Girls On Film.
A few years ago I was asked by that lovely chap Chris Rees from Auto Italia magazine if they could use my X1/9 for an upcoming photoshoot. I was asked if I knew any other owners who would be free to join in. Ideally, they also wanted an early 1300 Series Special (Don’t we all!) and a Grand Finale, but others would be acceptable. It was for the X1/9’s 50th birthday and Auto Italia wanted to do something for it.
The response wasn’t so much lukewarm but Artic cold. That would be a more achingly accurate description. This sad response to my request and those from Auto Italia magazine to the X1/9 community somewhat disappointed me more than Michael Ward.
I’ve done photoshoots for magazines many years ago with my Peugeot 504 Ti. At the same time, a good friend of mine, Shaun Lilley showed off his Citroën CX Prestige. We both joked about becoming media whores. He beat me with five shoots for the CX and has since gone on to do others with various Citroën’s he has owned.
Heads Turning As The Lights Flashing Out Are So Bright
The Auto Italia shoot date was set and coordinates to the meeting place given for Bedfordshire. Not local to me but the sun was shining and this was for Auto Italia. I have dreamt about having a car of mine in this magazine since I started reading it before I could even drive. This was a dream come true that would get better as the afternoon progressed.
The shoot wasn’t long. It wasn’t going to take long to photograph just one car. Very quickly, static and action shots were in the can as they say. Photographer and owner of Auto Italia, Michael, son of Phil Ward who wrote the Collectors Guide to the Fiat X1/9, kindly sent me a few pictures from the day. I posted these onto an X1/9 enthusiast page. They went down well. Despite recent calls to arms for owners of X1/9’s, some had said they would have joined had they known. But they did. Both Michael and I had asked for willing owners.
Lipstick Cherry All Over The Lens As She’s Falling
I want to get to the nitty-gritty of a photo shoot with your classic car. It is by far the greatest accolade to have. Forget concourse wins and trophy collections. Seeing your wheels in actual print is an achievement to unlock. And there is even more to come.
There is something fantastic about knowing your car will be viewing porn on the coffee tables up and down the country. It might even make the front cover. And how great is that. My body has never been top-shelf perfect and my money maker isn’t top-shelf anymore. It isn’t quite what it used to be. Making the front cover is a real ego boost.
It even beats having it published on an internet site like this one or any other. The internet is savage and the click to the next page are quick. A magazine spread is something you can sniff and embrace. You can not beat holding something in hard copy. And if you like licking ink off the pages, you can do that too.
Wider Baby, Smile And You’ve Just Made A Million
Depending on the shoot, the few hours you spend in a location are fun. They give you an insight into what happens behind closed doors of a publishing house. Photos don’t just happen. There is a real skill to it. Static shots, action shots or group shots. I’m happy to say I have done them all, yet I still get an absolute kick out of it.
Action shots are the best. They also make you break most of the highway code. Remember that leave a gap and don’t drive too close to the car in front? Forget all of that because you will doing it. On one shoot on the outer ring of the Top Gear track, the Audi 100 driver was not sure and he got a little wayward. Following close behind in my 504, I had to take action and swerve away. The final pictures looked fantastic.
So next time you get asked or see a request from the media asking for a car for a photo spread, get in quick. There is nothing better than receiving a copy of the pictures and more importantly, a copy of the magazine to add to your car portfolio. There aren’t many who can sell a car with “As seen in…….” And I can add to this. The X1/9 has just had its second outing in Auto Italia. Can you get a double bona?
Pictures:
Lyndon McNeil (504)
Michael Ward (X1/9)