Outside Dog 2

It might just be me but I always find that it is the headlights that give life to what may be derelict vehicles. There are two views on such vehicles.It is either just a piece of scrap or it is still a living thing. I am of the second view.

Hmm. 'Not really thought about it that way. I love some of the old iron 'cause its outside my usual experience. Here, I just got attached to this old beast. In this shot, I liked the grill writ large, the hood ornament, but especially the old blackberry vine growing up through the bumper and into the grill.
I found 4 other derelict trucks, but haven't finished the roll. 'Would sure love to gain access to some of the old sawmills & trainyards. They're like a visual candy store. An old machine shop w/ belt-driven power would be too much to ask for.

Very nice. I agree with pentaxuser about the headlights. I photograph an old Chevy truck today that I was drawn to the headlights.

I find this truck to be somewhat heroic looking, like it's defying the elements somehow. Lovely tonal range as usual.

Brad & pentaxuser - when I look at my first post of the truck in 35mm, it was the cyclops view of the headlight that got & continues to get my attention. I think you're on to something there.

Tony thank you. From you, that's most encouraging. I sure appreciate it.

This is a great perspective take on a terrific subject. Been so long it has gone from patina to lichen. Even the UN-kill-able blackberry vine looks like it has given up for good. I did like your cyclops too, and it seemed to me that it had a stronger 3d rendering that is often absent from images. Were you doing the HiHoPyro dance with this roll? Doesn't quite have the same strength of that characteristic.

Good one.

mfohl, thank you. 'Preciate any comment - good/bad/critical.

Good eye, Michael. A couple variables, I was experimenting w/ agitation in the semi process. First run was over the top - constrast & sharpness, so I was trying less initial (20 instead of 30s), then 2 inversions at 5 min, 1 at 20. Somewhere between first & second run is a sweet spot I'm chasing. Also, there's something w/ semi that happens w/ a metal surface is smooth or reflective that goes nuts in a good way. It showed initially w/a street shot done w/ HC-110, but was not as consistent as Rodinal. The pyro doesn't seem to miss where there's smooth metal involved. Note the headlight bezel - brilliant. The oxidized/peeling paint doesn't look the same.

That is the thing that makes or breaks old cars, the headlights. If they are in tact it's like the eyes of a dog at a pound begging you to take it home and there's a good car hiding under the moss. If the glass is gone then it just looks like an old skull/skeleton that will sink into the ground in a few years. Were the emblems and dogs still shiny?