Photographing on the Brentford Riviera

I’m not usually one for static motoring events, preferring moving cars or bikes and the challenge of capturing blurry wheels and a sensation of speed. However, when I was alerted on social media that Jonny Ambrose and Joel Clark, among others, were part of the MotoArto exhibition at the Duke of London Classics and Cake it was worth a visit.

Currently located in a multi-storey car park adjacent to the Thames, it’s the second such event. Combining classic and supercars, motoring art, cakes and Jamaican street food.

Tickets were purchased and the easy weekend drive down the M1 and round the North and South Circular completed. Parking was on one of the intermediate levels surrounded by a wide range of machinery. Lighting wasn’t ideal – time to increase the ISO and be grateful for the maximum f2.8 aperture on the 24-70mm zoom lens.

Ascending to the upper floors took us past the storage floors. Some had a simple dustcover, but I reckon I’d recognise a Mustang wheel anywhere. Everything from a Fiat 500 convertible to high end Ferraris were held in climate-controlled conditions. Reminding me of astronauts in sci-fi films in suspended animation on their way to a distant planet.

Up to the art floor. MotoArto say they are “breathing fresh life into the automotive scene by hosting events that merge a wider world of art, lifestyle and culture.” As ever, art will be in the eye of the beholder.

Ambrose Auto Art

I was keen to catch up with Jonny and Joel – I am fortunate to have creations by both of them. You can find their work here.

Speed Icons

Up again to reach the top floors of the car park where there are views over West London. Fortunately the weather was playing ball. Each visitor will have had their own favourite – integrale for one, GTR for another, classic Alfa or perhaps even the Autin Seven. “My dad / grandad / uncle had one of them” – my Dad did!

Probably the most exclusive car there was the R33 – a beautifully made homage to the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale – as ever, if you have to ask the price, you probably can’t afford it! It did sound and look very impressive.

A break for lunch by Mr Roy with a good curry goat / jerk chicken combo followed by a cappuccino at the bar where the DJ was at work with real vinyl. Must try the cake next time!

All in all, a pleasant trip out and some cool art and cars to see. Perhaps I will find myself at a few more such events.

Duke of London Photography notes

I was using my Nikon D850 and Nikkor 24-70mm zoom set at ISO1000 and shutter speed of 1/125^. I did do some lightening of shadows in the darker shots in post-production. Reviewing the output, I am reminded that static images with adjacent walls, ceiling lights, etc need care to get the various lines and angles looking right. More practice required, methinks.

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