I met Joey and Marissa at the end of last summer. Within the first few minutes of meeting them in person I knew this would be a fun friendship. There is a special bond when being around like minded people, but when those like minded people are also into cars that is where things become magical.
The first shoot we had together was essentially a blind meet up at nice, secure, well lit location, all details that are very important. As Joey arrived I noticed there was a passenger who happened to be his wife that had come along for the shoot. We began the shoot moving and angling the car to perfection. Marissa in the background snapping all the behind the scenes photos I could ever desire - documenting all my hopping, tip toeing and laying on the rocky pavement. Laughter flowed effortlessly.
Photo shoots are more than just a time to get stunning images of cars, but a time to connect with each of the owners. Learning about the specific car and why it is special to them. As the shoot progressed and we moved on to the second location, I found out a very particular detail that has made me happy since the moment I heard it. Joey had originally brought Marissa to the session just incase I happened to be a weirdo. Immediately I laughed, for I had chosen an extremely public, brightly lit, secure location specifically in case Joey ended up being some type of weirdo. Fortunately neither of us turned out to be creepers. As that shoot ended they shared that they had taken a picture with the Camaro they had traded in with a beautifully hard pose, similar to one that my husband and I often do as well. Obviously we had to recreate it to close the night out.
A few weeks ago, Marissa had come to me with an idea for a surprise shoot for Joey. I couldn’t say yes fast enough. We devised a plan to meet up nice and early on a Saturday. Still unaware of the photoshoot about to happen, Melissa conned Joey to wake up at 5:30 to go a “Cars & Coffee” what a sport I tell you. To be fair, both cars and coffee were present at the shoot. I brought my hilarious partner in crime, my husband, to man the minivan as I hung out the passenger window in the INSANELY cold morning wind down the highway. Every single one of my numb fingers was worth capturing the sunrise backlighting the Z28 Camaro. Coming to a dead ended street we were able to visit and take some stills of the car. It was such a testimony to the bond cars have on people. It was more like a fun double date with people we have known for years, when realistically it has only been a matter of months.
As they begin their journey on to the next state(s) in true military fashion, filled with unknowns and quick changes, I continue to be immensely grateful. Not only have we been able to spend a small amount of time together, but that we will be able to stay connected in the same way we met, through cars and the internet.
Always,