Not a great photo in terms of technicality - but this is one of my favorite photos I have. I took this with a Nex-7 and a Minolta 50mmf2.0.
There is a few reason why I love this photo. One, because it is one of my favorite Hot-Rods ever built. It was built in the 80s by a well known/respected innovative builder who is no longer living. His son always wanted one of the cars that his father built, but they were all squirreled away in collections or lost to time. However, this car reappeared on the market in a poor condition. The owner of the shop I worked for at the time brokered the deal. However the car had not ran in quite some time which was an issue due to the rather unique engine in it, and it had been wrecked (former owner lost control, drove it through the back of his own garage.
I was tasked with repairing the car and "bringing it back to life." This required quite a bit of work - suspension, electrical, mechanical, fabrication, etc. I even 3d modeled and 3d printed some of the parts needed. The car was an absolute blast to drive when it done - and it was really nice to continue the work of a builder that was part of hot-rodding history. Some cars are just cars, but some have an undeniable character that leaves a lasting impression.
I also like this picture because because the lighting - the sun was setting at the shop and it just so happened the sun was setting on my 20 year career in hot-rod building as well. The car being well lit, in it's box of spotlight and yet the person responsible for the work behind it (represented by the tool box) is in the shadows, out of the limelight. That is pretty representative of the industry. Within a year of taking this pic, and the car being done - I quit my job at one of the more prestigious shops on this side of the country, stopped doing additional work out of my own facilities, and transitioned to a career that was lower impact, lower stress, higher pay, and with benefits - and more importantly doesn't take advantage of the people who work in it. As much as I love(d) building cars - it is an industry where the skilled workers are not appreciated, are grossly underpaid, and things like benefits and time off are non-existent. Even more so if you are good at it. I finished two or three more complete builds before I quit - as I was the only one at the shop who could - and haven't really looked back. This car, sitting in my corner of the shop with my tool cart was pretty much the last Hot-Rod that I was involved with that reminded me of why I love the cars, culture, history, and importance of ones like this.