The Beginning
Where it all Began - In this post, I share my journey from a childhood love for cars in India to becoming an automotive photographer in the U.S. After discovering the car scene in the states, I bought my first camera and now share my experiences and builds as I pursue my dream of becoming a full-time photographer!
My journey into photography and cars has been anything but ordinary. Growing up in India, I wasn’t the best student; instead, I was the creative one–something I didn’t fully appreciate until I moved to the U.S. in 2010. Back home, I had a collection of diecast cars and trucks that ignited my early interest in automobiles. In my hometown, high-end cars were a rare sight, so it was only after arriving in the States that I truly realized how deep my passion for cars ran.
As a teenager, my walls were adorned with car posters and my iPod was filled with automotive wallpapers. It was in 2014, when I attended the “Tuner Galleria” show in Rosemont, IL, that I had my first taste of the automotive scene. The experience was exhilarating and awakened a dormant passion for photography within me. Just weeks after that event, I bought my first camera—a Canon Rebel T6—armed with nothing but enthusiasm and a desire to learn. Since then, I have been fortunate to attend and provide coverage for countless events and aftermarket parts manufacturers around the U.S.
I dedicated countless hours to mastering my new camera, immersing myself in YouTube tutorials and following photography accounts on Instagram for inspiration. I practiced shooting my own car at various times of the day, experimenting with different settings until I felt confident enough to reach out to friends for photoshoots.
Here is one of my earliest practice sessions with my own car. At the time, I believed it was my best work yet.
One of many sessions I had with Natalia during my early days.
Instagram: @so.wrxy
This marked the beginning of my photography journey in late 2014. It’s been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. Between 2021 and 2023, I stepped back from photography due to the pandemic and a lack of motivation. My work had primarily focused on events and private sessions within the stance scene. However, towards the end of 2023, I made the decision to broaden my horizons and challenge myself by diving into motorsports and drifting, while still honoring my roots in the stance community.
For personal reasons, I’ve hesitated to make photography my full-time pursuit, but through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of continuously challenging myself and pursuing my passions. I strive to capture and share the incredible builds and events from my unique perspective, and I remain committed to honing my craft.
Captured earlier this year (2024), one of many frames from a session I had with Luis’ FRS at a local parking garage in IL.
Instagram: @luisxhernandez__
Unreleased as of Sept 22, 2024 but here’s a frame of Sargon’s tastefully modified WRX. This was captured suring a sunrise session along the Lake Michigan Shoreline in IL.
Instagram: @tawertah
As I look ahead, the future may be uncertain, but one thing is certain: I am committed to pursuing my dream of becoming a full-time automotive photographer. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the content I share each week. Your support truly means the world to me as I navigate this exciting journey, especially as I build my portfolio and blog.
Thank you for being a part of this adventure!
