To amplify slightly on Dave's remarks, the camera was set on a tripod and the exposure was adjusted for a time of probably one second. Judging from the blur of the figures, it could have been two seconds or even more. With today's much more sensitive films and digital cameras, such a long exposure in bright sun would more than likely require that a neutral density filter (sort of like sun glasses for the camera) be placed over the lens to cut down the light.

To get such a result today many digital cameras can be set to shoot only black and white, or you can make the change in Photoshop. An easy way to do this is to go to Image > Mode > Grayscale. The fine grain structure of the image would require the use of a fine grain film in at least 4x5-inch format. Such films are available. In digital, you would want the highest resolution the camera is capable of producing.

Two Graham Bros. ads from 1924, displaying the transition of one-ton truck models, as well as featuring the now familiar Chestnut Farms Dairy.

(click to enlarge)
     

1) What is it that caused the "faded people" on the right hand side -- something to do with shutter time?

[That's how people look if they're moving around in a time exposure -- blurred. - Dave]

2) If one wanted to take a picture today that looked (technically) as much like this one as possible, in the same "vintage" way, how would one approximate it with either film or digital, and with what kind of post-production?

[View camera, 8x10 negative. Time exposure. - Dave]

Now I understand why some people around DC still call it the General Accounting Office. These days it's the Government Accountability Office.

I can't quite read the fine print at the top of the license plate. Now government vehicles are issued plates from the federal government (GSA, to be precise) but I'm not sure how long this has been the standard practice.

This is a beautiful picture of a workhorse vehicle. It's nice to see such great photography for vehicles that were normally photographed only in the course of their duties.

Does anyone else notice the very faint see-through people standing around the lamppost on the right?

There must be a parking ticket in the offing.

I like this photo because it is rather strange. I wonder if it was purposely made or just lucky.