Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor Spiker.
Trevor, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Sure! Thank you for having me. I was going to school for business and went out looking for something fun to do on the side to cover the bills. I came across an odd-job that peaked my interest: “Automotive Staff Photographer Wanted”. I received an invite for an interview and got the job! With our own little photography studio in the back of a new-car dealership, I was tasked with learning the ropes. I began porting cars for one of the seasoned photographers, sweeping out the studio floors, and generally helping to set up and tear down studio equipment. After some time, I was handed a camera and tasked to learn how to shoot manual.
After a couple months, I began shadowing the Lead Photographer. Once I was confident enough in my skillset, we began touring all sorts of franchise dealership clients. We shot for Toyota, Land Rover, Cadillac, Aston Martin and more. During that time, we shot thousands of cars. Nearly every make and model production car has been captured in my camera. My schedule became a grind. One half of the day, I would be in a studio shooting inventory, the other I would travel all around the DFW Metroplex spotting cars, quirky and exotic. When I got home, I would study hours upon hours of content detailing different techniques and methods, all in an effort to be better. After all, I’m my own biggest critic.
After a couple years of sticking to this regime, I began to build upon my passion through forced experience. I was religiously attending every car event that I could as my taste for cars became more refined. Spending more time outside of the studio environment led me to religiously attend every car show I could. This was important in shaping the kind of creative I have become.
Then in 2018, I formed Shoot My Car, LLC and started shooting for my own clientele. Since then, I’ve had the fortuities of getting my work published in a top-automotive magazine, traveling to the arctic to drift Teslas, and meeting countless people who have inspired me.
Eventually, I found my way into the exotic car event space and began to head a local car-photography team of some of the most talented creators in Dallas. I began to shoot for more dealerships and travel across the state for events. Along the way, I’ve met so many cool people/organizations and come to see how involved the car community is. The car community is an international community, and it’s nice to see Dallas carving out its own hub for the drivers and enthusiasts alike.
In the future, I plan to grow my business and grow my team. It’s been two years since I started working full time under my brand, Shoot My Car, LLC. I never would have thought that my path would lead me to become a professional photographer, but after being a part of this great community, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has definitely been some obstacles on the track. My biggest obstacle was finding the right niche as an automotive photographer. There are so many amazing local photographers, and it takes a lot of effort and a bit of creativity to stand out and to develop a unique style. Taking an extra minute to scan my environment and plan ahead has given me an advantage. After years of crafting various systems, I’ve positioned the business to focus on servicing luxury and exotic vehicles.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shoot My Car – what should we know?
Shoot My Car, LLC is an automotive media service for anyone looking to get content of their vehicle. We capture Photos; We capture Videos; and we capture Social Media Content to help you get more eyes on your ride! Our services are perfect for your budget. We service private collections, social events, and specialize in dealership content services ranging from Photographing Inventory to Social Media Management.
Are you with a dealership? We are experienced shooting nearly every make and model production vehicle. If you’re with a car dealership, you know how important it is for the customer to see the car they are considering for purchase. Whether you’re selling a classic Ford or a new McLaren, our team of photographers is top-rated and will keep your dealership inventory at 100% online. Car shoppers are likely to compare dealerships online. Whether they’re out of state looking for a deal, or would just prefer to car-shop from the comfort of their couch, the photos you present to your customer matter. You want to stand out; you want to be remembered, and you want your cars to be represented in their best light.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Many commercial photographers played a role in helping me become a better photographer and editor directly and indirectly. Most notable being Dallas-local Pepper Yandell. My mentor was Blake Ryan Towsley. He hired me on, initially, and took the time to teach me the ropes. He’s taught me everything I know about studio photography and has given me the opportunity to succeed in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shootmycar.us
- Email: shootmycar.us@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootmycar.us/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shootmycar.us
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