Artist Statement

I started taking automotive photos because cars aren’t just machines; they have personalities, histories, and meaning to the people who own them. There’s something special about capturing a car in just the right way, where the details, movement, and energy come through in a single shot. Photography is something I genuinely enjoy. It’s fun, creative, and lets me connect with a culture I’ve always been drawn to. I started just taking pictures on my phone when my sister and I would go to car meets. At some point, I figured, why not take it more seriously? I bought a camera, and from there, it became more than just snapping photos; it became a way to capture memories and moments that stood out to me. Moving to Victorville gave me even more opportunities, especially with drifting events. I had never photographed drifting before, but once I did, I was hooked. I’ve tried other types of photography, but I always come back to cars and landscapes; they’re what I love shooting the most. I use a Nikon Z6 and have taken photography courses at Victor Valley College, but a lot of what I’ve learned comes from experience, getting feedback, studying composition, and just constantly improving with every shoot. One of the best parts of what I do is showing people their cars through my lens. When someone sees a photo of their car and gets that huge smile, I know I’ve done my job right. Car people love their cars, and my goal is to capture that connection in every shot. At the end of the day, it’s not just about photography; it’s about documenting a lifestyle and a passion that means a lot to so many people, including me.

Biography

Nathan Banuelos is an automotive photographer from Los Angeles, California, born in 2001 and has resided in Victorville, California. With a focus on realism, he aims to capture more than just cars he captures the lifestyle and culture that come with them. Currently studying at Victor Valley College to achieve his photography certificate, Nathan has built a reputation for himself in the automotive photography scene, featuring his work on various car-focused Instagram pages. Whether he’s at a speedway, a dealership, or a local meet, his goal is to showcase cars in their best light, bringing out their personality and presence. His ultimate goal is to turn this passion into a career, building a portfolio that could land him work with dealerships, freelance gigs at major automotive events, or even his photography business. He wants his work to resonate with car enthusiasts who see their vehicles as more than machines they’re an extension of who they are. As Nathan puts it, "It's not just a car; it's a lifestyle."