A look at Moshav Ein Vered’s Museum of Tractors

In the heart of central Israel, amid sprawling orange groves, lies a unique site that calls out to photographers and history enthusiasts: the Museum of Tractors at Moshav Ein Vered. This extraordinary museum, nestled in the picturesque Sharon Plain between the Mediterranean Sea and the Samarian Hills, houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of tractors and agricultural machinery.

As you enter the museum, you begin a fascinating journey through time. The first building houses dozens of the over 400 tractors in the collection. In contrast, the second building, known as the “Aliyah Exhibition,” showcases collections of old cameras, clocks, cooking utensils, and other artifacts that recount the story of the early settlers. These aliyah pioneers, often ill-equipped for the harsh conditions, courageously drained swamps and planted millions of orchards and forests, laying the foundation for the Israel we know today.

For the still-life photographer, the Museum of Tractors is a veritable treasure trove. It offers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of the nation’s agricultural heritage and the determined spirit of its people. This venue is not just a place to visit but a source of inspiration that will excite and invigorate any photographer.

Getting there: On Waze, go to “Museum of Tractors.”
Opening hours: The site is open to the public every day except Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays and holidays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission: NIS 30 per person.

Old drill bits seen at the Museum of Tractors in Moshav Ein Vered. (credit: Jay Garfinkel)

Rusted tractor

This image of a rusted, aged tractor in the parking lot of the Tractor Museum encapsulates a powerful sense of decay and history. The rust and weathering on the tractor are captured, emphasizing the intricate textures and giving the machine a story of its own. The earthy, rusty tones of the tractor contrast nicely with the cooler tones of the greenery in the background. This contrast helps the subject stand out and adds visual interest.

Pro tips:

Confronting a machine as massive as this tractor can be challenging, so use a wide-angle lens, but lower yourself and your tripod as far down on the ground as possible and shoot up to capture its grandness and dominance.
Alternatively, position yourself farther away from the tractor to include more foreground, creating a sense of place and context.
Hints of greenery and fruit in the background enrich the composition by adding a touch of life to the otherwise dull parking lot scene.

Industrial machine

Photographing industrial machinery presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. Capturing the beauty and simplicity of industrial design requires a keen eye for the symmetry, patterns, and textures these mechanical marvels offer. The challenge lies in transforming these complex structures into compelling still-life photographs that convey their essence without the noise and activity typically associated with their operation. This photograph captures a close-up of industrial machinery, with a background featuring a mannequin posing as a driver in a workshop setting. Including the person, even if a dummy, adds an interesting context to the image, suggesting the interaction between humans and machines in an industrial setting.

Pro tips:

Lighting is crucial when photographing industrial machinery. It should highlight the contours and reflective surfaces of the machinery, adding depth and dimension. The challenge is that this vast building needs better available light and more window light. Avoid using a flash, which may create flat and uninteresting highlights and shadows. Instead, use an inexpensive small flashlight with a focused beam, such as a Streamlight stylus pen. With your camera in manual mode, keep your shutter open to the bulb setting and aim the light only at the parts of the machine you want to emphasize.

Drill bits

This photograph captures a lineup of drill bits and augers in a striking black-and-white composition. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the tools’ textures and details, creating a dramatic and visually compelling image. The lighting highlights the metallic surfaces and the wear and tear on the tools, giving them character and a sense of history. The arrangement of the tools in a straight line, with varying heights and shapes, creates an interesting visual rhythm. The black-and-white choice imparts a timeless, almost nostalgic, mood to the image, suggesting craftsmanship and manual labor themes.

Searching for abandoned tractors

I am always on the lookout for large machines and abandoned rusting vehicles. During one of my searches, I discovered an abandoned tractor in a farmer’s field. I contacted the owner and obtained permission to visit his farm at night to capture this image. Opportunities like this abound in Israel’s rural farmlands. Remember, always seek permission if you come across something on private land. In my experience, I’ve met some of the kindest and most cooperative people who have shown me even greater treasures situated in their barns and workshops.

Abandoned tractor

This striking and atmospheric photograph of an old tractor under a starry night sky blends machinery elements with a natural night sky backdrop, creating a unique and almost surreal scene that evokes feelings of solitude and timelessness. The juxtaposition of the manufactured object with the vastness of the universe invites contemplation.

Pro tips:

Composition: Position the tractor slightly off-center to create visual interest.
Lighting: The tractor’s lighting was done using the light painting technique, with only a pen flashlight. The subtle lighting gives it a three-dimensional feel against the night sky.
Color palette: The cool tones of the night sky complement the muted, warm colors of the tractor, creating a harmonious balance. The stars add a touch of magic to the scene.

Final thought

Still-life photography, the art of capturing inanimate objects in a carefully composed manner, is an essential and valuable discipline for any photographer. Mastering still-life photography hones your skills in lighting, composition, and attention to detail, all of which are crucial elements in any genre of photography. Focusing on shape, texture, and color nuances within a controlled environment allows you to develop a keen eye for subtleties that transform a simple subject into a captivating image. This meticulous approach to still-life photography enhances your ability to create compelling compositions and allows you to contribute to preserving the rich agricultural heritage of Israel.

So, pack your camera, explore the past, and let the legacy of these machines inspire your photographic journey.■

Jay Garfinkel is a Jerusalem still-life and landscape photographer who has exhibited widely in the United States and Israel. His work has been featured in Landscape Photography Magazine and Lens Culture Magazine. To view his work, go to https://jaygarfinkel.zenfolio.com/ © 2024 Jay Garfinkel