Discovering a New Passion at the 9th Gear Jammer Magazine Truck Show

When I accepted an assignment to photograph the Misselwood Concours d'Elegance for the weekend, I knew I'd have Friday free before the concours festivities began. Rather than spending the day relaxing, I wanted to explore something completely different and challenge myself as a photographer. That led me to the 9th Gear Jammer Magazine Big Rig Show at New England Dragway in Epping, NH. I'd never photographed a big rig event before, but I've always believed that great photography isn't just about the vehicles. It's about the people, their stories, and the passion they pour into what they love.

Before heading to the event, I reached out to Bob Conrad and asked if he'd be interested in having another photographer cover the show. He was incredibly welcoming and excited to have additional coverage, which made me even more excited to attend. Whenever I step into a new automotive community, I don't just show up with a camera. I do my homework. I learn about the event, understand the culture, and most importantly, introduce myself to as many people as I can. Building relationships has always been just as important to me as creating beautiful photographs.

The very first people I met were Nicolas Bujold and Daphne Pageau, who had traveled from Canada for the event. They immediately made me feel welcome, offering some much-appreciated hospitality on an incredibly hot day. Those simple acts of kindness set the tone for the rest of my experience. As we talked, I learned that Nicolas is also an incredibly talented photographer who documents his travels across the United States. It was inspiring to connect with another photographer who shares a passion for telling stories through images.

As I explored the rows of trucks, I found myself continually amazed by the craftsmanship. The interiors were unlike anything I'd ever seen. Chrome stretched across dashboards, polished trim reflected every angle, and colorful lighting transformed the cabs into works of art. Sitting inside some of these trucks almost made you feel like a kid again. The amount of creativity and pride that goes into these rigs is remarkable.

Another memorable stop was at the Berube's Truck Accessories tent, where I met Sam. We spent time talking, sharing a few laughs, and getting to know one another throughout the day. Their tent quickly became one of my favorite places to stop whenever I made another lap around the grounds, especially because they were serving sweet tea, which was a welcome treat in the summer heat. Sam proudly showed me one of the lighting installations she had completed on a truck, and seeing how much pride she took in her work reminded me that every detail on these trucks represents someone's craftsmanship and dedication.

One of the highlights of the weekend happened after sunset. From 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., every truck owner switched on every light on their rig. Seeing hundreds of trucks illuminated at once was absolutely mind-blowing. The polished chrome reflected thousands of lights, colors danced across the show grounds, and the atmosphere became difficult to put into words. It's one of those moments you simply have to experience in person.

Of course, it wasn't just about the show trucks. The drag racing demonstrations were equally impressive. Watching these massive diesel trucks launch down the strip while thick black smoke billowed from the exhaust was unlike anything I'd ever photographed before. My favorite truck of the night was a white-and-green rig with an enormous turbo stack protruding through the hood. During one pass, I was lucky enough to capture an incredible image as flames shot from the stack, creating one of my favorite photographs of the weekend.

Throughout the event, I spent a lot of time walking the grounds with my 600mm lens. Rather than only photographing the trucks themselves, I looked for moments between them. Families enjoying the day together, children pointing at their favorite rigs, drivers talking with spectators, and quiet candid moments that tell the human side of the event. Those are often the photographs that mean the most to me.

Whenever I photograph people, I always make it a point to ask if they're comfortable with me sharing their images online. Building trust and treating people with respect has always been an important part of how I work, and I believe that's one of the reasons I've been fortunate to build so many lasting relationships through photography.

The biggest takeaway from my first Gear Jammer event wasn't simply how incredible the trucks were. It was the people. Every person I met was genuine, welcoming, and proud to share their passion. Whether we talked for five minutes or half an hour, everyone made me feel like I belonged there. One of the things I love most about photography is discovering new communities and documenting the people who make them special. This event reminded me that whether it's a concours d'elegance, a racetrack, a local cars and coffee, or a gathering of beautifully customized big rigs, the passion is always the same. It's about friendships, craftsmanship, and the stories behind the machines.

I'm incredibly grateful to Bob Conrad for welcoming me to my first Gear Jammer event, and to everyone who took the time to chat with me throughout the day. I arrived as someone experiencing his first big rig show, but I left feeling like I'd made new friends and discovered another incredible corner of the automotive world.

I have a feeling this won't be my last truck show.

Photo Gallery

I've included a gallery of some of my favorite images from the 9th Gear Jammer Magazine Big Rig Show below. I hope the photographs capture not only the incredible trucks, but also the people, friendships, craftsmanship, and passion that make this event so special.

If you see a photograph of your truck, your family, or a moment you'd like to remember, prints and digital downloads are available for purchase through the gallery.

I'm also proud to share that 100% of the profits from every print and digital download sold from this event will be donated to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. Giving back is important to me, and I'm grateful that this event provides an opportunity to support such a meaningful cause while sharing memories from an unforgettable weekend.

Thank you again to Bob Conrad, the Gear Jammer Magazine team, Nicolas, Daphne, Sam, and everyone who welcomed me into this amazing community. Your kindness, hospitality, and passion made my first Gear Jammer experience one I'll never forget. I hope to see you all again next year.