Summer 2024

C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 4 141 the only local automotive photo studio and became skilled at lighting and photographing cars in a huge indoor space in Sand City. “We had a big light box on motorized win- ches to move it up and down, and a large space with over 20-foot-high ceilings,” he says. “Everything was painted a particular white with a special epoxy floor, and we used big backdrop curtains so we wouldn’t capture any reflections.” While mastering technical difficulties in the studio and in the field, Bushnell was also becom- ing proficient at post-production editing. “Angles, reflection and lighting have to come together to get a shot,” he says. “It’s very chal- lenging and you have to watch your surround- ings down to what you’re wearing to prevent reflections into the car. It also comes down to better, and unfortunately, more expensive equipment, along with the latest processing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Creative Products.” The results are images that reveal the texture of the paint, the detailed outlines of a glossy hood ornament, the sporty curves of a race car, or a closeup of a polished emblem. For architectural photography, Bushnell care- fully plans his shoots according to the amount of daylight he wants to use, including dusk shots that create a different mood, and waits for the ideal weather conditions to showcase all the details of a home. He often uses a drone cam- era to capture the surrounding landscapes, resulting in stunning aerial footage of a property surrounded by mountains, the ocean and other local landmarks in both still and video. “Photography is all about lighting and composi- tion,” he shares.“Pretty much everything I’ve learned has been through trial and error, discovering some- thing new with every photographic experience, and applying those lessons to future photos.” When shooting events, Bushnell avoids crowds by arriving the evening prior or early in the morning, but of course, he also enjoys cap- turing the energy of the actual celebration. “When I would shoot for The Quail, I would get everything: the crowds, the awards presen- tations, the food, the vendors and people having a good time,” he says. Bushnell also loves shooting racetracks, race car winners, Supercross events and rare auto collections. More recently, he’s been photo- graphing rural areas in locations such as Wyoming, Montana and Utah. “I just get in the car and head out,” he says. “Being able to be creative while doing some- thing I enjoy is very relaxing.There’s a freedom to it and I can forget about everything else.” For more information, call 831/224-6227 or visit www.jbushnellphotography.com . While many of the Car Week events Bushnell photographs take place on world-renowned golf courses, like Pebble Beach Golf Links, he first walked the local greens as a pro golfer. Rünge RS010 with a North American P-51 Mustang in the background at McCall’s Motorworks Revival.