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Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Bernie's Best of 2017

Jan 4, 2018



Happy New Year Everyone!!! I decided to do a compilation post of all of the car shows that I've attended and photographed in 2017. Despite a few setbacks, 2017 was another fabulous year where I had the opportunity of traveling to various places, meeting great people and photographing some insane cars.  From the classic hot rod, to the exotic Pagani Huyera, I shot everything in between. What a year.



I decided to start the recap with Atlanta's most dependable car show- Caffeine and Octane. Looking back, it's amazing to see how much Caffeine and Octane has grown. In 2016, the mastermind behind Caffeine and Octane, Bruce, made the executive decision (for the better) to move the show to a more centralized location and that the show is ultimately in one big lot, instead of the 2.5 lots that the show originally took place in Alpharetta. After moving the show to the Perimeter Mall parking lot- where it currently occupies about 20% of the lot, Caffeine and Octane has proven that rain or shine, the show must go on. I attended 11 out of 12 of the shows- I missed November's show because I just returned from Vegas a few hours from the start of the show. Out of the 11 shows that I did attend, June was the best show. As I stated in the post, a storm moved through the metro Atlanta area an hour before the show started. Usually car collectors are hesitant to bring their prized possessions out in questionable weather, but not that month.



Caffeine and Octane does have a younger, more flashy sibling- Caffeine and Exotics. Caffeine and Exotics is an exclusive show where the cars have to start at a particular price point. Held at the main parking lot of Lenox Square Mall, Caffeine and Exotics gives car enthusiasts a chance to admire some expensive toys that car collectors were kind enough to share. Unlike Caffeine and Octane, this show is a bi-monthly show that is held between spring and fall.



Another one of my "Atlanta staples" (shows that I will not miss) is the King of the South Mega Show. Held by the Official Street Whipz team, this show gives enthusiasts the opportunity to show off their car in three ways- how it looks, how it sounds, and how it performs. It sounds very straight forward, but it's hard because there's a ridiculous amount of competition at this show.



For sentimental reasons, the New York Auto Show will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm a native New Yorker and that's one of the things that I've been proud to say. Aside from the location, this auto show also has a lot of cars that I don't get to see every day as well as being among the first people to experience new vehicles. Living in Atlanta, if I want to see a Koenigsegg, I have to go to New York or Los Angeles. But I must admit, seeing the Dodge Demon was breathtaking since the North American debut was held in the greatest city in the world.



My trip to Los Angeles was different than usual- but in a good way. Aside from my normal pilgrimage to the Petersen Automotive Museum, my other source of automotive culture came from attending my very first swap meet. Founded in 1983, the Long Beach Hi Performance Swap Meet has become one of the go to places for purchasing every part of the car you would need to build one. You name it, there's someone there selling it, and there's someone there (with cash) ready to buy it. To only be at this show for 90 minutes, I had a great time photographing cars, meeting people and of course... shopping. 



Finally to round out this list of shows, I can't forget SEMA. The 2017 SEMA show was my 8th show, however I decided to switch things up by arriving to SEMA the day before the show starts. I’m always like a kid in a candy store when arriving at SEMA. Once I’m done crying tears of joy, I dive right into the chaos- I meet great people who share some of the same similarities as I do and photograph great vehicles while enjoying some great weather.

To see the rest of the photos, check out Bernie's Best of 2017 gallery.

I'm looking forward to seeing what 2018 brings me. Thank you for the support!!!
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