Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Decomposing...


Yes I could be talking about me, but today I'm not. When time and the elements take their toll on things, they leave behind a unique patina that technology cannot easily reproduce. Sure, the Photoshop gurus can recreate just about anything, but some things are better left to nature. For example:


It is fairly common these days for "barn find" cars, similar to the 442 above, to not be restored. Instead, many get a clear coat shot over the existing finish to preserve the car in its current state. Is there anything wrong with doing this? Absolutely not! Being able to capture a moment in time is one of the reasons photography exists...

I spent a little bit of time observing the 442 above at a local car show. What I noticed was that most of the show attendees walked past this car on their way to the shiny cars parked around it. That was great for me, because I got to shoot some photos at a car show without having to shoot around people, or crop out elbows, etc. But at the same time, I was a little sad for the 442. Its patina and decomposition give it a uniqueness that got overlooked far too often.

So, when you're out shooting, look around. Stop and take a better look at the things that don't necessarily catch your eye. You might find some interesting things to shoot. And remember, if you're not having fun while you're out shooting, you're probably doing something wrong.

1 comment:

  1. There's nothing wrong with "survivor" cars, of course, but you're right; they usually get ignored because of their "scars" and showing years. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, but shiny paint and chrome will almost always win.

    BTW, I really like your "And remember, if you're not having fun while you're out shooting, you're probably doing something wrong" comment.

    ReplyDelete