Morning motors and coffee
Why we show up before the sun for car events.
Morning Motor Events has become a regular — and for good reason. The light at 6:30 a.m. is stupid good.
Why early
Most car events are midday. Harsh sun, flat light, blown highlights. We started showing up at dawn to get rollers and static shots before the crowd. The organizers were into it; now we’ve got a little window where the lot is full but the sun is still low.
Gear and approach
Sony body, 24–70 for most of it, and a CPL to kill reflections on glass and paint. For rollers we keep the rig simple: one car, one camera, one driver who can hold 35 mph. Communication is everything — a quick briefing and we get 3–4 useable passes.
Takeaway
If you’re shooting cars, find the golden hour. If the event doesn’t give it to you, create a separate “sunrise run” or “blue hour” add-on. Your portfolio will thank you.