Commissioned Chevrolet Truck Portrait with Mount Taranaki

Before the world changed and we went into lockdown here in New Zealand, I had been developing a new service within my photography business, capturing people’s dream cars, at dusk, in epic Taranaki locations using outdoor studio lighting.
Shelley and Colin Pope, the owners of this magnificently restored 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Truck were my first clients to commission a photographic artwork. Shelley and Colin’s vision was to capture their truck in a paddock on their farm in Kaponga, which is at the base of Mount Taranaki.

Using Mount Taranaki as the background was really important for Shelley and Colin. You can see the Mountain from every part of their farm and from their home. Like many of us who live in Taranaki, we never tire of seeing the ever changing aspects of our sacred M?unga (Mountain). In this portrait you can see the vibrant glowing red of the scoria which was rather mesmerising to witness as the setting sun changed the colour of the Mountain and sky. Shelley said sometimes the view is so clear that you feel like you can reach out and touch the trees when it’s going to rain (before the clouds set in).
The South Taranaki couple and I connected at AmeriCARna New Plymouth, where they saw my newly created folio displaying classic and muscle cars photographed with iconic North Taranaki coastal and mountain views.
The images were displayed as ChromaLuxe HD Metal Prints which are created using a dye sublimation process. The photographic images are infused directly onto specially coated sheets of metal panels at a high temperature. The result produces the most luxurious, vibrant and long lasting photo medium on the planet.
Coupled with my 50 megapixel Canon 5Ds professional camera and this ‘chrome’ like medium, the viewer of this car portrait is provided with a fascinating level of high definition (HD) detail and clarity. This is particularly exciting when you own a vehicle that shines and sparkles as brightly as the Pope’s truck. The ChromaLuxe metal print also offers epic detail in features of the Mountain, from the jagged shapes of the peak through to the contours and valleys. You can even see two fine slithers of snow.

Being that I am an absolute rookie when it comes to anything ‘AmeriCarna’, it has been fascinating talking to a number of classic and muscle car owners, and finding out about each vehicle’s history. With Shelley and Colin it was valuable to learn some of the reasons why this couple love owning their first “hotted up hotrod”.
Shelley commented that “the truck is like a moth to a light. Kids really get a thrill when they see it, as do like minded people.” Having the truck provides an opportunity for the couple to take a break from their busy life on their dairy farm and take a drive together.
Shelley said the truck’s first owner was an American soldier who sadly didn’t return from a tour in Afghanistan. The truck which was originally black and grey, was 100% stock standard and needed some modernising.

Kev Walsh and his highly skilful team at Custom Street Rides in Inglewood completely revamped the vehicle adding power steering, air conditioning, electric windows and a V8 motor. They also did the incredible paint work. Custom Street Rides entered this magnificent truck into Teng Tools Grand National Rod and Custom Show in Auckland and it scooped “Best modified commercial”.
Although the couple had never intended to own a vehicle to enter into competitions or be a part of events like AmeriCARna, they have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and sharing their joy with others.
If you would like to CAPTURE YOUR DREAM CAR AS A CHROMALUXE HD METAL ART PRINT for your home, workspace or workshop please call Tania Niwa Photographer NZ mb 027 599 7556 | AUS mb 041 999 7556 or email .
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With a fully equipped portable outdoor studio set up, I can capture your dream car portrait at your favourite location anywhere in New Zealand (or Sydney when the borders re-open).
New Plymouth: Mad Media, 1st Floor 44 Liardet St, New Plymouth, New Zealand.
Sydney: Australia In Focus, 21 Cross St, Brookvale, Australia