Joe Cantwell
August 26th, 2024
Timeless Machines, Historic City
Capturing Checkeditout Chicago
In the heart of Chicago, beneath the sweeping city skyline and along the banks of the Great Lakes, lies a vibrant gathering of automotive artistry. Checkeditout Chicago—an event that pulses with creativity, precision, and passion—was the canvas for my lens. This year’s edition was more than just a car show; it was a visual symphony of motion, design, and culture. The atmosphere was electric, yet refined—a perfect backdrop for a weekend devoted to celebrating the love of cars.
But this time, it wasn’t just about documenting cars. It was about the journey there—bringing a good friends Porsche 911SC from Minnesota to share in this celebration.
From a photographer’s standpoint, the setting could not have been more ideal. The sharp lines of the cityscape, juxtaposed against the fluid curves of the cars, created a natural contrast that gave the shots depth and elegance. The Chicago sunlight, filtered through glass towers, provided the perfect highlights on glossy paint jobs, while casting long shadows that lent a cinematic feel to every frame.
The journey began long before the event, with careful preparation of the classic 911. This car, with its timeless silhouette and air-cooled heart, has been a treasured part of the collection, and the decision to bring it to Checkeditout Chicago added a personal element to the trip. Minnesota’s crisp morning air greeted us as we fired up the flat-six engine, its unmistakable growl echoing across the quiet streets.
The motion of the cars—rolling in, revving their engines, and cruising through the venue—was a focal point of my video work. Capturing these moments required a balance of technical skill and creative intuition. The aim was not just to document the event but to tell a story: the roar of finely-tuned engines, the way light danced across polished metal, and the energy of the crowd as each car rolled into the spotlight.
Slow, sweeping shots showcased the graceful lines of exotics, while rapid-fire cuts during moments of action—the burnouts, the launches—conveyed the raw power and excitement that reverberated through the crowd. Every angle, every movement told part of the larger story of Checkeditout Chicago.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Checkeditout Chicago was the sense of community. Sharing stories with fellow enthusiasts—many of whom had also traveled great distances—reinforced the idea that car culture transcends the vehicles themselves. It's about the journey, the
effort, and the passion that goes into bringing these machines to life.
Beyond the machines, what truly brought the event to life was the community. There’s a shared passion here, a reverence for craftsmanship and innovation that is rare and deeply felt. Every owner had a story—a build with years of love and dedication behind it, or a car that had been handed down through generations. The conversations I had with these enthusiasts were as rich as the visuals themselves, adding another layer of depth to my work.
In between filming, I found myself drawn to the stories of the people. Hearing about their journey—whether it was finding a rare part, overcoming mechanical challenges, or simply the joy of driving—made each car that much more significant. These were not just vehicles, but extensions of their owners, built to express both technical skill and personal style.
In the end, my time at Checkeditout Chicago was about much more than simply documenting cars. It was about capturing a moment in time where craftsmanship, community, and culture converged in the city’s heart. Every shot—whether in photo or video—was a tribute to the artistry behind each build and the passion that fuels this incredible event.
As I left, camera gear in hand, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Not just for the visuals I had captured, but for the connection I had made with a community that views cars as more than machines, but as art, legacy, and self-expression.
