New York Daily Photo Analytics

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Nice and Olds

Here's a new twist. While walking up to B&H Photo with a photographer friend we came upon this antique 1947 Oldsmobile on 9th Avenue. The owner, Brian Atkins, was taking photos of passersby (for a small charge) who wanted to pose with the vehicle. In conversation with him, we agreed that cars make great subjects for photography. I recently shot a number of autos in an antique car show I happened upon in Connecticut, but I have not posted them here since they were not in NYC. I am not a car enthusiast, but I love the chrome, sweeping curves, shiny lustrous finish, reflections, interiors and overall design work of many of these classic American icons. The beauty of the designs of the these antique autos is not strictly a romantic passion for all things past. Many antique automobiles were some of the finest examples of industrial design - Raymond Loewy (1893-1986), for example, was probably the greatest and well known industrial designer of the 20th century. His prolific career involved a long relationship with the US automaker Studebaker. If you are not familiar with Loewy and his work, I would highly recommend some reading about him and his work - click here - you'll be amazed. He was responsible for everything from the Hoover logo to NASA Skylab interior ...

10 comments:

Nestor Family said...

I have not commented in a while... but just wanted to chime in today to let you know once again that I think your blog is the best. Thanks for all that you share.

Anonymous said...

This is a nice photograph of something once so popular after the war. I remember these cars and rode in them and those were nice. Your photo is nice too as is your narrative.

Abraham Lincoln
Brookville Daily Photo

talj said...

What a very well polished car!! :o)

calusarus said...

A beautiful photo for a marvellous black.

Brian Dubé said...

Autos like this are such great natural subjects.
Brian

Ann (MobayDP) said...

Look how shiny that car is! :) I love how you captured the car's curves.

Steve Cuddihy said...

fabulous, simply fabulous.

Kate said...

And, did you have to pay to photograph the car? Hope not--professional courtesy! It's stunning in its classic design.

Anonymous said...

wow - shiny and bright. great find, great image.

Anonymous said...

That is a sweet car and I just love its white tires. I wonder how this car would sell today. I have seen similar cars in Million dollar auctions in Discovery I think and those rich folks really pay a fortune for those oldies.