A Glance at Legacy: The Model A was the successor to the Model T, a car so different that Henry Ford started the alphabet over. The Model A was one of the first affordable cars designed with safety and versatility in manufacturing (interchangeable parts). Back in the 1920's, Henry Ford was producing at such rates that he could make the model affordable and pay his workers higher wages (practices not too often repeated in this economy). I call this an antique treasure because it reminded me of the Ford legacy in manufacturing and innovation with principles that are still very relevant today in the topics. (ISO 1250, 37mm, f/29, 1/60)
Sun Rays Enhanced (Naturally): Take notice to the grill area where you can see the hand crank port with it's cover in tact. It's also worth calling attention to the early car horns of the time just below the right headlamp, I'm not 100% certain if it's an original component. (ISO 100, 30mm, f/4.5, 1/200)
Details: This close-up of the headlamp allows you to view the detail in the lamp grid which was designed such to enhance the beam distance and width. The porosity around the headlamp is also very noticeable, at this zoom, from oxidation over the years. (ISO 100, 39mm, f/8, 1/160)
Reflection: The reflection off of the horn is the courtyard of Parkway Tavern. (ISO 100, 55mm, f/6.3, 1/125)
Kissed with Contrast - Rear: This view was enhanced with an increased contrast to help expose the intensity of oxidation that has occurred on every metal surface of the vehicle, including the spare wheel rim. Speaking of wheels, also notice another classic brand, the Goodyear tire on the wheel rim. (ISO 100, 23mm, f/4, 1/40)
Kissed with Contrast - Lower Rear & Right: Furthering the observation of oxidation to the vehicle with a greater emphasis on the rear right bumper, wheel well, tire spindle, and supports (jacks). (ISO 125, 24mm, f/4, 1/30)
A Taste of Good (Signage): I'll conclude this set with a bit of advertisement for the best poboys and tavern atmosphere off of the beaten path in the Crescent City. (ISO 160, 55mm, f/20, 1/100)
Part I: New Orleans - Off the Beaten Path
I came across this antique treasure while visiting one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans back in 2011. The Ford Model A featured in this mini-series is located in the courtyard of Parkway Bakery & Tavern (frequently visitied when I briefly in NOLA) located just off of Orleans Ave with a view of St. John's Bayou in Midtown. It gives the outdoor seating area a bit of a rustic curb appeal, if you will.
My fascination in shooting the car spawned from a combination of waiting on my ham & cheese poboy and my love for classic cars. I became even more fixed on certain details as I noticed the various textures and discoloration from oxidation over the years. I couldn't believe that I was looking at a vehicle that required a hand-crank to start the engine back in it's prime; even if it was on display as scrap that was still in pretty good condition for it's age. With some adjustments to the contrast and saturation, I was able to achieve what I wanted to convey in the photos that are featured here by accentuating the textures and colors.
