Name: Jeff Cantagallo
Company: CarShowz.com
Location: Pasadena, MD
Website: CarShowz.com
Check out Jeff's Website, and Instagram
Vehicle Information: 2003 Toyota Corolla S - Supercharged
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PASMAG: Who are you? Describe yourself.
My name is Jeff, I've been in the car scene since the mid 90's, mostly into car audio. I hit the show scene in early 2000 and started out with a Nissan and moved on to my '03 Corolla S. Not too many people were hooking up the "grocery getters" back in the day; I decided to give it a shot. I'm on version 2.0 (second makeover) now and I think I have finally gotten it where I want it, with a few more tweaks.
I was in the U.S. Navy for 6 years, and started my career after the military as a Technical Writer, which helped me land a spot with Street Trenz Magazine writing articles. Working with ST allowed me to grow my network as well as assisting with running a Baltimore Car Club. Mid-2000 the show scene started to die down, the economy was horrible. I decided to start carshowz.com, which our primary mission is to provide a tool for enthusiasts to find car shows across the U.S. and also give the show promoters/hosts a tool to help promote their events. There were a couple mom and pop websites that were posting car shows, but no one was/is doing what we do. Clean show listings with more shows listed than any other website.
In 2005 I started taking photos at car events; I love to promote the guys and gals that work hard in the scene, no matter what their build is. The people are the ones that make up the scene, they deserve the exposure.
Currently CarShowz captures events through-out the Northeast U.S., we try to help anyone and everyone in the scene which includes help spread the love about PASMAG. We are not a business, just a crew who are enthusiasts and enjoy helping the scene!
Where are you from? Are you currently living there?
Originally from Philadelphia, PA., currently live outside of Baltimore, MD.
Did you go to school to study writing/photography/videography?
My degree is in Information Technology. I have experience with Technical Writing, Editing, but I am currently working as a Systems Software Integrator. Photography is a hobby gone mad!
How did you get into writing/photography/videography?
I started writing after my military career and started photography in 2004 when I started getting heavily involved with the car show scene.
How long have you been a writer/photographer/videographer?
11 years as a writer and 8 years as a photographer
How would you describe your style?
My style all depends on my mood and also depends on the event.
For car show coverage I can appreciate the artistic shots, heavy editing, etc., but honestly, I want people to see the car, not just a headlight/taillight and that's it. If the vehicle is heavily modded, I capture the different modifications in more artistic shots, but I try to capture the vehicle in its entirety to share with other enthusiasts what they missed if they are not able to attend an event.
What equipment and software do you use? Why?
I am shooting with a Canon 6D, 24-105mm L series lens, 73-300mm lens, 430EX Speed light. My goal in the near-future is to purchase more L glass and lighting for photo shoots.
Where is your favorite location to shoot pictures? Studio? Beaches? Etc.
It depends on the situation. I enjoy taking photos of sporting events, cars, you name it. Wherever I am, I will angle up a shot and take it!
Are you a Mac or PC user?
PC User, currently running Windows 8.
What has been your most memorable assignment (vehicle, event, model, etc)? Why?
I enjoyed shooting photos for Street Trenz Magazine, both models and cars. My most memorable assignment was shooting a custom Mustang for a former NFL football player. Unfortunately, it was when I first started taking photos, I wish what I know now, I knew back then.
What would you say to other enthusiast photographers out there who aspire to become a great writer/photographer/videographer?
Keep your own style, be you! Don't shoot for anyone else, unless of course you are getting paid and they want certain photos. Be creative with your angles; don't be afraid for people to critique your photos, because you are going to get a handful of people that want to say something negative.
List your experiences and credentials:
Street Trenz Magazine
Founder
CarShowz.com
Any finals words?
I do what I can to make a positive impact on the car scene.
One of my favorite quotes was captured from Chip Foose from an episode of Overhaulin', "I don't look at anyone as a competitor, and I look at them as a potential best friend. If anyone needs help, or has a question, I will help them, because one day I hope they would help me."
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