Pontiac

Len, looks like a part of a car , but what makes it interesting is the angle, and flow of lines, what makes it look like a modern statue,with a look to the past.... The head hints of far away cultures like atztec or the Pharaoh era in Egypt...( look at the associations....).Because of the curve at the FG. and diagonal placement on the frame ,the feel of motion is very nicely felt. I think you did a very nice "job" in composing it, especially in B/W. Pnina

Pnina, Yes, it is part of a car, a Pontiac, but I'm not sure what year. Possibly 1954 or earlier. Perhaps a car buff could help us out on that one. The hood ornament depicts an early North American Indian chief (Pontiac) but I'd have to use Google to find out which tribe or nation he was the head of. The chrome ornament and the chrome lines were the main attraction for me. Also, to conceal other cars which were in close proximity to this one, I chose to isolate this detail rather than attempt to show the whole car. I wasn't satisfied with the scanner rendition of the colours so I chose to simplify things by converting to B&W. Thanks for taking the time. Best, LM.

Len: Well done piece. Lovely lines and light. Pnina's observation that the angle of the lines produces a fluid feeling is well stated. Tonal command here is complete, with that gentle reflection of sky in the hood.

 

I think Chief Pontiac (of the Ottawa tribe) would be well pleased. It is interesting that Chief Pontiac is best known for his two year seige of Detroit, during the French and Indian Wars. No small irony in Detroit's selection of his name.

Patricia, Thanks for your comments and the history lesson; one of the perks of participating on PN. I always value your comments and Pnina's too, good to find out what others see that I sometimes don't. I've read Scott Eaton's views (rantings?:-) on the quality of B&W conversions available from colour slide film and it seems, so far, he's right. At least I'm pleased. I'm just experimenting with a new (to me) film scanner and I just noticed that this one is reversed. Must have placed the slide in upside down. Have to watch for that. Best, LM.

Car shows are usually cluttered places with poor background material

and so force us to concentrate on the details instead of the whole

automobile. That's what I did with this one and would appreciate

your views on this type of subject matter and how you handle them,

photographically. Of course, your opinion on how you would have

improved this one, pre or post exposure, would also be appreciated.

Have at it! Best, LM.

I aggree with what you say about having to concentrate on photo's of detail at vehicle shows. I tend to do the very same thing. This photo is well framed and I like the flow of the lines. I must have a look through the rest of your portfolio. I will try to leave some comments to your other photo's that appeal to me.

Steve, Thanks for happening by. Had a quick look at your thumbnails & have concluded I'll never bother shooting at an airshow because you have all the aircraft and all the angles amply covered :-) There's simply nothing more to shoot! Best, LM.

I like the choice of b&w it seems to bring chrome out well. The curves of the car look nice at this angle. They complement the hood ornament. Did you try cloning out the dark area beyond the fender on the right? Thanks for the feed back on the house. Looks nice. Been laid up a few days. My car was hammered by a truck doing 40 mph and I am still sore. My car was standing still.

Good to hear you are OK. Legally you may be in the right but I'll bet it hurts anyway. Wish you a speedy recovery & satisfactory compensation. As for this one, I haven't redone it yet but will consider your suggestion if & when I do. Had it been a bright distracting area I think I would have jumped all over it right away. Thanks for digging deep into my portfolio to find & comment on this one. Best, LM.