In previous Viewfinders, we’ve discussed how to frame images and a documentary approach to recording our adventures. In this issue we are going to delve into a subject near and dear to our hearts, a dependable partner in our travels and one we trust with our lives on a daily basis. Unless we are encapsulated in the safety of their cocoon, they are rather inanimate objects, several thousand pounds of cold steel, plastic, and rubber. But as you will attest, they are much more than an assembly of forged and molded metal. They possess unique character, that of a devoted trail companion. We know their rattles and creaks, when they are content, when they need attention, and when they are having a rough day. As you might surmise, we are talking about our beloved four-wheel drives. But how do we bring their character to life via the viewfinder in a manner that pays them all due respect?
During the past 20 years I’ve photographed thousands of vehicles, ranging from magazine features to commercial shoots for auto manufacturers—and of course, my personal corral of rigs. This can be broken down further into competitive events, such as the Dakar Rally, and exploits like the recent BFGoodrich East-West Australia Expedition. But for this discussion, we’ll focus on feature photography.