I'm honored to be discussing and sharing my photography with you today.  Linhbergh recently contacted me and inquired if I'd be interested in writing a guest blog for SpeedHunters during "Photography Month" – I graciously accepted.  I'm thrilled to be posting my work among such great talent and I hope that we all find some inspiration during this month long celebration of photography!

I've been exposed to photography since I was a child – my father is a very passionate photographer.  I have memories of playing with (and breaking) all sorts of camera equipment, walking extremely long distances so my father could get "the shot", and ruining roll after roll of film as he attempted to teach me to load a camera.  Unfortunately, photography took a level of patience that I didn't possess as a child.

I briefly began to appreciate photography as a teenager when I learned that choosing photography related topics for book reports would guarantee my father would give me tremendous amounts of "assistance" (write them for me).  My teachers eventually caught on and I was banned from the subject.

While photography didn't hold my attention as a child, I was enthralled by anything with an engine – planes, trains, and automobiles.  After receiving my driver's license I couldn't stop dreaming about cars!  Years later, I found myself immersed in the automotive scene.  

I'm sure you can relate.  It starts with a few modifications on your first car… years later you're spending more than you can afford on motor swaps, turbo kits and rare wheels.  All of your free time is spent working on your car, going to meets and shows, or conversing with other friends with similar interests.  I loved it!

It was five or six years ago when my girlfriend asked if we could purchase a camera.  I wasn't extremely interested but I knew I'd be able to take pictures of my car.  We ended up purchasing a brand new Nikon DSLR.  I had a camera at my disposal but I didn't have any interest or motivation at that point.  Luckily, that motivation hit me a few weeks later when a friend of mine, Seth Byers, shared some of his photography from a meet we had attended.  I was blown away!  I immediately picked up my camera and started practicing!

As a beginner, I had an amazing time practicing and learning the basic concepts and technical aspects of photography.  I was very enthusiastic about photography and was having a lot of fun!  It didn't take long before I developed confidence in my abilities.

I started taking myself more seriously and would challenge myself to improve.  I have a very perfectionist attitude and started becoming frustrated with my work.  I found myself constantly upgrading gear thinking it'd help.  It wasn't the gear (it never is) and I eventually hit a plateau.

I eventually went through a phase where I didn't have the motivation to shoot anymore.  I took that time to reflect on my situation.

I found that my problem was that I had lost my enthusiasm because I had stopped having fun.  I had lost that wonderment and excitement that I had as a beginner.  I wasn't open to learning and improving if I expected perfection with everything I did.

With this realization came a complete change in attitude and I picked up my camera again.  I've never looked back!

I feel like over the years photography has become a significant part of my life.  I think I'm an introverted person and photography has given me an outlet to express myself.  The technical aspects of photography are definitely important but I've found that I'm always more satisfied with my work if I can put part of myself into it.  When you look at my work I hope that you don't just see what I'm trying to convey – I hope you feel it, too.

When I'm not out shooting I spend alot of time looking at other people's work for inspiration.  I could spend hours browsing random photography online.  I keep up with a few automotive photographers:  Linhbergh, Mike Burroughs, Sean Klingelhoefer, Nate Hassler, Jeff Creech, Larry Chen, Antonio Alvendia.  I've been inspired by all of them at one point or another.  Houston has some great local photographers I follow, too:  Costas Stergiou, Danh Phan, Ervin "Venn" Llanera, David Do, Khiem Pham, Michael Martin, and others.  I'm a big fan of street photography, as well.  Two of my favorites would be Marc Gabay (Koolgreen) and Banzai Steve.  Look these guys up (on FlickR) to see their work!

The best thing about photography is the friends I've made along the way.  I've got to thank Jonathan Wooley at S3 Magazine.  I can't say enough about how much I've been influenced by his dedication and passion for the automotive scene.  I've got to mention Mayday Garage – you guys remind me everyday what its all about!  Thanks to Antonio Alvendia for helping me become a better photographer, writer, and professional and MotorMavens for being such a great team to work with.  Thanks to Dan Jenkins, Chad Lunn, Mike Burroughs, Ben Terry, 786 Motoring, Nate Hassler, Banzai Steve, Justin Leveritt, Shocker Joe, Michael Martin, and Brennan McKissin.  These guys are all talented people and exceptional friends – thanks for the support!

-J. Evins

Speedhunters Photography Month Features