December 2012

I don’t know about all of you but I’m already anxious for spring.  This blog has a bit of an emotional feel to it so bear with me here.  Most of you know me, you know who I am, where I come from and what I’ve gone through to get here.  I love what I do, I don’t do it for notoriety, I don’t do it for the attention.  I do it because of that little feeling you get in your gut every time you see your ride.  You see it as an extension of your soul.  A piece of your heart, made visible to the world.  And regardless of how others see it, it’s your dream. 

Do you find yourself thinking of your ride when it’s in the garage and you can’t see it?  Do you have dreams where you can hear a train horn or that sweet sound of a good old air dump?  I do.  Is it abnormal?  Is it an obsession?  Well .. yeah it is.  We build from a dream don’t we?  Isn’t that where it all begins?  Some dream in our head that formulates into a plan.  A plan that may take 10 years or more or less to accomplish, but one we give up so much to do. 

Have you taken the time to watch the teasers for the newest SoloFilm?  Inspired Lifestyle part 2 .. I have to say, it inspired me a bit this month.  It inspired me to get my truck the way I want it to see it on a film next year, or in a magazine. 

Our lives are lived one weekend at a time.  We lose people we love, we lose money, but in the end.  We gain so much.  What motivates you?   

This is Beth ..

Life is short .. drag hard baby

Novemeber 2012 feature

So a few weeks ago I had the joy of shooting this gorgeous 1962 Bel Air Bubble top.  Let me tell you, this was a beautiful day.  A little chilly for sure (of course I wasnt the model so I have no room to talk while shooting in my jeans and DropEm hoodie!) but overall gorgeous!  So a little about this car....

For starters, my gorgeous model Jill just so happens to be the beloved daughter of the owner Mr John Farr.  I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him but I'm told he is one heck of a guy.  Would you believe he actually has the original title for it?  Dated October 6th, 1962 for a selling price of $3325.00.. wow this car is worth a lot more these days!

Engine-wise shes just as pretty with a 700+ HP 534ci Pump gas engine installed she really purr's.  Purchased from Scoggin Dickey in the great state of Texas.  The engine has over 535ft-lbs at 3500rpm and over 600ft-lbs from 4000 to 6200rpms.  And if that wasn't enough, GEN VI 502 4-bolt Main Siamese Bore block, 4340 Forged Cola Crankshaft, 4340 Lunati Pro-Mod Rods, Edler Super Victor Intake with a Holley 1050cfm Dominator.

John purchased the car in 2000 as a project, I'm told it was a complete rust bucket!  Interior was completely restored by Jim's Trim Shop in Martinsville, IN.  Probably the most heartwarming information I was given by Jill was that when she asked him why a '62, his response was because he always wanted one growing up but couldnt afford one.  He did, however, own a '61 back in the good old days.

Now on to our gorgeous model.  Jill is probably the easiest model to work with.  She has a super fun attitude and can make jokes while striking a pose no problem.  And did I mention she does her own hair and makeup?  I think I did???  Yeah the girl is fabulous, so all my photog buddies out there reading this, be sure and hit her up for shoots!

To wrap it up, this shoot was an honor.  John has been sick and struggling healthwise and his daughter Jill, really wanted to do something special for his birthday.  Not only did I get to do what I love, but I got to do it with an amazing model, a gorgeous car, and an incredible background.

Life is short, drag hard ...
Beth

Thanks to Jill for providing the background on this ride

The origins of Beth (sounds interesting huh?)

A girl is defined by how she outwardly appears right?  So how do you define a girl who loves minitrucks, heck anything on wheels really?  One who also loves to photograph said wheeled vehicles?  Well I don't know exactly how to define her but I know that girl is me.  You want to get to know me?  Well here is your chance. 

How do I begin?  Well you know my photography, and you probably know my truck by now.  But here is the scoop, Ive been around for years.  Started getting into the scene in my teens mainly through boyfriends with badass cars.  Loved it, but I sure never enjoyed just being the significant other of those guys.  Where was the respect?  Where was MY bomb ass ride?  Hmm it was time to begin.  So I started with my daily, a good old 1996 Geo tracker.  Yup, boy did I love that little SUV.  Tricked her out pretty awesome for a 90's minitruck too.  16" wheels (Hey, they were huge then!), bags, interior, and beautiful paint.  Even won some trophies!  But then I had to fade out for awhile.  Married life started and with it came all sorts of craptastic responsibilities.  Unfortunately, Miss Topless (the trackers nickname not earned by me I swear!  she was a convertible you pervs!) had to be sold to make way for a reliable daily. 

So 8 years of marriage came to an end and I was plumb sick of being told Id never have a mini again.  So what did I do, yup started a new project.  So I picked up the new toy.  A gorgeous 91 GMC ext cab.  Love this girl, love her to pieces from day 1.  Apparently so did the stray cats living in the cab!  Oh yes she needed an overhaulin!  So year one, primer, body drop, air, engine swap and good old Betty was ready to roll.  Now here is where the photography comes in so pay attention!  I picked up my now ex-husbands camera and figured out damn ... this auto photography is fun!  Now mind you, Ive always loved photography but never thought to combine the two hobbies together.  So I started practicing. 

And more practicing...

Come winter, Betty got an overhaul and so did my camera.  Now here we are in the '12 show season and I'm starting to make a name for myself.  Starting to get recognized for my truck and for my photog skills.  Work work work is all I do, focus focus focus!   Dropt N Destroyed was my first show I was completely solo for, no more spouse, no club, just me.  And guess who I run into?  FINALLY the Freaks Of Nature IN/OH/MI chapters.  Damn these boys turn out great.  I finally feel like I fit somewhere!  So here you have it, the abridged version of Beth!  Don't worry, I promise my writing skills are much better, but this was a good way for you to get to know a little about me!