I have been back from Las Vegas and SEMA for a little over three weeks now, so I have had the chance to gather my thoughts about my adventure. There was a lot of ground to be covered in a short amount of time. Being at such a large venue as a media person you have to steel your mind to what is expected of you and not be taken in by the magnitude of that task.
When you arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the first thing that jumps out at you is the sea of vehicles that are parked outside. Even at six-thirty in the morning when there are very few people. Our first stop was the Media Center to check in and get our credentials. The type of credentials that you are issued determines the access that you have and where you can go. Our credentials gave us full access to every part of the venue.
There were exhibitors from all over the world and there were so many accessories and products that you could get for any car or truck that it was overwhelming at times during the week. There were so many beautiful cars and trucks, there were contests going on, there were seminars, there were product demonstrations happening, and there were a lot of celebrities visiting. The overall experience is truly amazing.
Our four person team from Street Cars 101 Magazine an TV worked throughout the week to cover everything and there still wasn't enough time. We took thousands of photos, we interviewed so many individuals about their various builds, product companies about their products, and we met and conversed with folks from everywhere and from so many different aspects of the auto industry.
I was a first time visitor to SEMA. I hit the ground running, as did my colleagues. There were classics, exotics, monster trucks, drift cars, and many one of kind vehicles that had to be seen to be believed. The hardest part for me was to not get caught up in the moment. Yes, there were lots of beautiful cars to look at, but I had a job to do and I think that I did an exceptional job.
My personal experience was amazing because I got to meet and interview an F1 racing legend ( Willy T. Ribbs) and I got to meet and interview a racing legend in the making (Cam Carraway, a 13 year old Late Model Stock Car and Micro Sprint Car racer). The amazing thing about them both was that they are both black and in most motorsports, that is a rarity.
I often think about the things that I get to do and the places that I get to go. I am living my dream and I get to do what I love. Meeting new and interesting people in my travels is something that I have always enjoyed. I have always tried to have jobs that I loved, but with what I am doing now, I am where I belong. I am no longer working, I am just having fun doing what I love making memories for not only myself, but for the amazing team that I work with.
SEMA was one of the many events that were on my bucket list. I have checked it off, but I will return next year to cover it all over again. The trip was a major success.
I get to share my visions and part of myself through my photographs. Sharing my SEMA photos is extra special because they will be seen around the world. For me, it doesn't get any better.
Signing off from SEMA SHOW 2023.
Stone Samuels
Images By Stone Photography
Street Cars 101 Magazine and TV