The Amelia Island Concours March 2019
Every year around this time, I find myself getting a bit anxious before the Amelia Concours d'Elegance. So much of shooting cars is about the small details—the way a car is positioned, the interactions of people around it, and the overall atmosphere. It's not just about pointing and shooting; there's a significant amount of pre-planning and consideration that goes into each shoot.
From deciding on the angles and perspectives to considering the lighting and background, every element plays a crucial role in capturing the essence and beauty of these magnificent vehicles. It's a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and careful planning to ensure the best possible outcome. So, as the event approaches, I find myself immersed in the preparations, fine-tuning every aspect of the shoot to capture the essence of automotive elegance.
During this past year's show, I was fortunate to stay with Ed Owen and his friends at the Omni. While it's always tempting to spend time catching up with friends from back home, my mindset for the show remains focused on one thing: capturing everything, no matter the time of day. When I'm at these events, I don't take breaks—I'm there to work and document every moment.
In this line of work, the moment you decide to stop or leave your camera behind is often when you need it the most. So, I make sure to have it with me at all times, ready to capture any spontaneous or significant moments that arise.
Over time, I've found that people have come to respect my passion and dedication to my craft. They understand that I'm there to create lasting memories and document the beauty and essence of these incredible cars and events. It's this dedication that drives me to constantly be ready, regardless of the hour, to capture the magic of the moment.
Upon my arrival at Amelia, I met up with Lew from Classic Motorcars and Ed from European Auto Solutions at the Falcon’s Nest, an awesome bar adorned with aviation memorabilia. As we settled in, Lew looked at me with excitement and exclaimed, “I just bought a 300SL Gullwing! I’ve always wanted one!” The news of his acquisition made for a fantastic night, filled with celebration and camaraderie.
Later, we returned to the room where more of our Boston buddies arrived to join in the festivities. It was a joyous occasion as we shared stories, and laughter, and raised a toast to Lew's new acquisition and the adventures to come. The Falcon's Nest provided the perfect backdrop for our gathering, surrounded by aviation history and the shared passion for classic cars among friends.
The next morning, I set out on foot towards the Ritz, where I needed to join the road tour. However, I quickly realized that the Ritz was much farther than I had anticipated. The streets were bustling with activity, especially with several Porsche events taking place that morning. Cars were entering the traffic circle from every direction, including some unique and eye-catching ones.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the distance and the traffic, I decided to give Nathan Dermer a call to see if he was in the area and if he could give me a lift. Nathan is a friend and colleague, and I hoped he might be able to help out in this hectic situation.
The Ritz was alive with excitement and some of the rarest cars I've ever laid eyes on. One standout was a 1910 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, and I was fortunate enough to sit in the back, which was an incredible experience.
My assignment for the Porsche road tour was no easy feat—capturing the essence of an event with 40 cars and over 80 people involved required precise planning and calculations. I had to strategize when to have the cars pull over for the perfect shot, where to position myself for the best angles, and ensure that I didn't end up at the back of the caravan where I would miss crucial shots. It was a high-stakes assignment, and I knew that any misstep could mean missing out on capturing the essence of the tour.
Despite the challenges, the tour was fantastic, and I had the pleasure of meeting some truly fantastic people along the way. If you ever have the opportunity to get your car into this magnificent show and participate in the tour, I highly recommend it. The experience is unparalleled, and the memories you create will last a lifetime. Mark your calendars for the 2020 tour—it's an opportunity not to be missed!
After the Porsche road tour, I had some free time to explore the auctions. It's always a thrill to watch the cars go across the block, but I find it even more enjoyable to walk around and get up close and personal with these magnificent machines.
There's something special about being able to walk up to a car, open the door, and immerse yourself in the interior—even if it's just for a moment. Of course, I'm kidding about pretending it's yours! In all seriousness, it's essential to always ask for permission before getting too close to the cars.
The rest of the day was spent capturing photos of anything and everything that caught my eye. I'm always prepared for long days and nights with little sleep when Amelia Concours d'Elegance comes around. It's a whirlwind of excitement, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Another highlight of the show for me is always Cars & Coffee. Chris Brewer organizes one of the best Cars and Coffee events here at Amelia.
Stepping onto the freshly-cut grass of one of the fairways, I was immediately greeted by an impressive lineup of Dodge Vipers. It was a sight to behold! Once everyone had parked, I politely asked them to line up in front of their cars for a group shot. For me, this show isn't just about the cars; it's also about the people and the sense of community that comes together around these shared passions.
As I walked among the cars and chatted with their owners, I couldn't help but feel the camaraderie and enthusiasm that filled the air. It's moments like these that remind me why I love what I do—capturing not just the cars, but the stories and connections that bring them to life.
After the excitement of Cars & Coffee, the main show preparations began. Cars started to arrive and line up for the main event the next day. Among the arrivals was a gentleman named Jacob Gilbert, with whom I've collaborated closely in the past. Jacob is responsible for maintaining the concept cars for General Motors.
To my surprise and delight, Jacob called me over to say that he was unloading a 1959 Stingray concept car from the Reliable Carriers trailer and offered me a ride-along to the show field. I was thrilled! As we drove through the loading area, I couldn't help but feel the privilege of being in something so rare and iconic. I quickly snapped a few shots of the car in front of the fountain, capturing the moment.
Jacob mentioned that he would join me later in the evening to capture some light painting shots of the Stingray. For me, the load-in process is one of the best parts of the show. It's a time filled with anticipation, excitement, and the opportunity to witness these incredible cars up close before the main event.
Saturday into Sunday evening was non-stop, full throttle. At around midnight, I headed out to the show field to begin photographing the cars. I worked tirelessly until about 6:30 am, capturing the beauty and essence of each vehicle. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to have a place to crash at the Ritz for an hour. This brief respite allowed me to recharge my batteries—both literally and figuratively—by transferring files onto the computer and getting a bit of rest.
With just enough time for a quick shower, a change of clothes, and a cup of tea, I had to be back out on the field at 7:30 am. Despite the exhaustion, I was fueled by the excitement of the event. At 34 years old, I'm still young enough to handle these all-nighters, and my passion for my work kept me going strong. The adrenaline rush of being surrounded by such incredible cars and capturing their stories is what drives me, even when my body is tired.
Nathan held a meeting to assign us two volunteers who would assist in asking people to stand aside while we captured photos of each car on the field. In the morning, I diligently worked to capture my assigned section, but not all cars were in place yet. This process can be quite painstaking, as not everyone is attentive to the requests to clear the area for photos.
With thousands of attendees packed onto just two fairways, it becomes a delicate dance to navigate and get the shots we need. Despite our best efforts, some individuals simply don't listen or may not realize the importance of clearing the space for the photographers. It requires patience and persistence to ensure we capture the best images amidst the bustling crowds.
One of the highlights of every Amelia show for me is when the honoree gets into their race car and drives across the show field. This year, with Jacky Ickx as the honoree, it was another fantastic moment to witness. It's a thrilling opportunity to capture dynamic shots as I run to get the best angles and perspectives.
On Saturday, we had the chance to photograph all of Jacky Ickx's cars. Bill Warner, the host of the Amelia Concours, set up a ladder to get the perfect shot, and Nathan and I were fortunate to go up on the ladder first to capture our images. After that, the rest of the media had their turn. Time is always of the essence during these moments, especially as the sun starts to dip down and the shadows lengthen under the tents that surround the photo area. It's a race against time to ensure we capture the essence and excitement of the event before the light fades.
The award ceremony at Amelia is truly one of the best in the country for a photographer. As a credentialed photographer, you have the opportunity to get some fantastic shots with absolutely no hassle. Of course, you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with another photographer, and sometimes I've had to lay down next to them to get the perfect picture – the lengths we go for the shot!
Having been to other Concours events, I can say that it's often much tougher to capture a good shot elsewhere. Sometimes it's due to overcrowding, or the setting is just too tight to maneuver. However, at Amelia, everyone seems to work together seamlessly. Most of the public attending is genuinely nice and considerate. Unlike at other shows where people may keep walking in front of your shot, there's a lot more respect shown at Amelia. It makes the entire photography experience much more enjoyable and productive.
In conclusion, if you find yourself with an open schedule from March 5th to 8th, 2020, I highly recommend making your way to the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. This event is a must-attend for any car enthusiast or photography enthusiast alike.
And mark your calendars for the upcoming show, as Roger Penske will be there! It's sure to be an unforgettable experience with legendary cars and personalities. Whether you're there to appreciate the stunning vehicles on display or to capture the moments through your lens, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is an event not to be missed.