Yost Photography

During the summer, Monday nights are cruise nights at CT Valley Brewing in South Windsor, Connecticut. This past Monday they held one of the most iconic showdowns in American car culture – Ford vs. Chevy. Enthusiasts from across the region rolled in to represent their side of the competition, showcasing everything from vintage Mustangs and classic Camaros to finely tuned trucks and custom builds. The engines were loud, the brews were cold, and the rivalry was real.

It had been a minute since I dusted off my camera for a car meet. Life moves fast, and somewhere between editing flying machines and golden hour portraits, I never slowed down to take a night to photograph the mix of muscle and shine of cars.

From what I heard and could tell, this was one of the highest turn out of cars CT Valley has seen at their cruise nights with easily over 100 cars. Although I wouldn’t consider myself a gearhead, I can respect beautiful cars, and this was a sight to see! With the endless cars in sight, I got out of the car and immediately got to work.

I’ve always found full exterior shots at car meets a little tricky — and this event was no exception. Between the tight parking, the crowd, and ever-changing light, getting clean, whole-body angles felt like a puzzle I couldn’t quite solve. I’d line up a shot, only to have a shadow fall wrong or someone walk right through the frame.

But even with the struggle, certain cars still stood out — the kind you have to try for, no matter how challenging the shot.

Being a Ford gal myself, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the bold beauty parked right near the entrance — it practically demanded attention. Naturally, I started taking photos, admiring the lines and the way the light hit the paint just right.

While I was shooting, the owner, a kind woman with an easy smile, stopped to chat. She shared a bit about the car, and I quickly realized this wasn’t her only hotrod. You could tell she loved what she drove, and more importantly, she knew her stuff. It’s always refreshing to meet people who don’t just admire cars — they live them.

That brief interaction reminded me why I love these events so much. Yes, the cars are incredible, but it’s the people behind them that make the experience unforgettable.

Despite feeling challenged with full-body shots, I also felt drawn in. At car meets, people tend to walk by and admire the full picture, but I think the soul of a build lives in the small stuff. The details are where the story hides. By focusing on them, I felt like I wasn’t just photographing a car — I was showing appreciation for the craft, the care, and the history poured into every inch.

The way light hit a polished emblem, the texture of aged leather interiors, the subtle curve of a fender — those are the things I found I loved capturing. And when I brought those shots into editing, converting them to black and white made the details feel even more intentional. Without the distraction of color, you really see the craftsmanship — the contrast, the wear, the shine. It allows you to slow down and take in the details for what they are: quiet moments of design, care, and character that might otherwise be overlooked.

As the sun dipped behind the brewery and engines slowly quieted, I found myself looking back at the day not just through my lens, but through the moments it captured — the laughter, the conversations, the pride in every build, no matter the badge. Whether you’re team Ford, team Chevy, or just there for the atmosphere, the energy was the same: passionate, welcoming, and full of stories. At the end of the day, it wasn’t just about which brand wins or was better, it’s about showing up, showing off, and sharing the love of the road. And honestly, that’s the part I’ll always come back for — camera in hand, heart full.