lindaekstrum

Moonlit Caddy

Lowell, Arizona was a post WWII boom town that grew up around an open pit copper mine that eventually gobbled up houses and businesses leaving this one street. ...
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Lowell, Arizona was a post WWII boom town that grew up around an open pit copper mine that eventually gobbled up houses and businesses leaving this one street. Now days, there is an odd shell game taking place on the street. Old cars have found their way here--a final resting place for some and others come and go. This gleaming white Cadillac is a permanent resident and one that looks especially lovely in moonlight.
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Oct, 2016

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Behind The Lens

Location

Lowell, Arizona is now a single street but it used to be a thriving suburb of Bisbee. In the 20's, these copper mining towns (Bisbee and Lowell) were the largest cities between St. Louis and San Francisco. What remains is thriving art community in a setting where time seems to stand still and a street that favors photographers who love old cars. This white Cadillac is owned by a Musical Group called The Texas Millionaires. And what a set up: Star Chevrolet under a full moon!

Time

A night shot, obviously.

Lighting

The lighting is compliments of a full moon. Notice how the light sweetly shapes the chrome on the caddy. Because I was using my tripod, I could dial in a small aperture with the hope of a starburst.

Equipment

Most importantly I used a tripod. I shot this with a Nikon D7000 and a Sigma 18-240mm lens.

Inspiration

As I mentioned, this street is a haven for photographers who love old cars. This is probably because I am old and these were the cars of my youth. One thing that draws me back to this street is that the old cars seem to magically be arranged in different locations each time I visit. I had always loved this old caddy but I had never seen in placed in front of Star Chevrolet. Therefore, I can't say I was exactly inspired. Rather, it would be more accurate to say that this shot flagged me down and would not let me go.

Editing

Other than converting to BW (with blue tones) and lifting the shadows/clarity a bit, I've not done too much with the shot.

In my camera bag

These days I shoot with a Sony A7rII. I have a RRS ball head. I own the Sony 20mm, the 24-70 and the 24-200mm zoom. I once had to travel 50 miles to get the shot of a lifetime because I forgot my memory card. Happily, this is a lesson I only needed to learn once, hence extra memories in bag. And since I am confessing to lapses in judgement, I also carry extra batteries that I always test to make sure they are charged...thanks to a series of missed once-in-a-lifetime shots due to exhausted batteries. I also carry knee pads and reading glasses.

Feedback

Often the difference between an okay shot and a great one is a tripod.

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lindaekstrum

lindaekstrum

Moonlit Caddy

Lowell, Arizona was a post WWII boom town that grew up around an open pit copper mine that eventually gobbled up houses and businesses leaving this one street. ... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow lindaekstrum

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Lowell, Arizona was a post WWII boom town that grew up around an open pit copper mine that eventually gobbled up houses and businesses leaving this one street. ...
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.