Culture and Media

What Car Shows Mean to Me and How They Enriched My Life

From hobbyist to media buff, car shows are now part of my professional life; who knows, you might like them too

My Surprising Insights from the Car Show’s Amazing World

After receiving my first toy car at six months old, my parents began buying me different ones regularly, recognizing my love for them. For example, my dad bought a new car toy after returning from work each day. A relative who is a psychologist believed that my brain was wired from a young age to appreciate cars.

Even though they expected me to pursue a career related to cars, my parents opposed the idea of me becoming a car salesperson due to their past negative experiences and resulting dissatisfaction with such professionals.

Fast forward many years, I developed a strong passion for cars, obtaining my driver’s license on my 18th birthday and using my first salary to purchase a second-hand racing car. I upgraded its parts, making it a special vehicle for local races. Regrettably, I didn’t win any prizes. Despite all, the experience brought me immense pleasure.

Recently, I shared a story about my burnout on YouTube, leading to the closure of my successful channel. In that story, I highlighted joyful and uplifting experiences that saved my life. Responding to readers’ inquiries about sources of joy beyond gaming during challenging times, I use this post to introduce one of my hobbies, which also aligns with my profession.

Enter Car Shows — One of My Hobbies

As the morning sun cast its golden glow over the sprawling expanse of the car show grounds, I immersed myself in a world pulsating with excitement and possibility. The air crackled with anticipation as engines roared to life, their thunderous symphony echoing against the backdrop of a vibrant sky.

Stepping onto the show floor, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, each car a masterpiece in its own right. The vehicles were testaments to human ingenuity and creativity, from sleek sports cars to rugged vintage classics.

At the heart of every car show lies an irresistible allure — the opportunity to immerse oneself in a world where metal and machinery become works of art. As I wander through the bustling aisles of gleaming vehicles, each tells a story of passion, innovation, and craftsmanship.

As I navigated through the maze of gleaming metal and polished chrome, I felt a sense of wonder wash over me, igniting a passion that would shape the course of my journey through the captivating world of car shows.

With each step, I’m transported into a realm where automotive fantasies become reality, and the possibilities are limited only by my imagination. It’s a mesmerizing journey through the annals of automotive history, where every turn reveals a new marvel and every encounter sparks inspiration.

What is a car show?

For those who are unfamiliar, a car show is like a big party for cars. Imagine many cool, shiny, and sometimes costly and luxurious cars getting together to show off. It is like a fashion show but for cars instead of clothes.

Here, enthusiasts from all walks of life gather to share stories, swap tips, and revel in the shared passion that unites them. The atmosphere crackles with excitement as attendees engage in spirited discussions about horsepower, torque, and the thrill of the open road.

From vintage classics to cutting-edge supercars, there’s something for everyone at a car show, a vibrant celebration of automotive culture and craftsmanship. In the car shows I attend, people bring their prized possessions, polish them to perfection, and put them on display for everyone to admire.

Car shows are not just about staring at cars, though. They are also a chance for car enthusiasts to geek out together. You will see folks chatting about horsepower, engines, and all that technical stuff that makes the car world go ‘round.

Some shows have contests, showing the loudest exhaust or the best custom paint job. Here is the photo of a car my friend joined when he got his probationary driving license, what we call a P-plate in Australia.

Why do I like car shows?

I love hitting up car shows, including modern and vintage cars. Scoring out all those tricked-out rides with my buddies is a blast. With the revving engines and the excitement of checking out some seriously souped-up cars, it’s like a hangout session mixed with a car enthusiast’s dream.

And let me tell you about the photo ops — it’s a photographer’s paradise. I’m all about snapping shots of these awesome cars from every angle. Classics, vintage, and modern beauties, you name it — the variety is insane.

Taking photos of cars is like creating a visual story of the passion and craftsmanship that goes into these rides. Each photo I take is a piece of art capturing the love for cars. My best friends from New York, Los Angeles, London, Madrid, Frankfurt, and Tokyo share them on their car show sites and Instagram.

But what gets my heart racing at these shows are the competitions. I mean, have you ever witnessed an exhaust competition? It’s wild! I enjoy capturing them in videos and sharing them on YouTube, Facebook, and other social media sites publishing them.

The roar of those engines, the thunderous symphony of exhaust notes. It might sound odd to some, but it’s like music to my ears. These battles of automotive awesomeness turn car shows into a full-on spectacle. Here’s a photo of a car that makes thunderous sounds.

Why do my friends like car shows?

So, when hanging out, my buddies and I always hit up a car show together, chatted about cars, and just cranked up the car and talked to the next level. Whether geeking out over classic rides or checking out the latest wheels, the car show becomes this awesome playground for our car banter.

Some of my buddies are deep into their project cars. These are beyond just rides. They are like passion projects with their own stories and visions.

When we are at these car shows, it’s not just about the shiny rides on display — it’s about connecting with other gearheads. We end up swapping stories about the highs and lows of wrenching on our rides.

The whole vibe at these shows makes it easy to chat with other car nuts, share tips, and soak in the fantastic experiences everyone’s had with their wheels. Like me, some of my friends also use car shows to earn their living.

Gaming, Movies, and Car Shows

When I was in high school and just getting into cars, one of my friends introduced me to a game called Forza Horizon 3. At the time, I didn’t know much about cars, but I still played the game a lot since it was very entertaining.

As I played more and more, I started to learn about the different types of cars and their parts since Forza Horizon has a pretty cool tuning system.

As a long-term gamer and movie enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the thrill of virtual races, the sleek designs of high-speed vehicles, and the adrenaline-pumping action of competitive driving. The exceptional 2006 movie Cars, which I watched multiple times, deeply touched my heart and sank into my subconscious mind.

Soon after, one of my friends invited me to a car show. I was excited to go and see the cars I’ve been driving in the game in real life. That’s when my passion for cars and car shows started. I would attend car shows, see interesting builds, and replicate them in Forza.

Even after getting into photography at car shows, I still used the photo mode in Forza to capture virtual images of all the cars I wanted. To this day, I attend car shows and simultaneously play the latest Forza games with my friends.

But it wasn’t until I attended my first car show that I truly understood the magic of automotive culture. Stepping onto the show floor felt like entering a realm where dreams were made real, where the cars I once controlled on screen now stood before me in all their glory.

Each car was a masterpiece, meticulously crafted and maintained. From classic muscle cars to cutting-edge supercars, every vehicle tells a story of passion, dedication, and innovation. As I wandered through the rows of gleaming metal and roaring engines, I felt a sense of awe and wonder wash over me.

But it wasn’t just the cars that captivated me; it was the people behind them. Owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts gathered to share their love for automobiles. They swapped stories, traded tips, and reveled in the shared camaraderie of the car community. It was a reminder that cars were more than just machines; they were symbols of freedom, expression, and creativity.

As I soaked in the sights and sounds of the car show, I felt inspired. The passion and enthusiasm radiating from every corner fueled my love for cars, igniting a desire to learn, experience, and be a part of something bigger than myself. From that day forward, car shows became more than just events; they were portals to endless possibilities, where my love for gaming collided with my newfound appreciation for automotive artistry.

In the end, it was the cars themselves that sparked my journey into the world of car shows, but the people and the community kept me coming back for more. With each show I attended, I drew deeper into the vibrant automotive culture, eager to explore every corner, meet every enthusiast, and share the boundless passion that united us all.

As I stood among the gleaming machines and smiling faces, I knew that my love for car shows would only grow with each passing year.

My Photography and Cinematography Work in Car Shows

So, after I hit up my first car show, I got this crazy inspiration to capture cars in all their glory. I decided to jump on the Insta train and started a dedicated page for the sick rides I came across at meets and private shoots. It’s like my little personal car gallery.

Then, I stumbled upon some YouTubers like Hartnett Media and Krispy Media, who were killing it with their car show cinematics.

Instantly got hooked on the idea and thought, “Why not give it a shot?” So, I dived into this whole videography thing, aiming to create cinematic experiences that teleport people right into the heart of a car show.

Now, my Insta is this visual diary of awesome rides, and my car show YouTube channel? Well, it’s where I drop these cool cinematic films of the electric vibes you get at car meets.

It’s like bringing the whole car show experience to anyone watching. It’s just a fun way to blend my love for cars with the thrill of visual storytelling, sharing the excitement with other car nuts out there. Living the dream, one photo and video at a time.

Why do customers want their cars to be photographed by professionals?

Gearheads love getting their cars snapped for a couple of cool reasons. It’s like showing off their masterpiece. They pour their heart and soul into customizing their rides, and photos capture all that hard work.

It’s a special way to share their unique style and passion with others in the car community. Plus, taking pics of their cars is like creating a visual timeline of the ride’s journey.

Cars are always changing, getting upgrades and tweaks. Photos help them keep track of how their project evolves. Whether it’s a major makeover or just small tweaks, these pics become a scrapbook, preserving memories and documenting the constant quest for the perfect ride.

One of My Unusual and Favorite Memories from a Car Show

I have to tell you about this car show I hit up once. They decided to throw in an exhaust competition, which got wild quickly. This stunning blue Mazda RX-7 rolls in, looking all sleek and cool. Little did we know, it was packing some serious noise.

When that bad boy revved up, it was like BAM! The pops were so loud that the whole crowd lost it. People were jumping and flinching, and some even started shuffling back to escape the noise.

It was like a comedy show — the RX-7 stole the spotlight for its looks and for making the crowd dance to its ear-blasting beats. Man, that car show was pure entertainment cemented in my memories.

I even made a cinematic video during this event, which I uploaded to YouTube. If you want tohear that RX-7 for yourself, check it out below. Skip to 5:27 for the RX-7.

Popular Car Shows that I Attended

I visited many car shows in Australia. The most popular ones are Summernats and Motorex. I also follow international ones like Cars & Coffee Palm Beach, Tokyo AUTO Salon in Japan, and the Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland.

Although these famous car shows are the most popular, the lesser-known car shows/meets organized by local car clubs can be more fun sometimes. You may check out the car shows that I attend regularly, which are the lesser-known ones. They are Downshift and Tuned.

I also follow car shows on social media. For example, two of my favorite car show cinematic YouTubers are Krispy Media and Hartnett Media. Here are two high-quality videos from their popular channels.

Conclusion and Takeaways

In the rear-view mirror of my car show journey, I reflect on these events’ incredible impact on my life. From a childhood fascination with toy cars to transforming into a passionate car enthusiast and media creator, the car show world has woven its way into the fabric of my identity.

As enthusiasts gather around each vehicle, conversations crackle with the energy of like-minded souls united by a shared love. It’s more than just admiration for the chrome and horsepower; it celebrates community and connection.

From spirited debates about engine specs to heartfelt stories of restoration triumphs, the air buzzes with the excitement of shared experiences and shared dreams.

In this dynamic ecosystem of enthusiasts, friendships are forged, knowledge is exchanged, and bonds are strengthened, creating memories long after the show’s end. It’s a testament to the power of passion to bridge divides and unite hearts in a shared pursuit of automotive excellence.

As my story illustrates, our lifelong passions are sometimes ingrained in us from an early age. Pay attention to the things that spark joy and curiosity during your formative years; they might just lead to a fulfilling lifelong pursuit.

Beyond the dazzling display of shiny cars, car shows are vibrant hubs of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm. Attendees engage in spirited discussions, forming connections and friendships that go beyond the surface-level admiration of automobiles.

My journey into photography and cinematography began at car shows. You might consider documenting your interests through photography. It showcases your creativity and serves as a visual timeline, preserving memories and the evolution of your passions.

Car shows are mainly about cars. But they are also about people united by a common love. Embrace the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share stories, and exchange tips. You never know what valuable insights or friendships might emerge.

Witnessing friends deeply involved in their car projects showed me the profound joy derived from passion projects. Whether it’s cars, art, or any pursuit, dedicating time to something you love can be a fulfilling and enriching experience.

Just as car enthusiasts love flaunting their rides, sharing your passion with the world can be rewarding. Whether through social media, videos, or other creative outlets, expressing your enthusiasm connects you with like-minded individuals and spreads the joy of your chosen pursuit.

As the road of life winds ahead, I encourage you to explore your interests, connect with communities that share your passions, and embrace the joy of pursuing what you love. Car shows have been my compass, steering me toward a world of excitement, creativity, and meaningful connections with wonderful people from various walks of life.

What will be your guiding star? The road awaits.

Thank you for reading my story. If you enjoyed this story, you might also check my relevant story about my challenges with social media titled Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media’s Grip on My Life. Here’s some info about my background.