Brett Epstein

From One Gearhead to Another

If you’re here, then you probably already know that motorsports is one of my greatest passions. I grew up racing go-karts at IMI Motorsports in Dacono, CO, working on antique cars with my dad, and ripping around I-25 at all hours of the night during high school. My buddies and I would take my trusty little VR6 Jetta on backpacking trips, slogging over dirt roads like it was an old SR5 4Runner. These days I still try to get a day in here and there at High Plains Raceway in Deer Trail with my GR86. I’ve owned a fair share of cars in my life, all with different purposes, and each one shared a part in creating new, meaningful memories.

In car culture, our vehicles take on a certain meaning for their owners. They are maintained, respected, named, restored or built to suit our lifestyle. Whatever the case may be for you, I’m here to help you preserve those memories and capture your car’s legacy. I can help you pick the location for the shoot, and work with you on highlighting the connection you share and the memories made with your favorite four- (or two-) wheeled friend.

A Clean Machine

Of course, a good clean goes a long way on when the camera comes in for a close-up to get your baby’s good side. My equipment quickly exposes surface irregularities, especially on a car’s reflective and high contrast surfaces. So, get a nice wash, towel dry (and ideally add a finishing coat) and pay attention to details:

Windows – Make sure they are carefully cleaned, inside and out. Streaks and fingerprints (and dog snoot tracks) are obvious on shoots.

Dash, screens, and controls – Same deal as windows for interior shots. Cracks and crevices store a lot of gunk, so don’t be shy. Get in there and be somebody.

Chrome or metallic trim surfaces – Make em sparkle.

Engine bay and undercarriage – Want to show off that nice, shiny turbo with a hood-open shot? Strut braces? Got a slick 6-pot front caliper hanging from some Ohlins coilovers? Make sure it gets a (careful) spray-down if you want it represented.

Wheels and Tire Shine – Give the wheels a polish and make sure your tire shine game is on point. Get nice full, even coverage on the sidewalls, and make sure it has time to set up before the shoot. You don’t want tire shine goo getting flung onto the body panels before picture time. It’s like getting a mustard stain on your favorite Helly Hansen quarter-zip. Not cool.

Fuel & Fluids – Of course, top up your tank and make sure the car is sound before the run to prevent any mechanical issues that may put a damper on the shoot. 

Lights – DRLs, headlights, brake lights, tail lights and turn signals should all be in working order. Not just for the sake of avoiding any side-glances from Colorado’s Finest, but because a dead parking light bulb can look pretty wonky on a film showcasing your baby.

Personal Gear – Ditch the Monster in your cup holder, pull off that radar detector, and clear out your air fresheners, USB cables and phone mounts. You want a distraction-free view of your interior if we’re covering that space, and a lot of those items can be seen from the outside, too. Especially with those nicely polished windows of yours. 

Bonus – Bringing a spray bottle and a couple microfiber towels along for the ride will help stave off any bad juju and road butter that might get picked up on the way to the shoot.

But also: You can take or leave most of these suggestions to your level of comfort, but if you want your ride shown at its best, this is the way to do it. I won’t spend much time fixing large blemishes in post. Besides, maybe you just want to highlight that old trail-dog in its original glory; mud, rust, battle scars and all.