun necessitated prompt action. I completed photographing the cars swiftly, while Kathy continued for a while longer. We had anticipated needing to have dinner, drive home, get some rest, and wake up around 4:00 AM to arrive by 5:30 AM the following morning.

Albert from the Compas car club generously provided us with media passes, enabling us to enter the show several hours early. This allowed us to capture our photographs without the presence of hundreds of people. While this arrangement benefits us, it may also be advantageous for the show attendees. By taking our photographs and departing before their arrival, we can avoid obstructing their view.

The photographs below were captured on Friday. Photos from the actual car show will be posted in the coming days.

 

1941 Chevy Special Deluxe - Compas Southeast

At the Los Angeles Bombs car show in Santa Fe Springs, California, we had the opportunity to engage in conversation with several members of the Compas Southeast car club. Among the impressive vehicles on display, a 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe stood out as a remarkable specimen. The distinctive design and aesthetics of these cars are truly captivating when viewed in person.

The car culture prevalent in Los Angeles County is evident in the appreciation of these vehicles by the local community. While stock versions of these cars may lack the distinctive accessories that enhance their visual appeal, such as fog lights, spotlights, cigarette pack holders, hat racks, and dashboard-mounted compasses, these accessories contribute to the cars’ unique character.

The black paint job on the vehicle in question particularly caught my attention, exuding a deep and reflective quality. The interior, which I rarely photograph, was equally impressive considering its age of 84 years. 

 

Old Memories - 1948 Fleetline

During the Los Angeles Bombs car show in Santa Fe Springs, California, I had the opportunity to photograph a remarkable 1948 Fleetline. The body style of the 1947-1948 Fleetline has always captivated me, and when I spotted this particular vehicle across the parking lot, I knew I had to capture its image before another car parked nearby, potentially obstructing the shot.

After completing my photography of the vehicle I was standing in front of, I made my way over to take this shot. I have always been drawn to the two-tone Fleetline paint schemes, as they impart a vintage and period-correct appearance to the car. It is uncertain whether these paint schemes were originally produced by the factory or if contemporary owners simply recognized their appeal and had them applied.

This particular car belongs to the Old Memories Car Club. I have attended several of their car shows, and they consistently showcase exceptional vehicles. As mentioned in my previous post, the car show took place on a pleasant, overcast day, which is ideal for photography. The lighting is exceptionally even, akin to using a very large soft box light. Additionally, it is more comfortable for the photographer to avoid standing outside on a hot asphalt parking lot, enduring heat waves and the potential for heat stroke. Car clubs have meticulously planned for such conditions, which is evident in the presence of pop-up tents in the background. These tents provide much needed shade and their well stocked ice chests provide hydration, ensuring the comfort of club members.

While we are typically pulling a rolling camera bag and a tripod with a camera mounted on top, we do keep some water in the car. Some car clubs offer us water on hot days, which is always appreciated.

Although we were not directly affected by the heat on this particular day, I could sense the approaching heat of summer. Consequently, attending car shows in July and August will require early morning arrivals, assuming that the cars have already arrived and we are permitted to enter the show early. The lighting is always superior at dawn, which is one of the reasons we arrive at the Pomona Auto Swap Meet so early.

 

Moises's '39

In June of this year, Kathy and I attended a car show hosted by the Los Angeles Bombs car club in Santa Fe Springs, California. We had previously previewed the club’s cars at the Rialto car show held earlier this year. At that event, the club members were courteous and inquired about our photography. They informed us of their upcoming car show and extended an invitation for us to attend.

We arrived at the show around 6:30 a.m. and discovered approximately 20 cars already in attendance, including 10 or so parked on the street in front of the industrial lot where the car show was held. We photographed the cars on the street first and then entered the show proper. By that time, there were likely 30 cars parked in the lot. So many impressive cars to photograph! The weather was pleasant and cool with overcast skies. It was essentially an ideal day for photography. We spent some time wandering around and capturing photographs. I alternated between the two cameras I brought and swapped lenses as well. I found a charming 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe tucked away in the front left corner of the parking lot, adjacent to the club’s popup tents where several club members were sitting. I took several sets of photographs of this car, moving my tripod from one location to another. The club members did not approach me but observed me closely. The 1938 and 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe is one of my favorite vehicles, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to capture this particularly fine example.

1948 Pontiac Streamliner - Silver Streak

During an early April morning at the Pomona Auto Swap Meet, I encountered a remarkable automobile. Coincidentally, this discovery occurred just prior to the due date for taxes in the United States. Having filed my taxes several months earlier, I was able to devote my attention to this exquisite vehicle, which I believe to be a 1948 Pontiac Streamliner Silver Streak convertible. Notably, some early 1948 Pontiacs were equipped with engines and transmissions sourced from Italy. While I cannot ascertain whether this particular car possesses this type of engine or transmission, I surmise that convertibles were likely relatively uncommon. My research indicates that, in addition to the convertible model, buyers had the option of selecting a sport coupe with a rumble seat, a business coupe, or a touring sedan.

Hood Ornament in a Twist

This is one of the few instances I can recall when I utilized a Lensbaby manual focus lens to capture a full bracket of HDR exposures. The bokeh (out-of-focus areas) that most Lensbaby models generate does not harmoniously merge into an HDR image. Consequently, the typical outcome is that these bokeh areas are rendered rather harshly. However, this was not the case in the photograph below. I employed my Lensbaby Twist 60 lens to capture this exquisite hood ornament, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the twisty characteristic of the bokeh was beautifully rendered within the HDR image.

This presents numerous new opportunities for me to utilize the Twist 60 lens, and I eagerly anticipate exploring its potential.

1951 Pontiac Chieftain

Kathy and I had a good time at the Pomona Auto Swap meet in late June. My nephew was in town and told me he and his significant other were planning to join us. Kathy and I arrived at the fairgrounds just after 5 am. It was a bit overcast and chilly, which was perfect for us. We usually steer clear of hot days when we’re out taking photos. We found a parking spot quickly and got our cameras out of the trunk. We made our way into the swap meet and even though it was still dark, we managed to spot around 20 cars of the type we’d like to take photos of. Many more cars arrived in the next two hours.

 I noticed this green 1951 Pontiac Chieftain right away. As always, classic Pontiacs are super attractive to me. At first, it was their beautiful hood ornaments that caught my eye, but as time went on, I started to appreciate the overall style of Pontiac vehicles. So, it’s no surprise that when my nephew arrived, I was taking photos of this stunning green Pontiac. In fact, I was just finishing up the 7th set of HDR images when he showed up. I had already taken over a dozen shots of the hood ornament alone!