the Ansel Mt. Adams camera car
photo copyright 2008 Dave Wendt
What do you get by mixing equal amounts of DIY-crazy photographers and The Monster Garage? The Ansel Mt. Adams racer, of course (named after the great photographer, Ansel Adams, and Cincinnati’s historic Mt. Adams area). This is a just for fun, lighthearted look at a 1930′s view camera that’s been converted to a working soap box derby race car.
I’m fortunate to be a member of the Ohio Valley Chapter of the ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers), a diverse group of professional photographers from all sorts of specialties. This 2008 Red Bull Soap Box Derby entry was the brain child of member Wilbur Montgomery (featured in the video interview below), a jovial character that typifies the fun nature of the group. Wilbur pulled this vintage camera out of mothballs, rounded up a few of his closest friends and team Ansel Mt. Adams was born. Noted automotive photographer Dave Wendt lent his skills to capture the beauty of the completed camera car in the accompanying photo (that’s the Cincinnati skyline in the background).
Along with chapter president Joe Harrison, I’m now working on a documentary video to chronicle the team’s journey to the finish line. Dozens of chapter members attended the crowded event and have provided video and still photographs, so this has been really fun to work on. The completed video is slated to appear at our Best Damn Photoshop Workshop #5 on November 6th, here in Cincinnati. Until then we have this short video to offer, an interview with Wilbur that explains a little background and sets the stage…with maybe just a bit of extra drama thrown in. Isn’t editing great? Here’s the teaser:
You’re making teaser trailers now? Your videography has come a long way.
Thanks, Craig, I’m having fun with it! The video side of the business is growing fast.
I was wondering if you were integrating video into your business. Maybe you could post about that process and how you have identified video products/services to offer your clients.
So, people used to carry a camera that size up mountains and all over the place to take pictures? I thought I was dedicated!
What kind of equipment are you using to record video with and how are you editing it? You using Linux?
(sorry.. had to ask)
John, thats what photo assistants are for, to carry the camera up the mountains on their backs. They also had to carry all the film in one hand and the flash powder in the other. All the while fending off grizzly bears and a pack of wolves. It was hard work but they liked it!
I’m glad I have a desk job then!
Jason should know how tough the life of a photo assistant is, he’s our number one freelance assistant. He doesn’t even recognize me in the prophotolife videos, he’s used to seeing me crack a whip and shout at people through my bullhorn! All while I’m sitting in a comfortable chair, of course.
Wow that’s a piece of art
I hope the camera still works! Such a beautiful piece of old equioment deserves to be used occasionally – but then again, I suppose most photographers would rather get the vintage look via Photoshop. So sad.