Things That Go "VROOM"...

I've always been proud of the fact that I can (and have) shot pretty much everything. At this point in my photographic life I've decided that, as long as it doesn't have the word "wedding" attached to it, I'm in. Sure, weddings pay, but the stress can be ridiculous.

I've shot concerts with regularity for the last 12 years, and I love doing it. Unfortunately, the concerts which lure me are becoming fewer and fewer. Let's face it, I grew up in the 70's and love that music, but the "wrinkle rock" set isn't getting any younger.

My attention, whether by happenstance or subconscious design, has turned to automobiles. Not just automobiles, but motorcycles, as well. As we come into the spring and summer months here in northeast Florida, there will be no shortage of car shows to choose from, and they'll be held, somewhere, almost every weekend.

Hooray me.

Since the beginning of the year, I've photographed two large scale events which center around cars. The first was the Mecum Auctions, which was held in January down in Kissimmee. I'd never attended an event like that, and it was pretty overwhelming. It didn't look quite as huge in person as it does on television. There was a ton of money flying around that place, and the cars were exquisite.

The second "car event" of the year was the Amelia Island Festivals of Speed. Like with Mecum, I had a media credential to attend this. I was hoping to also get in on the Amelia Concours d'Elegance, which was being held the same weekend, but I didn't submit my credential request in time.

The Festivals of Speed was a little different than Mecum. They had an auction on the Friday night,and again on Saturday, where they were auctioning off some rather spectacular automobiles.

In addition to the automobile auction, they also had a car show on Saturday and Sunday, as well. Cars of all make and manner were situated on the 17th fairway of the Omni Plantation Resort. It was a gorgeous setting which really lent itself to photography.

 

I was getting really into motorsports (automobile and motorcycle),  and found myself at Daytona International Speedway back in January for the "Roar Before The 24", which takes place a couple of weeks before the Rolex 24 Hour Race.

Ordinarily, I would've gone back to Daytona Int'l in March, during Bike Week, for the Daytona 200 motorcycle race. My calendar didn't permit it, though, so I guess I'll wait for Biketoberfest.

And, now, I'm looking forward to the next event, which is the granddaddy of all auto auctions: Barrett-Jackson. This is their 46th year and, to be honest, this one has always been a mind-blower. I've been perusing the cars which are going to be auctioned on the Barrett-Jackson website, but there's really nothing as good as seeing them in person. I've lost count of the number of times I've watched a Barrett-Jackson auction on television, and I couldn't be more stoked about landing a media credential for this one.

Add to all of this a "biker portrait" idea I've got running around in my head, and this year could definitely be a little heavier on the horsepower...