There's something special about photographing a car that's been loved. When I arrived in Bearspaw, Calgary for this ‘89 Toyota Supra MK3 shoot, destined for Bring a Trailer, I was already excited. The owner lived near by, and suggested a few spots we could shoot with the vehicle. Surrounded by beautiful houses that define this opulent neighborhood, the Supra felt right at home – a classic among classics.
The Machine
The MK3 Supra has always held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, and this particular example reminded me why. The clean lines, the purposeful stance, and that unmistakable silhouette that defined sports cars of the era. As I walked around the vehicle for the first time, I was already visualizing the shots – the dramatic angles that would highlight its timeless design.
Before this shoot, I had never sat inside a MK3. I was amazed - all of the options that were available from Toyota in 89’ were incredible. Apart from a redesigned A/C system, and a new exhaust that had been installed recently by the owner, almost everything on the vehicle was bone stock. Stepping inside really felt like a time machine. There’s definitely something special that happens when you get inside one of these more refined classics, something you can’t experience by stepping into a new Supra. It’s hard to explain.
The Shoot
For this session, I brought both my camera and drone to capture the full essence of this Supra for BAT. Ground-level shots allowed me to emphasize the car's aggressive stance and capture those detail shots that serious buyers scrutinize. The drone provided a completely different perspective – sweeping overhead shots that showed the car's proportions and how it commanded its environment.
The lighting was particularly cooperative that day. Natural light has a way of bringing out the true character of a vehicle's paint and bodywork that no amount of studio lighting can replicate.
The Owner
What made this shoot truly memorable wasn't just the car – it was the owner. From the moment we met, his passion for the vehicle was evident. He didn't just own this Supra; he understood it, respected it, and had clearly invested time and care into maintaining its character.
Throughout the shoot, he shared stories about the car's history, pointed out subtle details I might have missed, and was genuinely excited to see his pride and joy being documented professionally. It's owners like this who remind me why I love automotive photography – they're not just selling a car, they're passing on a piece of automotive culture to the next enthusiast.
I found myself taking extra time to capture shots that would do justice to his years of ownership. When someone cares that much about their vehicle, it motivates you to deliver your absolute best work.
The Final Shots
The combination of handheld camera work and drone footage resulted in a comprehensive gallery that tells the complete story of this MK3. Detail shots that highlight the car's condition, environmental shots that give context, and those signature aerial perspectives that make listings stand out on platforms like Bring a Trailer.
Reflecting on the Experience
Every car has a story, and every owner has a connection to their vehicle that goes beyond mere ownership. This Supra shoot reminded me that automotive photography isn't just about creating pretty pictures – it's about capturing the relationship between enthusiast and machine, documenting automotive heritage, and helping connect passionate sellers with equally passionate buyers.
For anyone considering professional automotive photography for their vehicle, remember that it's not just about the final images. It's about working with someone who understands that your car isn't just transportation – it's a piece of your story.
If you're preparing your classic, sports car, or daily driver for sale and want photography that captures its true character, I'd love to discuss your project. Reach out to discuss how we can showcase your vehicle's story.