Tag Archives: Palm Trees

DETAIL :: The Eyes of the Cat

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Chip Bunnell Photography of Event Portraits and Automobiles

Click to Enlarge – See the Details

Jaguar has long been a brand associated with luxury, style and performance. Innovative designs are wrapped in a body of long, flowing lines that allow you to longingly gaze upon them for hours. One of my South Florida favorite past times is visiting the numerous auto shows and auctions that come to town. I immediately and unconsciously find myself gravitating to the rows of open-top roadsters. The sun above and wind in what’s left of my hair complete the driving experience. While I have yet to pull out my checkbook and bring one of these magnificent machines to my garage, it is a joy to dream and admire in person what others only see on the pages of magazines. Of all the Jaguars produced, one of my favorites is the XK140.

Produced from 1954 – 1957, the XK140 was a significant improvement over the previous XK120. More power under the bonnet (hood for those of us on this side of the “pond”) meant its performance was just as good as its looks. A little more room leg room added to the comfort. The 1956 model introduced an optional automatic transmission, a first for Jaguar. One small, but important visual distinction between this and the previously similar model is an emblem on the “boot” (trunk) that said “Winner Le Mans 1951 – 3” to celebrate the historic victories.

While I believe the entire car is a work of art, there are many individual details that truly set it apart. In this image, I used a shallow depth of field to give the left headlight a visual punch and allow the rest of the car to fade into the palm trees lined background. In photography, the eyes are the focus and there is no exception with this stunning cat.

Single Frame, Processed in LR, PS and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com

LOCATION :: Father’s Day Lit’l Red Coupe

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Chip Bunnell Photography Boca Raton Delray Palm Beach Florida

Fathers give us guidance and an example of strength in our families. They teach us to throw a baseball and how to make amazing dinners over a camp fire in the middle of the woods with nothing more than some hamburger. While we remember them each day, there is a single day each year that is set aside to celebrate fatherhood and allow a father enjoy his favorite activities. To some this would include a round of golf or a day on the water fishing. To others, it is the love of horsepower and heavy steel. As such, a part of the city of Boca Raton, FL hosts a benefit car show for all to attend. Bear in mind that as this is Boca, with all the financial means you have heard of, these are no ordinary cars. Instead, these are true works of art and the labor of many, many hours to create a rolling work of perfection.

This red Ford coupe is just one of the many examples from this past Sunday. Every inch was customized to an outstanding level of detail. From the highly chromed engine, polished custom wheels, and tight leather seats down to the layer upon layer of rich red paint that simply forced you turn and look. Aside from a few pieces of grass from the morning showers, the tires looked as though they never touched the pavement. This lit’l red coupe, along with many others, was truly worthy of a museum display. Fortunately for us, the owners were kind enough to bring it out in the Florida sun for all to marvel and enjoy.

One funny comment I overheard in the noon day sun was a father, talking to his young son, explaining that he simply wanted to come enjoy the cars on Father’s Day. He went on to recount how everyone kept “piling in the car” before he could leave home. I had to laugh – a father with a love for cars and a family that loves him; what more does he really need?

* Be sure to Click on the image on the left to enjoy the detail of this image….

3 Frame Hand-Held HDR, Processed in Photomatix Pro, LR and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com