Saturday, March 21, 2009

All Roads Lead To Chrome

That's One Very Hot Rod

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


The Authorblog clan is accustomed to the fact that I often trail several metres behind them as I habitually wander off with my camera at the ready. These images were shot in December 2006, when we stopped at the tiny hamlet of Dadswells Bridge on our way back to Melbourne from Adelaide.

If you blink on the Western Highway, you’d miss the sign for Dadswells Bridge, but it’s been one of our favourite stops for more than two decades.

I spotted this yellow roadster parked by the side of the café and, just as the family expected, I announced that I would be held up for a couple of minutes while I shot some quick frames. The owner was nowhere to be seen, but how on earth could I ignore a gleaming hot rod with bright chrome under a flawless blue sky?

Yes, the sky really was an amazing blue. Want to see proof? Look at the next photograph and you'll see it reflected in the headlamp.


In the first frame, I deliberately chose an unusual composition, allowing the convex shape of the left headlamp to become a mirror for the car’s chassis. There is a certain balance between the bright yellow paintwork and the flawless chromium-plated lamp, but more importantly the metal surface reflects the vehicle in a distorted manner reminiscent of a gimmicky fairground full-length novelty mirror.

The last shot (below) is a bit of a red herring. Or maybe I should say it’s a yellow herring.

On first glance it looks as though the exposed engine block (this is a hot rod, remember) is painted yellow to match the chassis. But it isn’t. It’s chrome plated. Examine the image really carefully and you’ll see the overwhelming impression of yellow comes simply from the reflection in the shiny chrome.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Yellow".

28 comments:

Wayne said...

hey david! theres nothing wrong with having a camera at the ready especialy if you capture pictures like that.

great photo friday

Hilary said...

Very cool.. or should I say hot? I love the first shot best. That yellow is mellow, fellow. ;)

Jim @ CoolStuffForDads.com said...

I agree with Hilary, very cool!

Margaret's Ramblings said...

These pics are just great. I just wish I had the imagination to capture the same.

Margaret

Linda said...

Hi David! Thanks for stopping by my blog via Katherine (she's such a sweetheart) and I'm glad you liked the photos. I thought the ones of the gates came out pretty good but I'm always up for tips and/or suggestions - especially from someone like yourself who obviously knows what he's doing!

My brother, who restores old cars, would love these shots you have here today!

Maggie May said...

It is a lovely set of photos and how could you not take a picture of a car like that, even if it means leaving the Authorblog family to themselves for a while?

I don't know where you see all these bright colours though, I don't seem to see them. Must book an appointment for an eye test!
Maybe Australia has brighter colours! Yes, it must be the sunlight!

Bee said...

I love that first photo especially - that hot pop of yellow.

Jewels said...

I'd have to wear sunglasses to drive that car. Holy bright batman!

Merisi said...

I see someone gangly hanging seemingly daintily all over this shiny car's chassis clicking away skillfully! ;-)

Mojo said...

Nope. No way I could pass that one by without shooting several (dozen) frames! I'm pretty sure the owner gets a lot of that and probably revels in it.

Reminds me that I should check around to see if there are any classic car shows in the offing around here. It's getting to be that time of year after all, when the local clubs shine up their rides and bring them out on display.

Jazz said...

A very hot rod and very cool pics.

Salute said...

Nice pics, so yellow and bright.

Cath said...

Oh wow! So it is!

What a very clever composition - the last one especially.

Mo said...

Very mellow yellow. Love the first shot the best.

Daryl said...

Go greased lightning!

Anonymous said...

You really seem to enjoy photographing classic cars and this one is beautiful.

CJ xx

cheshire wife said...

Neat photography! Has that car ever been driven? It looks so clean.

What About The Girl? said...

Sir David, I'm daft when it comes to car engines. But you had me at yellow!

Leslie: said...

Excellent photos, as usual. I love the reflection of yellow in the chrome! :D

Zip n Tizzy said...

My neighbor collects cars and my husband has shot them from every angle. I just recieved some pics from a friend who attended T's b-day, and she couldn't resist either.
They're so darn photogenic aren't they?
It's a shame that their modern counterparts aren't nearly as enticing.

Anonymous said...

i have to agree it would have side-tracked me as well...great shots.
thanks for sharing with us.
have a fab weekend.

Ivon said...

Great SWF photos and the theme and comments. I like the the sky shot in the mirror. Thanks for sharing.

Angela said...

Nice yellow car! It's OK to be distracted when something is that shiny... Happy hunting.

Queen-Size funny bone said...

I love yellow.

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

Love the subject and the yellow and chrome!

Eddie Bluelights said...

Very polished shots.

Anonymous said...

Hot-rodding is hot with this yellow color! :)

Happy weekend!

Colin Campbell said...

Lovely. I saw a 1.4 million yellow Honda yesterday. I will have to post a picture.