Welcome to Bandwagen, where two of my favourite subjects come together…
Vintage Volkswagens and photography!
I caught the photography bug early when, at the age of four, I was given a Kodak 126 camera by my father who was also a keen photographer. I’ve had some sort of camera around ever since, including the Olympus 35mm cameras we borrowed at art collage, my old Zenith 35mm, a Minolta 35mm and a Lomo…
Then, I thought I’d give digital photography a try. I bought a little Canon Powershot and I’ve never looked back! After several years with the Powershot I upgraded to a Canon 350d which Ive also used for ages but, I’ve now decided to upgrade again to a 60d which I think is a great camera (compared to the 350d). It’s so fast and easy to use, I’m having lots of fun with it!
I’ve also had an interest in cars, again, from my schooldays. Hot rods, classic cars, drag racing etc. but, it wasn’t until I finished art collage in ’84 that I bought my first beetle: a customised Texas yellow 1303 with wolfrace wheels! I’ve owned many aircooled VWs over the years, some stock, some customised but it’s the Vintage pre-1967 cars that interest me the most. I now own an unrestored 1955 Swedish Oval window beetle in stratos silver.
I’m keen to develop my photographic skills, always on the lookout for new locations, hints and tips, and cars to shoot. So if you have an interest in vintage Volkswagens, photography or perhaps both then I’d love to hear from you.
You can view more of my photos on Flickr…
Malc
Very interesting. My mom always had a VW beetle since she learned how to drive. Sadly though, she doesn’t have her 1960-1970′s ones anymore. Now it’s a newer one, which (personally) I don’t really love. The old ones are just so cool! I am a fan of any old car. The styles and bright colors, and the interior design! The pictures you have are wonderful! I will be checking into your blog again. Thank you for sharing, and good luck with your photography (I own a Canon Powershot SD 750…I believe that’s what it’s called. I really love it, but it’s very small. My dad has a Canon T2i..wonderful, BIG, camera!). God Bless,
Jenny~
I hired a new beetle for a weekend back when they first came out and wasn’t impressed at all! The second version VW have just launched looks quite nice though… Thanks for the kind words
i was about to say i love the cars in your blog, a bit old style but cute like beatles.. but then i just found the house in this page is bloody fantastic!! reminds me of Gaudi!! is that yours? how’s it made??
Sadly the house isn’t mine! I used to drive past it every day on my way to work and always admired it. it was for sale a while ago but far too expensive for me!
mm, pity, then just build your own. keep it wierd, then it ll be artist stuff, lool
What a breath taking Photos. Your site is cool.
I was just reading your photographic history Malcolm and blow me if it doesn’t echo mine to a large extent. I started taking pictures in the early ’60s with a Brownie 127 to record pictures as a twelve year old on train spotting expeditions.
I didn’t become a serious amateur photographer until the early ’70 when like you I bought a Zenith 35mm. This was quickly replaced by an Olympus OM1 which cost me, just about a month’s wages. Being a member of a very good works photographic club I was very soon exposed to all sorts of exotic equipment and for a time owned an MPP 5×4 plate camera, a Minolta twin reflex Autochord, OM2, Mamiya 645 and others too numerous to list.
I used to lug a bagful of gear for a few years but when you realise the worlds greatest photographer carried just one Leica 35mm with a standard lens I thought he obviously knew better.
Now I just carry my entry level Sony A200 with the stock 18-70 zoom lens.
very interesting, beautiful vw images.. ; )
Hi there, thanks for stopping by my blog http://moreimagesfromme.wordpress.com/ and for the likes, they are appreciated. Now I can enjoy the VW images and more from following your work. Thanks again, Mark