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Top Shot Award 22
People's Choice in Vintage Cars Photo Challenge
Spring 21 Award
Winner in CARS Photo Challenge
9Teen Award
Contest Finalist in Methods Of Transportation Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 24
Contest Finalist in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 48
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Behind The Lens
Location
I was traveling on the Lincoln Highway in Lancaster. My wife was with me and she spotted this unique car lot named Paradise Motors. The lot was filled with distressed antique vehicles begging to be photographed.Time
It was mid morning around 9:30 am.Lighting
It was a bright and sunny hot morning when I photographed the Buick. Fortunately this sat back under some trees that offered a better lighting situation.Equipment
I captured this image using my Nikon D850 with a Sigma 24-70 lens. This was handheld while on my knees.Inspiration
I love texture, grunge and character in objects. I was drawn in by the peeling paint, one windshield wiper out of position and the top down, so this was the perfect inspirational recipe for me to capture this image. It was like the car was begging to tell a visual story.Editing
I use several editing tools in post-processing. I import my RAW files to Lightroom and make a few adjustments. After that I am in Topaz Studio where I spend the most time post-processing. I end up with some finishing touches in Photoshop. Most of my life I spent in the darkroom printing for professional photographers. Often you would here professional photographers say a lab can make or break the photographer. In this digital age that has not changed much, but many images are post-processed by the photographer. I see so many nice images photographers have posted only to end up being a ho-hum, spiritless image due to poor post-processing. When I worked with negatives in the wet lab I would have a final print sitting in my work area at the end of the day that I felt was a winner. The next day I would come in and say to myself "What was I thinking"! It is the same with digital post-processing, sometimes walking away and leaving for another day can be your best decision.In my camera bag
I use a Nikon D850 with a variety of modern lenses as well as vintage film camera lenses with adapters to fit Nikon and Sony E-mount. I recently had my Nikon D700 converted to infrared. I enjoy using vintage c mount lenses designed for 16mm cine camera on my Sony A7R. The lenses I use with my Sony are Kinoptik 9mm, 32mm, 40mm and 75mm. I also use Wollensak, Schneider and Angenuiex lenses. I also enjoy free-lensing also called lens-whacking with a Helios 44m, some Russian lenses and any other vintage lenses that will produce nice flares and pleasing bokeh.Feedback
I like to explore many different camera points of view, at the same time being aware of anything that maybe a distraction in and around the subject. Because the emphasis was on the front of the car I decided to shoot wide open to soften anything beyond that point. Sometimes their is nothing we can do while photographing to eliminate distractions, so a strong vignette and use of PS burning tool help to tone down the cars on each side.