We were staying at an RV park in Mexican Hat, Utah, which is right on the border with Arizon, to see Monument Valley. It was early afternoon, not a time I would usually be out photographing, so I was doing some writing in the RV while Ray went out to get fuel for the truck. When he returned he said there were all these vintage cars in getting fuel at the local station! I was kicking myself for not going along. Who knew I would miss the vintage cars?
I was feeling pretty bummed out about missing the opportunity when Ray suggested that maybe there were more coming (he’s becoming a great photo assistant and always the optimist!) So off we went to Monument Valley where we found a good spot to pull over on the side of the road and we waited to see if any interesting cars would pass by. Not 5 minutes went by when they started coming 🙂
It was the Trans-America classic car rally which went from New York to Alaska. How cool is that?
I’m no expert in photographing cars but I tried my best. I wanted the landscape of monument valley to be in focus in the background so I needed an aperture of at least f/11 on my 24-105L lens. I also needed a fast shutter speed for the moving vehicles. So, to get both, I increased the ISO to 800.
Here is the first batch of vintage cars in Monument Valley. Please click on the images to view larger versions.
Well, isn’t that a lesson on not giving up too soon?
I’ve only processed these 5 images so far. There are more to come in Part 2.
Wonderful shots, like it very much,
Thank you very much for your visit and comments Toton 🙂
I love the last image the most. I am not sure if this is the black car or the light on the roadside, this image has the biggest contrast and most interest. I am looking forward more of vintage cars in Monument Valley!
*TU*
TU 🙂
Hi Iza, thank you very much for your comments! You have a point with the last one having the most contrast, I think that does make a difference to the overall image.
These are great Anne! I can’t wait to see the rest (we’ve been patient though haven’t we?) My personal favorite is also the last one I think it’s because of the lower/tighter angle and fewer fence posts (rotten fences, who needs those in the middle of nowhere?)
Glad you got to see them after all!
Hi Howard, thanks for being so patient! It took me quite awhile to get to these last images from Utah. I hope you caught part 2 of the series. Really appreciate your comments, thanks!
Perfect timing Anne. Really love those magnificent cars with the great scenery in the background. Usually the scene is cowboys on horses.
Hi Len, exactly, it’s always cowboys and horses! I thought the vintage cars were quite unique and what a great opportunity. Thanks for your comments.
Oh my goodness gracious!!! CHECK THESE OUT! What a great backdrop for a truly epic set of roadsters! Great photographs here, Anne, I cannot wait to see the second part!!
Hi Toad, I knew these ones would be right up your alley 🙂 It is an amazing background for the classic cars, I never expected to get any images like this. These kinds of surprises are always so much fun. Thanks for your comments!
These are amazing!
I’m so glad you like them Kris, thanks!
That is very cool. Terrific shots Anne.
Thank you very much Edith, always appreciated!
These are nice Anne. Being in such a timeless location, it makes you think these are being photographed when each one of these cars was actually new of the assembly lines.
Hey Mark, I never thought of that! I should try some vintage processing on these. Thanks for the idea 🙂
I bet they didn’t drive around Monument Valley on the dirt road! Nice pics from a lovely part of the world.
They did actually! I waited for them on the free road 😉