Name: Mike Mieczkowski
Company: Car Showz
Location: Burlington, NJ., USA
Website: carshowz.com
Vehicle Information: 2005 Chevy Silverado
Who is "Mike Mieczkowski"?
I am a long time car and truck enthusiast who was raised to enjoy anything automotive related. Both of my parents had muscle cars when I was young so it is in my genes to love cars. I have owned many cars over the years that were built to go fast and look good. Even though I was brought up around cars and went to shows with family and friends, I never participated. That all changed in 2008 when I bought my current vehicle and customized it. I started to take it to shows and to pass the time I started taking pictures of everyone else’s ride. After posting the pictures on my Flickr account and various forums I noticed I had a decent following. Soon I began to invest in more equipment and software and I really loved getting photo coverage of shows. In early 2012, I joined the team at carshowz.com and went from 10 or so shows in 2011 to over 50 in 2012. I can only see things getting better from here on out.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, but bought a house in Burlington, New Jersey in 2007.
Did you go to school to study photography?
I am completely self-taught. Everything I know I have learned from books, the internet or through trial and error.
How did you get into photography?
It all started as a way to pass time at car shows while waiting for the day to pass. People seemed to like my show coverage so I started sharing it online. In 2012, I was picked up by carshowz.com and have been to over 50 shows since.
How long have you been a photographer?
Four years.
How would you describe your style?
I am not sure I really have a style. I try to get at least one picture of every vehicle at an event then go back for the more artistic shots later.
What equipment and software do you use?
I am currently using a Canon T2i with either my 28-135mm f/3.5-5 or my 50mm f/1.8. I am going to a Full Frame Canon this year with some L Glass. For software I prefer to use Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom 4 because of their ease of use and available plugins.
Where is your favorite location to shoot pictures?
I don’t really have a favorite location. If I am doing a custom shoot I try to match the background with the car or truck.
Are you a Mac or PC user?
I have too much invested in software for my PC to think about switching to a Mac.
What has been your most memorable assignment or vehicle/model to work with?
My most memorable shoot was doing a feature with Tommy Pearson’s fully custom, bagged Ford Ranger. Something about the truck and the simplicity of where we did the shoot made it one of my favorites.
What would you say to other enthusiast photographers out there who aspire to become a great photographer?
Never give up. Get out there and do work. Share it with the world and build a name for yourself.
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