Driving Perfection: A Day Behind the Lens at The Bridge

When you're on assignment as a photographer in the Hamptons, you know it's bound to be memorable. This time, my photography team—Nathan Deremer, Martin Viegas, and I—were hired by Sotheby’s for a unique project: photographing every car at The Bridge. Our task was to capture 10 detailed shots of each car, creating personalized photo packages for over 300 cars on display. Although I typically focus on events and the people attending, this assignment was all about the cars. We were joined by local photographers Matt Mageloff and Scott Roth, who helped us cover the expansive lineup, while other photographers handled the event coverage.

What Makes The Bridge Special?

What sets The Bridge apart is its extraordinary blend of art, culture, and automotive excellence. Founded by Robert Rubin, Shamin Abas, and Jeffrey Einhorn, the event brings together some of the most exclusive vintage and exotic automobiles in the world. Held at the Bridgehampton Golf Course, The Bridge transforms this iconic venue into a breathtaking showcase of automotive design, making it a truly unique experience for car enthusiasts and collectors alike. The expansive setting offers an unparalleled backdrop that elevates the cars to works of art.

The Challenge of Time and Space

Our day began bright and early at 7 a.m., just as the load-in started. We had until 2 p.m., when the guests would arrive, to capture as many cars as possible. The setting was as spectacular as you would expect—cars lined up along a few of the fairways, their bold designs popping against the green grass of the golf course. I was lucky enough to cover the entire 18th fairway, while Nathan and Martin photographed their sections. This arrangement allowed us to spread out and explore angles, reflections, and the intricate details that car enthusiasts love.

Aside from the stunning cars, The Bridge offers a culinary experience that is equally impressive. Positioned throughout the grounds are renowned chefs, each offering a variety of dishes. Included with admission, guests can indulge in as much of this incredible food as they’d like, making it not only a feast for the eyes but for the taste buds as well. The combination of exquisite cars and top-tier cuisine creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

However, this wasn't without its challenges. In some ways, it felt like a rushed auction shoot, with cars placed everywhere, some in less-than-ideal locations. The sprawling layout allowed for some truly stunning shots, especially when the vehicles were isolated with plenty of open space, and a few were positioned on steep embankments or awkward terrain. This made it nearly impossible to get the quality of photos I wanted, which felt like an injustice to the package we were offering.

Embracing the Cars

Despite these difficulties, the assignment had a unique appeal. The cars themselves were the stars, and focusing entirely on them allowed me to appreciate the craftsmanship and design in a new light. I found myself looking for those 10 perfect detail shots for each car—whether it was the curve of a fender, the sparkle of a hood ornament, or the unique texture of a custom interior.

Missing the People

That said, I couldn’t help but notice something different this time around. I’ve come to enjoy the people aspect of event photography, and on this assignment, I missed that energy. Normally, there's a certain charm in photographing the interactions between people and their beloved cars, the conversations that happen, and the candid moments at events. This time, with only the cars and the ticking clock, it felt a little like something was missing. While the cars were magnificent, the absence of human interaction left the shoot feeling somewhat mechanical, even rushed. I managed to capture a few of my friends that were attending.

Reflecting on the Day

Overall, my time at The Bridge was both exhilarating and challenging. The stunning location and incredible cars provided countless opportunities for breathtaking shots. However, the pressure of time and the sometimes awkward placements of cars were definite hurdles. While I felt that some vehicles were shortchanged by their positioning, we did our best to deliver quality photo packages for each entrant.

Every shoot teaches you something new, and this assignment reinforced the importance of flexibility and creative problem-solving. Whether it’s adapting to the layout of a venue or balancing time constraints with the desire for perfection, photography is always about making the most of what’s in front of you.