All Roads Lead To Chrome

I Think We're On A Roll

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

It’s not every day you get to drive – or photograph – one of these. Recognise the workmanship? It’s a Rolls-Royce Phantom - and yes, those are the doors of the luxury car.

About a year and a half ago, I shot this as I was given special permission to photograph not one but two Rolls-Royces in a showroom and you can see some of the shots at Phantom Menace and Opera Of The Phantom.

I guess I spent about twenty minutes there, photographing the cars from every conceivable angle. So I thought this solitary frame would be ideal for today’s theme. The object in soft focus in the foreground is the wing mirror, while the sleek chrome door handles are in sharp focus in mid-frame.

Yes, I was given permission to shoot the pristine engine bay under the hood and yes, I did open the doors (reverently) to get in and take some shots of the interior.

But no, I didn’t drive it. Why? Because I was wearing a T-shirt and faded jeans. That would have been heresy.

For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

Phantom Menace

Presenting One Of The All-Time Classics

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Today's theme for Photo Hunt is ``Classic'' and I thought about it for a long time before I decided on these shots. I guess there is nothing that defines the theme better than a Rolls-Royce. This 2006 Phantom was in a showroom and I simply rocked up there and asked if I could take some photographs. The hood ornament is called the Spirit of Ecstasy and it has been the focal point of every Rolls-Royce built since 1911. I took several shots of it close up and I suddenly noticed that it was perfectly positioned in relation to two of the recessed lights in the ceiling, so I had to take the shot above.

Then, I figured it's not every day a guy gets to photograph a Roller, so I asked if they could put the hood up for me. Hey, come on, when was the last time you saw a photograph of a Rolls-Royce with its hood up? Think about it .....

So I asked and then I watched, intrigued, as one of the showroom staff took several attempts before finally popping the hood. Then I took this frame (below) with the engine as the point of focus - and I was immediately intrigued at how the hood ornament was portrayed. Have a close look and it seems to be made up of a series of silvery-gold bubbles.