I have a great love for the unique cars
of my childhood. My dad's "family van" was a black 1951 DeSoto limousine!
I start with the vehicle as a full canvas and search through
the lens for the parts and angles of the canvas which catch
my mind's eye. The transition from three to two dimensions,
of subjects already distorted by curved surfaces and multiplied
by reflection, often produces unpredictable results, thus
recapturing an altered dimension — the stuff of photographic
magic.
My first significant antique car photo was not planned as
such. I had set out to take a long-exposure night shot of
a town square with streaks from taillights and a crescent
moon shining above the buildings. A 1960's Cadillac, resplendent
with tail fins, happened to park in the foreground of the
location while I was retrieving my camera, and made the shot.
After that first shot, I was hooked. I began showing up
at antique car shows. The new realm of chrome reflections
as viewed through my "looking glass" transports
me into other dimensions. To my amazement, I discovered an
annual antique truck show at the nearby state forest
with the widest expanses of shiny chrome I could ever wish
for! Thus began my chrome dreams...
—Gloria Kegeles |