Sitting on the floor in Florida editing Elco pictures that were just taken, I heard late 90’s pop being played in the other room and instantly I started vibing to it. This was the moment I began to meet Samantha and I am immensely grateful that I did. From that day on we began to speak on the daily. Snaps filled with dancing, plants, animals and continuous positive energy.
A recurring subject was Samantha talking about starting her YouTube channel to showcase her unique outlook on life. Being a mere 2 hours away from each other it was the perfect opportunity visit and do a branding photo session. As we began to brainstorm location ideas and a mention of a junkyard backdrop you could see the flicker of excitement in her eyes. Incorporating the grit of automotive with her bright sunshine it just felt right.
Pulling up to the salvage yard’s gate we were greeted with barks of the fluffy junkyard protectors. The owner kindly gave us a tour of the remains of the salvage yard. Although the lot was much emptier than it was in its prime (as the owner is in the process of clearing it out), the bones that remained were golden. What remained was automotive art. Fences lined with old bed springs, quilted buildings made from car roofs, gates of rustic license plates keeping an actual dinosaur built of parts contained and giant umbrellas made of VW Bug hoods. It was a playground of magical automotive heaven.
After our tour was complete, Samantha and I made our way back to the entrance with an enthusiasm that electrified the air. Anxious to get started to shoot, we wanted to utilize everything we possibly could knowing this would be our only shot. Once the music started it did not stop.
At each new bus we explored the more personality Samantha shared. Natural charisma flowed from her effortlessly as she allowed for the music to dance with her soul. As a primarily automotive photographer this vibe was refreshing. She was in an element she thrived in and I was lucky enough to be the one to freeze those moments. Our shared passion with cars caused us to be giddy when a unique detail stood out to us while we looked into the windows and climbed inside and on top of buses.
Overcoming a fear of heights, Samantha climbed the rather sketchy ladder chained to the van that sat on a bus. From this perspective you could see the entirety of the salvage yard with snow capped mountains in the background. The session was coming to a close and neither one of us wanted to leave, yet we we both were ready to see the memories we created currently stored in my camera. It was within these few hours I went from knowing Samantha to meeting Sam.
Always,