I’m a photographer based in Sacramento, CA who specializes in automotive photography with a creative twist. As a ‘car guy’, I appreciate the time and effort (not to mention blood, sweat and tears) that can go into a car during the restoration/modification process. “Car guys” are a different breed – we don’t see cars as just a means of transportation – they can be a representation of our personality, attitude and artistic expression. Some people like their cars to be low and slow, others go for looks, others go for speed – or any combination of the bunch…
Every car has its own unique qualities, whether it’s the fender gills of a ’71 ‘cuda, or the hidden headlights of a ’69 Camaro RS – qualities that often require a unique perspective or technique to capture in a photograph. I strive to capture those details in a way that most people may not see or think to notice. Additionally, sometimes the ‘imperfections’ of a cars exterior may actually be considered a character trait when it comes to the photograph – showing the cars’ history and past like the wrinkles on a weathered cowboy’s face.
Besides doing still shots of cars from creative angles and perspectives, I enjoy getting out to the race track (either the quarter mile or a road course) to get shots of the cars doing what they do best – MOVE! The sounds and smells of the racetrack are not for the faint of heart – there’s flying rubber (and sometimes parts), clouds of disorienting smoke, and eye-watering exhaust fumes… but getting right in the middle of all of it allows me to get the photos to make any car look like a world-record setter. In addition to the shots at the starting line, I like to get shots from the pits – showing the behind-the-scene wrenching and preparation that’s necessary for a successful run on the track. The combination of these shots at the action shots gives the client a photo shoot that captures their entire experience at the track, not just one aspect of it – and the shots are done from a perspective that they may not have previously seen.
As with any type of photography, it’s important to pay attention to your lighting – where it’s coming from, how strong it is (or isn’t), how much motion you may want to capture in the image, and how you’re going to maximize the lighting for a great image. Knowing how to maximize the lighting for the mood I want to capture helps me create dramatic images that invoke the mood I want – whether it’s a timeless image that triggers memories of childhood, or a dramatic image showing speed and raw power – knowing how to use the light is very important to the process. Sometimes, we have little control over the lighting, but knowing how to work with what you’ve got is key.
There are a number of amazing photographers out there – Facebook is a great place to find inspiration and to connect with other photographers to share techniques. I’ve been fortunate to find a group of local photographers to collaborate with – we all have different specialties (some do portrait, some do weddings, I do cars), but we all have the same love for photography and hunger to grow and do “more”. I think it’s important to have other people to work with, who can inspire you to grow and push your own boundaries. Finally – having a very supportive wife has been a true blessing.
Links:
Website: http://www.geckosites.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
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