Thursday, February 05, 2009

All Roads Lead To Chrome

I Think We're On A Roll

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


It’s not every day you get to drive – or photograph – one of these. Recognise the workmanship? It’s a Rolls-Royce Phantom - and yes, those are the doors of the luxury car.

About a year and a half ago, I shot this as I was given special permission to photograph not one but two Rolls-Royces in a showroom and you can see some of the shots at Phantom Menace and Opera Of The Phantom.

I guess I spent about twenty minutes there, photographing the cars from every conceivable angle. So I thought this solitary frame would be ideal for today’s theme. The object in soft focus in the foreground is the wing mirror, while the sleek chrome door handles are in sharp focus in mid-frame.

Yes, I was given permission to shoot the pristine engine bay under the hood and yes, I did open the doors (reverently) to get in and take some shots of the interior.

But no, I didn’t drive it. Why? Because I was wearing a T-shirt and faded jeans. That would have been heresy.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

24 comments:

Debbie said...

Maybe that is a male/female difference or maybe I am just odd. I would have gotten in and not thought twice.

Celebration of Life said...

Very nice picture, David!
I have never seen one in real time.

Tessa said...

Don't those cars just smell wonderful, too?! Fantastic shot - took me a moment or two to figure it out. Very clever.

angie {the arthur clan} said...

What an amazing experience that must have been! (And a completely wonderful shot you posted here.)

Jinksy said...

There's a joke about chrome magnon man here, but buried in the smoke haze, perhaps?

Kaye Waller said...

Beautiful shot! It's soft and solid at once, just like the auto!

Unknown said...

Oh I'd have had to get in and smell the leather and get the feel of luxury! Nice shot.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Great "up close and personal" photo and story, David. I've seen a Rolls-Royce only once, and that was in Dallas, TX. Probably owned by a rich oil man (or woman.)

Saz said...

gosh, l thought it was a silver boat logo of some kind, you got me! Classy!

aims said...

Hey David.

Have just come from reading about the flooding in Queensland and particularly Ingham - where snakes can be found in your house and crocodiles are stalking people and dogs in the streets.

And here you are fighting a bushfire near your home.

I have nothing but Wow! for you.

If I found a snake in my house - um.....you wouldn't be finding me - that's for sure.

On another note - have you checked out Rachel's latest pics?

http://whenthedogsbite.blogspot.com/2009/02/boythorpe-cemetery.html

Now - don't get me started on how I would feel even sitting in a phantom.....OMG! doesn't even come close.

Maggie May said...

Ah..... its not yours then?
Makes a good photo!

Sandi McBride said...

Now, next photograph the doors of a Jag...I'll be a happy girl! Of all the things we left in England, my Jaguar is the one thing I still pine for!
Sandi

holly said...

several of the guys who *built* it wore t-shirt and jeans.

people who *designed* it wore t-shirt and jeans.

i don't trust a car with a dress code. my yaris doesn't care what kind of clothes i wear, or indeed if i even wear any.

i should have stopped a sentence back, yeah?

George said...

A very interesting picture -- I like it.

Sarah Laurence said...

Cool car pic! Sorry to hear about your bushfires in the post below.

Nessa said...

OOOoooo, shiny. I like shiny.

Cherie said...

Is it wrong to be drawn to a door handle? Though I never have dated a man just because he had a cool car. ;)

Anonymous said...

Amazing picture David! Amazing! One of my all time favorites!

Anonymous said...

I don't know much about cars, but I do treat the King Cars with respect too. I wouldn't have driven it either.

Thank you for checking out my blog, I will definitely be back to visit yours.

:)

Anonymous said...

I was unable to open the pictures of the Opera of the Phantom but able to see Phantom Menace which were stunning.

CJ xx

Unknown said...

Great composed and exposed picture, David.

Mojo said...

Heh. I want to take Holly for a ride! In the Rolls. With no dress code.

I've always thought detail shots like this were much more compelling that getting the whole car. Obviously I'm not alone! I featured the grille of a Lotus Elise for a Thematic Photographic several months back, and Carmi one-upped me with the rocker panel of a Testarossa. But neither of us had a shot at a Rolls.

But come to think of ti... there's a car show coming up here soon. I wonder...

Susan English Mason said...

It's all your fault. Everywhere I go I look at doors now. They are very telling.

Anonymous said...

Nice pictures. In this post and all over the page!