How to pose cars

*Note: I did not write this, I'm just passing it along as it is good information, even 100 years later*

This was in the January 8, 1908, Horseless Age. There's one very well-said line that deserves memorizing: "The photograph should furnish its own proof of its story." That's damn good advice, and there are some other nuggets in there, too.

HOW TO POSE COMMERCIAL CARS.

The photograph of a commercial car should aim to express utility and nothing flse. In choosing the subject and the "pose" the commonplace and the sensational are equally to be avoided. The one makes no lasting impression and the other the wrong kind. The thing to be expected is something that will pleasantly impress the memory. One of the most usual things seen is a load of flywheels, such as are used on stationary engines. While they represent weight they go no further. They have been "done to death." People are tired of them. They are painfully commonplace.

If an opulent citizen wishes to transplant a largo, heavy tree from the woods to his lawn, the car manufacturer can well afford to furnish the transportation for the privilege of photographing. Such a picture makes a pleasing impression, and will be remembered long after the flywheels are forgotten.

The photograph should furnish its own proof of its story. For instance, one well known manufacturer shows a light truck "hanging on by its toenails" on a steep bank. In justice to the manufacturer the photographer should have so placed his camera that the tracks in the rear of the car would plainly show, with the undisturbed ground in front. The practice of "fudging" photographs that are to be used for illustrative purposes is so common that such precautions are desirable.

One of the most undesirable things to have in a photograph of a car is a human figure, and especially a man. In spite of all warnings by the photographer he will persist in showing his consciousness of his position. He insists on looking at the camera instead of the road ahead or the working of the truck. If by chance he looks away from the camera, instead of turning his head in a natural manner he turns his eyes only, the result being a sort of cross eyed glare. An intelligent woman would do none of these things, but alack! she is not suited to the work of handling a 5 ton car.

Heavy commercial cars will occasionally get into the mud too deep to pull themselves out. The best car made is just as liable to do it as the poorest. After a few such instances the testers at the shop will evolve the best method of getting out. It may be an extremely simple way, but the result of a lot of thinking. Photograph it, so the bewildered driver with a heavy load will not have to think.

If a handy driver has a breakdown and makes an ingenious emergency repair it should be photographed as made. It may save some buyer a lot of embarrassment if he ever gets into a similar position.

Often in loading from a car in the freight yards it will be desired to move it to a more convenient position, using the motor car to move it. Show the inexperienced driver, by a photograph, that the best way to move it is to hook a towing chain to the rear of the car and bring the motor car up against the side of the freight car. When pulling the angularity of the strain will not cause the motor car to work sidewise.

[Jim Bryant]

Well......isn't that interesting.