This past Thursday evening, after a long day at work and a quick dinner at home, I took my son out to the weekly classic car show here in Dorr, Michigan. It’s a small, laid-back gathering that takes place every Thursday during the summer months, with local enthusiasts filling up the Ace Hardware parking lot around 6 p.m. It’s not a big production—no vendors or awards (Well, there is a food truck)—just a group of people who love cars and enjoy sharing them with the community.
The weather was true to a Michigan summer: hot, humid, and heavy. Even in the early evening, the air felt thick and still. But that didn’t stop a good number of vintage rides from rolling in all polished up and basking in the late-day sun.
When I photograph events like this, I tend to approach them more like a street photographer than a traditional car show shooter. I’m drawn to the small moments—the grit and detail more than the big, wide glamour shots. I usually shoot stopped down, between f/8 and f/16, with ISO kept as low as I can manage (usually around 100–400 depending on the light). Since I shoot handheld, I try to keep the shutter speed at 1/320 or faster to freeze any movement and avoid shake.
Unfortunately, I ran into a bit of a hiccup—rookie move—I forgot to charge the battery for my Canon R8. I got a few shots in before it died, but not nearly as many as I would’ve liked. Still, it was a good reminder that sometimes it’s not just about the number of frames you capture. Being present, observing, and sharing that time with my son was worth far more than a full memory card.
There’s something about these small-town shows that I really enjoy. They’re relaxed, familiar, and unpolished in the best way. You’re not just photographing cars—you’re documenting people’s pride, stories, and history. It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection.
Hopefully, I’ll get to share a proper set of images next time. Until then, here are a few shots I managed to capture before the camera gave out.
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