Cars & Colors 2018 - The Shows

In late September, I returned to Telluride for the 4th Annual Festival of Cars & Colors. Much like last year, I was immediately swept away by the colorful trees, the incredible mountains, and all the beautiful cars. Even two days before the show, we happened to spot some really special stuff that was just out and about. That confirms just how special and unreal this place truly is.

This festival boasts a variety of activities for attendees over the course of 3 days - though it's worth it to show up a day early so you can register and join in on the free eats from local restaurants. Friday marks the launch of the festivities, with a morning meet up that shares everything you have to look forward to that day; information about the road rally, the poker run, the medallion hunt, and much more. Since the rally is my primary interest for the day, I can't speak to how awesome the rest of the events for that day are - but who wouldn't want to cruise through the San Juan Mountains with a variety of super cars, vintage race cars, and other fun luxury vehicles? The sights are worth the gas and the friends you meet along the way make the whole drive worthwhile.

We closed out Friday with a car show on Telluride's main drag, Colorado Avenue. It draws in spectators from all over the state, as well as the locals. Just when you think you've figured out what to expect at a show like this, you'll catch a curve ball here. While I'm not much of an event photographer, I did grab a shot my favorite three vehicles during the show.

Saturday kicks off with a free breakfast at the Telluride Airport. Have you ever had breakfast on the tarmac of an airport sitting over nine thousand feet above sea level? It's not a bad place to watch the sun rise over the mountains. And when you're finished, you're free to walk the ramp and check out the old warbirds display - including checking out the interiors and even signing up for a trip to the clouds inside one of the planes. Of course, if planes aren't your thing, you can swing into the hangar and get a preview of Saturday night's reception lineup. This year included a hyper car display and Danny Thompson's Challenger 2.

For those who are left wanting more, Saturday also offers an American Concours event located at the Telluride golf course. If you haven't been to a car show on the side of a mountain, I urge you to consider it. Between the cars and the views, you couldn't possibly be disappointed. If you think that's all, think again. The festival coordinators have also managed to pack in another car show back downtown on Colorado Avenue. Sure, you may catch some of the same vehicles spotted during last night's show - but there'll be plenty of other vehicles out on display, too.

Capping off the 3 day festival, Sunday's schedule puts attendees back out at the Telluride golf course for the International Concours event. All those fancy Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other European cars you've seen cruising around town the last few days? This is where you'll get a chance to see them up close and personal. And for the fans looking for things on two wheels, both days of the Colorado Ave show and Concours events include vintage and restored motorcycles.

I know this sounds like a great big, multi day car show and, to some, that may be all it is. However, for the folks who enjoy meeting new friends, sharing their passions, and traveling to incredibly beautiful places - this is it. The Telluride Festival of Cars & Colors is more than an automotive event. It's an experience. Something to share with friends, old and new. There is no place on earth like Telluride. Don't believe me? Come see for yourself at next year's show!

View the full gallery from the 4th Annual Telluride Festival of Cars & Colors.

Gear: Canon 6D, Canon 24-70 2.8L, Canon 70-200 2.8L IS I, Tiffen CPL, Sunpak Tripod

Post Processing: Adobe Camera Raw & Adobe Photoshop

Cars & Colors 2018 - The Rally

I was offered up the opportunity to head back out to Telluride again this fall to cover the Telluride Festival of Cars & Colors for the second year in a row. Though last year's trip pitted us against some rain and less than ideal outside conditions, this year promised nothing but sunshine and perfect temps. I hit up my buddy Jake, who recently picked up a Lexus SportCross, we talked out our plans, filled the sport wagon to the brim with gear, and didn't look back.

Day one of the festival kicked off with all the same activities as last year's event - a poker run, a car show on main street, and the Million Dollar Highway Road Rally. Of course, like most of these multi-day events, it's not possible to hit everything.. so I made the choice to focus on the rally this year. To be honest, the 240-mile rally was our key interest at this year's festival. Where else (in the U.S.) can you drive scenic mountain roads with some really amazing vehicles?

Since my main focus was videography this year, we spent about an hour building out a DIY camera car rig that would support my DJI Ronin. Since my primary objective was to get some great rolling footage during the rally, and to do it safely, this seemed like the best and most cost effective way to handle this. Though we encountered a few snags along the way, the overall set up worked as we'd hoped it would - and it looked pretty rad, too!

While the cars are the main draw for this event, I can't ever stop myself from taking a few landscape images along the way. This part of the country is truly one of the most incredible places you'll find. Getting to roam these roads with people you know and cars you love is kind of like a dream come true. The icing on the cake is having access to gear to help capture these moments so you can remember them and share them with others!

More photos from the event are coming soon!

Gear: Canon 6D, Canon 24-70 2.8L, Canon 70-200 2.8L IS, Tiffen CPL, Sunpak Tripod

Post Processing: Adobe Camera Raw & Adobe Photoshop

The Wichita Chief

Last weekend, as I was driving through our small but attractive downtown area, I noticed quite a variety of unique vehicles cruising around. Spring weather does seem to bring out some of the best eye candy in town. During this trip, I happened to catch an incredibly interesting looking truck out of the corner of my eye. We passed each other underneath a train bridge, making it hard to fully process what I'd just seen. Were there multiple vehicles? Perhaps it was a custom limo? I hadn't a clue but also didn't have time to turn around and investigate further.

Not too worried about it, as my neck of the woods really isn't that big, I continued home. Since I spend a decent amount of time attending local automotive events and photographing cars, I figured I'd run across it again sooner rather than later. Sure enough, I happened across the vehicle and its owner the following afternoon. Determined not to lose out again, I began the pursuit.

After paralleling the owner for a couple blocks, I was able to make my way back to him at a stoplight. Window down and all smiles, he was eating up all the honks, waves and support being fed his way. Who wouldn't? Thankfully our lights downtown are unnecessarily long and, after what felt like 10 minutes, I got his attention. With nothing but a DSLR in hand and a shrug behind the wheel, he smiled, motioned to a nearby parking lot, and it was a date.

Over the last few years I've really grown in the photos I take. I've spent a lot more time scouting locations, setting times to work with the best possible light, and networking with people to try and make bigger things happen. Of course, none of that matters when you happen across an opportunity like this and it's a last minute thing. The only thing you can do to prepare for a situation like this is to have your gear with you at all times, and know how to make the most out of a less than ideal situation.

So, making due with what I had, I snapped a few angles of this crazy looking truck, had the owner give me the rundown on what exactly it was I was looking at, and promptly zoned out during his spiel. You see, that's the thing about being hyper focused on something you love.. It's really, really hard to split your attention. Instead of coming away with some great photos and the details to share about what you're looking at, I got some random snaps in a parking lot and virtually no backstory to accompany them. I realized this truck deserved more than that so, after consulting with some other local photographers about backdrops, I dove into my old archives and dug up some scenic shots from western Kansas.

Here's what I can remember about the truck: The owner, Monty, has only recently finished the vehicle up enough to get it out on the road. When I ran across him, he was practicing driving something with such a long front end. He's actually a sculptor, which is where much of the inspiration comes from on this truck. Almost every panel is handcrafted by him. He calls it, "The Wichita Chief," and it's meant to be considered a rat rod. It's not done yet! He's got plans to add in some arrow head details along the front and a coat of clear to keep it from rusting. It's built on a truck chassis. I believe he said the cab is from an old Dodge pick up. And that's pretty much it..

Gear: Canon 6D, Canon 24-70 2.8L, Tiffen CPL, Yongnuo YN360, Sunpak Tripod

Post Processing: Adobe Camera Raw & Adobe Photoshop