In this job, I get around…a lot. Whether it’s a feature shoot, a car show or campout, I get a ton of exposure to the car scene overall, most notably Volkswagens of course.
Being the analytical person I am, I watch and listen to what’s going on around me, and I pay specific attention to clubs and their dynamics.
Car Clubs are Awesome!
I’d say 95% of what I see is a group of friends who have a common interest, and truly enjoy being together. At car shows, they make their own sections, toss up a couple club banners, light up a grill, and turn on some tunes. Great times! These club members are essentially a giant extended FAMILY!
When not at events, they help each other out whenever someone is in need. I see posts on Facebook where a club comes together to help one of their members pull an engine, set a body onto a pan, or bring parts to someone broken down on the side of the road. Amazing!
Clubs even do non-car related stuff together. Bowling nights, sporting events, movie nights, poker games, all kinds of stuff.
I’ve done several feature shoots with someone who is a member of a club, and other club folks come along just to hang out and watch. They’re always happy for their buddies when they get into magazines, and they show up to support each other.
Like I said, Volkswagen clubs are really Families!
I’m not in a club.
I want to be in EVERY club…but I’m not in one at all. I know, that’s kind of weird, but stick with me here.
Since I am a freelance photographer, I shoot a lot of cars for a lot of different magazines. Most of the features I do are for vehicles I pitched to the magazine. I can’t be seen as trying to play favorites to a certain club…I wouldn’t do that in the first place, but I don’t want it to even be a thought in people’s heads. There’s no favoritism here, just trying to shoot awesome cars and great people!
There are so many clubs I interact with and respect immensely. I wanted to list a bunch here, but I’m afraid I would forget someone.
Just know that I appreciate when you stop me at the show and say hello, ask me how things are going, when you make sure I have a bottle of water, and when you offer me some food. All of that, but most of all your friendship mean more to me than you could know.
I guess I could be a ‘Honorary’ member of a club, just not an official one. Do clubs do that? Can’t say I’ve seen such a thing, but you never know.
Just know that I see you, and I’m a bit jealous of your club/family. Maybe one day, if I ever retire from the photography business, I’ll officially join a club, but until then…see you at the shows and shoots!
Are you ready? I'm ready.
Eric
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