Peter J.Heizmann Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Hi, folks...I was going through some photos today from a British car show I attended recently in Richmond, VA. While putting them in order, something bothered me again...practically all of the shots were of cars with the hoods & trunk lids in the up position.Thought to myself how great it would be to have a photo of the car "closed", then, "opened".Just throwing this out for opinions from those clubs/regions/chapters that host car shows...why not have a "Photo Op Session" with cars closed, (i.e.-9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.) and advertise it within the show flier? Have participants open up the car at 10:00 for judging?It may draw more people as they could take the "closed shot", stay longer, then come around again for the "open shot" to take photos of the mechanicals of the vehicle.On a trial basis, see what response you receive from spectators (?).Just throwing it out...Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Boy did that strike a nerve! I see no reason to display a car with anything open, sure when the judging team arrives you need to open things, but other wise keep everything closed. This year at Hershey check out the fifties car lineup, it looks like feeding time at the crocodile pit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizzyDale Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Dear Peter,Neat idea,ever tried to take a picture of a car at Hershey WITHOUT 1 or 10 people in the photo.BETTER get there when the suns coming up[i hope] or when they are leaving.Bob,SOMETIMES the doors,hood and trunk FIT better when they are open.diz <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 I'm one of the grumpy people that doesn't think someone with a camera has the right to ask 25-50 people to move out of their picture. There's only so much time to view the show and I think it rude to ask everyone to cater to a camera. I do like the idea of keeping car closed until the judges appear. It makes me want to throw up when I see someone standing with a white glove or handkerchief to impress the judges. They are just cars for crying out loud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6219_Rules Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 I have to second that opinion Near. Let's see...you take a 2 to 4 ton machine, grease and oil, that runs on open roads and expect it to look like Mah-tha Stewart's cupboard. Hmmmmm.Sounds like a Trailer Queen to me. I don't know why they don't put prosthetic engines in, all duded up just like the real thing but without all that messy, nasty petrolieum goo.<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Just kidding. But seriously, I like to view cars at a show that then fire up and head out to head home with family and dog in the back. I am a big car picture fan. Sometimes it is the only time I will ever see a certain car. But when I am trolling for pictures at a show, I try to remember I am only one of many there to enjoy the show. Also it is nice to have people in the pictures. Besides, my great thrill is the interiors so I get to talk to the folk who own the car and sometimes, if I am very lucky, they will let me sit in it! I will agree too, that I perfer the boot and bonnets down until the judges come round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trevor ward Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Peter.. having read all the posts, they all seem to favour closed up, but maybe people who attend the shows, both spectator, and car owner, DO like to see the engine and under hood area in general. I may be missing something, but surely it is another area of the car which may be of interest to show goers...As would be the trunk area, for example seeing how the owner has faithfully restored it, or how well it looks for the original trim?? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I know for certain that when my '64 Le Sabre is at a show, loads of people wander up and ask to see the engine! but this may be because it is American, and not the usual old wheezy four pot, but a "proper" V8 <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />, Although i would say this happens more at a general multi marque show, rather than a specific American car show. And to finish with something which is slightly off at a tangent, whenever the cars are being judged, it is always VERY apparent that they often have not the first clue what the car is, and how to judge it, so they ask for the hood to be opened, and they STILL have no clue... and the pink '59 cadillac wins, 'cos it is the biggest and maddest car there <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> horses for courses... i guess Trevor.... '64 Le Sabre..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John N. Packard Posted October 5, 2003 Share Posted October 5, 2003 Peter, As region newsletter editor I have struggled with this issue for years. If I was an early bird I would post myself with camera at the entrance to the show and get the pictures as the cars roll in. You may notice at Hershey and other national meets that certain cars are selected for a photo opportunity. They are removed to an appropriate location, pictures taken, and then returned to the show field. What surprises me is that even at local non-judged shows people will automatically raise the hood and trunk lid as soon as they are parked. There are some member's cars that I have photographed dozens of times, all with the hoods up! As for the crowds, I accept the fact of their presence, and use automatic focus and fast shutter speed to snap the picture during the instant that the crowds have moved away. This happens, even at Hershey!jnp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter J.Heizmann Posted October 5, 2003 Author Share Posted October 5, 2003 Wardy and John Packard...nice to hear from you folks.I agree, Wardy, about seeing the workings of the car, that's why I threw out leaving them closed up for, say, 1 hour, then, announce to car owners to open them up for judging. After judging, it would be up to the owner how he wants it staged. Regards to both of you...Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 I always show my car with the hood closed (I have no trunk) and only open it for judging. At cruse-ins it is always closed unless someone asks to see the engine. Even at some judged car shows I have left it closed. Two reasons, one it looks better and two I don't like people leaning on the fender while looking at the engine. Jim 71 Corvette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTW Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Interesting topic...I love photography. I mainly shoot landscape & nature - however when at car shows I do find myself taking more shots of the cars with the hood down. Tho I do find myself taking closeups of some engines if they are heavily modified - usually thats just to see if I can catch an interesting picture. As a spectator - I enjoy looking at the engine & interior to get a feel for the whole restoration.If I brought a car to a show - I would probably keep everything closed. Sort of goes against my thoughts of a spectator eh <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> however I think someone else mentioned - if I'm THAT interested to see the engine I can always ask <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />A lot or field IMO looks more impressive when the hoods are down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 To me, the engine is by far the most interesting part of a car. Yes, the body is shaped nicely, but I rarely see any unique cars at shows any more. Yes, plenty of '68 Biscayne 4-doors and '62 Catalina hardtops, but nothing really noteworthy. The engines are what sets these apart--has it been uniquely customized or has it been the recipient of a high-dollar restoration? The engine will show this more than the exterior. Unless the car has unique coachwork or is an uncommon vehicle, the engine is far more interesting to many enthusiasts.And as far as photos, it's hard, but I rarely ask people to move for a photo. Most times, if they see you, they'll get out of the way out of courtesey, which I always thank them for. But as someone else said, if you're ready for the shot, you can usually grab it in that split second when the crowd parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter J.Heizmann Posted October 6, 2003 Author Share Posted October 6, 2003 Hi, Claire...I agree. My suggestion to have a "shared" photo-op time period may instill more spectator attendance, and, interest. Photographers could come around during the pre-set period of hoods and trunks open, then, come back around when they are closed. It may keep spectators at the show longer, spend a few dollars on refreshments, and, generally, make the event more interesting.(P.S.-Keep us posted on the "paver bricks". Steve will come through for you with literature, I am certain.)Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
66 Mystery Chevelle Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 PeterAnytime you want to photograph my car at a show...just ask me, I'll shut the hood, and the trunk...all of which I leave open when at a CAR SHOW.heck, for you...I'd even let you take pics. before I enter the show field <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />As nice an idea as it is...doubtful it would ever happen...that you would get a show to devote even an hour to this. No offense my friend... I will say though...all anyone has to do is ask an owner if he would shut the hood or whatever and I am sure most would do so for a quick photo. Stop by and see me on Saturday Peter <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 66, Chances are very doubtfull that I'd be judging a post war class, but the first thing I'd ask is to have everything closed to check door, hood, and trunk alignment and fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
66 Mystery Chevelle Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 As any good judge should do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_SKYSTHELIMIT Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Personaly other people around the car dosen't bother me when I'm taking a picture of a car. In fact I'll patiently wait until some incredibly hot chick walks by before taking one. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_SKYSTHELIMIT Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Like all good photographers in the mags don't you need a hot model to compliment the car! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_SKYSTHELIMIT Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 OK, to much info. I guess you all now where my minds at now. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm one of the grumpy people that doesn't think someone with a camera has the right to ask 25-50 people to move out of their picture. There's only so much time to view the show and I think it rude to ask everyone to cater to a camera. </div></div> It really is frustrating when I am trying to take a picture and some rude SOB can't wait 1/250th of a second to place his fat butt in front of my camera. It is a show, and people will be taking pictures. I think it is VERY rude for somebody to not pay attention to the people around them. Do you know how many times people have butted in front of me? I can't stand up to see around or over them. Next time you're in a movie, I guess you wouldn't mind if somebody stands in front of you then? It's not "catering to a camera" it is just plain old courtesy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Boy, seeing this thread really excited me.I heve a few thousand photos that I've taken at car shows of all kinds. When I started in 2000 I simply snapped a photo of the cars hood up, hood down, whatever.As time went on I began to look for cars that had the hood down. But I like to include engine shots when possible. sigh.... choices choices.Often if the owner is around I'll ask if they would mind opening, closing the hood, trunk, etc so I can get a shot both ways.I can't recall a single owner refusing when asked politely. As for people around the cars, well, I stand there and wait most of the time so that there are no people between the car and the camera. People behind the car are less of a concern, as long as they are not draped over the hood or have their heads stuck in a window <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />I do occasionally ask folks if they might step aside briefly so I can snap a shot or two. I've not had anyone respond in any manner that would indicate they thought this request was out of line when asked politely.This weekend I was at a small Concours type show. There were often more people standing waiting to get a good shot than there were people up close looking at a car. Once time I believe one of us asked a lady to step aside. She did and the shutters were snapping like mad, and very appreciatively. Still, it's hard to ask folks to step aside, it seems like an imposition, so I do it pretty rarely.On rare occasions I have asked an owner to pull their car forward so as to get a better shot. I have done that RARELY, and it has met with mixed reviews. I also am real aware that the pedestrian traffic around a car has to be VERY sparse before I'd even consider asking an owner to move the car. To much risk. And besides, it's not my show, sooooo....I very much like the idea of a hoods open/closed scheduling at a show. But that seems like it would be a big change in the culture of events, at least many of them.Someone above mention a "photo op" session at shows.I've wondered about this. Specifically if car owners and show sponsors/promoters would be interested in doing that, or if it would be to much of a change from the pattern.I really appreciate the opportunity to even see some of these cars. I'll get the best shot I can and live with that <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter J.Heizmann Posted October 6, 2003 Author Share Posted October 6, 2003 Hi, Mike...good to hear from you. (If anyone wants to see "one, absolutely beautiful '66 Chevelle, do yourself a favor at Hershey, and, look up Mike Crown.)See you there, Mike.Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 wow, name calling. If you READ the quote you posted it has absolutely nothing to do with what you said. If you look at the pics from last year , there are plenty of people in them, including me. Sorry I pissed in your Posttoasties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter J.Heizmann Posted October 7, 2003 Author Share Posted October 7, 2003 nearchocolatetown...First, thank you for your post. It brought up another aspect of the original thread subject that I, unfortunately regret for not taking into consideration: "How tough, or, disappointing it must me for someone to take a photo of a car with the hood, trunk, and, maybe, doors open, wishing they could get a shot of closed, then, open car, with people, who can walk, milling about, THEN, be physically unable to stand upright and try to get a photo with all of the above mentioned." (More challenging and frustrating in my opinon...)By the way, wish I had a car that drew 25-50 people looking at it. Been to many fun venues over the years, and, have yet to see more than an average of 5-10 at any one time at any one vehicle. At most shows, especially, Hershey, spectators move along with staccato to take in the next car in a Class.As others mentioned above, simple courtesy, I think, is the word I am looking for...Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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