Yokohama Custom Hot Rod Show 2019 Prep Day
In late November 2019, I attended my first Mooneyes Yokohama Custom Hot Rod Show. It was a long way from home, and I got up early to go there. And people from across the world were at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Halls for it. We had come for the colorful, amazing, incredible, and crazy custom cars and bikes.
The event was on Sunday, but I got access to the Saturday preparation day. It was interesting watching all the cars and bikes being hauled/pushed/carried into the halls. The exhibitors had only one day to get ready. It was an education to see how it was done.
The exhibit halls looked bare in the morning. But as hours passed, we got to see how things would take shape. Without the public, I didn’t have to wait for photographs. My only problem was dodging the equipment the staff brought in.
One issue I had with the event was lighting. It wasn’t optimal for hot rod photography. To be honest, it was a struggle to shoot the cars. I wish I had taken a light source with me.
Looking back, I realize I made some elementary mistakes with my photos. The biggest problem was timing. In many shots, heads, bags, legs, etc., are visible behind cars. They wouldn’t have been if I had waited for them to go. Maybe I could have moved a little left or right. In my excitement, I snapped wildly.
Sunday, the main day, was terrific. It was one of the best car events I have ever attended. Those photos will be in a future article. Yokohama Custom Hot Rod Show 2019 was a big success. Leave questions and comments below.
Photo gear for this event
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more car events:
Yokohama Custom Hot Rod Show (External Websites)
- MoonEyes Yokohama Custom Hot Rod Show (official website)