Pumpkin spice season...with a twist of rice!
I was one of those kids who grew up playing Gran Turismo, spending countless hours behind the virtual wheel of a Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R. It was the pinnacle of my gaming experience, and I devoted even more time to driving and modifying that car. Even as an adult, I turn into a giggling kid whenever I see one in real life. So, when I found out a buddy of mine owned an R32 Skyline GT-R, I knew I had to photograph it. And to top it off, he brought a friend along!
Camera: Sony A7IV
Lens: Sony 135GM f1.8, Sony 24-70 f2.8
The Nissan R32
The Nissan R32, a model from the revered Skyline series, is an icon among automotive enthusiasts for its blend of performance, technology, and distinctive styling. Released in 1989, the R32 Skyline GT-R, nicknamed "Godzilla," quickly earned legendary status, especially for its dominance on the track and the street. Equipped with the powerful RB26DETT engine and Nissan's advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system, the R32 delivered impressive handling and power, revolutionizing the sports car world. Its timeless design and outstanding performance have cemented the R32’s place as a sought-after classic and a testament to Nissan’s engineering prowess.
The Photoshoot
We began with static shots, but our original location was packed with portrait photographers trying to wrangle kids and parents into family photos. Worried we'd get recruited to help, we relocated to a spot I’d never used for car photos before. Though we were pointed straight into the sun and chasing fading light, we found a spot that blended fall colors, blacktop, and minimal traffic. Unfortunately, the light faded fast, leaving us with only about 10 minutes—barely enough time to get a thorough shoot. I focused on angles as much as I could, mounting the 135mm for added compression.
Getting Rollers
Next, it was time for rollers. I swapped the 135mm for the 24-70mm f/2.8 to give me more flexibility as I hung out of the car window. We planned to drive around 55 mph (about 88 km/h) and keep close to each other. After finding a nice, open stretch of road, we got to work. For those new to shooting rollers, it’s a balancing act of slow shutter speed, depth of field, and holding steady while the car’s moving. I settled on settings of 1/20 sec, f/4.0, ISO 200.
Conclusion
Capturing the essence of the Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R was a nostalgic journey that brought me right back to those Gran Turismo days. Seeing these iconic cars in person, photographing them against the backdrop of fall colors, and getting those high-speed rollers was as thrilling as any race I’d imagined in the game. Despite the limited light and time constraints, each shot felt like a tribute to the engineering and legacy of these machines. It’s moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with car photography—and why the R32 will always hold a special place in my heart.
I'm thrilled to share that this photoshoot earned us the cover of SHIFT Colorado Magazine's latest issue!
