1950’s Firestone Cruiser
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This post really isn’t about the Firestone Cruiser, and the reason is: no information.
So, I am going to tell you my story.
You would think that living in beautiful and picturesque Galena, Illinois I would have plenty to keep me shooting, but as
most of you know landscape photography is not my bag, and the reason is: I cannot see it.
So the dilemma begins.
What makes me click is color, texture, and detail,
and I found it in my latest subject,
The Firestone Cruiser.
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A few years ago I documented some old cars at a car depot (dump) on our way to St. Louis. At first it was a stop I could not wrap my head around, but then I saw the beauty ! Well, a friend of mine in Galena collects, buys, and sells motorcycles… old and new. Hmmm, let’s give it a go! So I asked Jimmy if I could take some pictures of his motorcycles, and he said yes.
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I drove to his building, stepped inside and stood in awe. It was manna from Heaven … I was going to have a feast .. and I did.
I took my time with each and almost every motorcycle but then, from the corner of my eye, I saw it ….
The Firestone Cruiser
It was love at first sight. Color, Texture, and Detail here I come!
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I haven’t had the need lately for the lens I used, my 60mm micro, but I sure do love it. I had used it quite a bit when I was photographing food for the Up Close and Personal images, but that was a long time ago. It’s a ‘nifty’ feeling to be reunited … just like riding a bike!
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I love to shoot wide. And this means? This means to open up my aperture. The aperture controls the depth of field, and when it is opened to a larger size it will blur out the noise (distractions) in the background and create a beautiful bokeh. ( bokeh: the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light) Then I tighten it up and zero in on my point of interest … yep! this is how I love to shoot!
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Because of the ‘colorful noise’ in the background, such as red and blue from the gas tanks of the motor bikes, I muted every color except green. The Firestone Cruiser green… must have kept some yellow in there too.
As you have heard me say before, I am my worst critic and at the same time I can be my best fan! Today I am a fan! I love these images … Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and I am the one beholding. You see, I’m the needy type, I need the approval of an outsider, but I have realized every one has an opinion and they are all different … it is when something clicks with-in me that all is good!
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5 Days Ago .. 
Firestone was in my Dad’s class at U of D. He sat in front of WWF and nooded off, my dad was asked to awake him, ‘you put him to sleep’ he said to the the teacher. Well these images and narration would arouse Mr. Firestone, keep pedaling down this road, glad you are back on the bike!
Thanks so much! I LOVED the ride. Are we going to see the motorcycles in another post?
Amazing shots and subject!!! I’m so glad you’re proud of these, as you should be!!! Thanks for sharing; it makes my heart sing to see your photos!
Loving all your talent. Congrats on your latest photo shoot, Jane
Love them! Excellent execution of balancing the bokeh within the photographs! Can’t wait to see the motorcycles.
Great post! Great photos. I enjoyed the ride. Pat
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Your depth of field work makes for beautiful compositions. Keep sharing!
Yep, great pictures, but I am a guy — show me the motorcycles!
Great pictures of this old classic. Great post all the way around, the photos are beautiful and the story heartwarming.