The Creative Routes Collide at Forest City Cars & Coffee 2024 - Automotive Photography by Blake Ferguson.
- Blake Ferguson
- May 5, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Car culture in London, Ontario, left its mark on May 5, 2024, through dedicated efforts and event planning via a group of fellow automotive enthusiasts and community-incentivized entrepreneurs. Connecting more than 50 modified, custom, and stance cars to the premises, it was a shocking turnout for a local car show hosted in the public lot of Fanshawe College.
What caught me off guard was the fact that all my fascinations were uniting, and how the creativity kept me drawn to my past institute, where I originally pursued photography and graphic design—shockingly, unwrapping what I captured most throughout: car shows and automotive photography.
I find it difficult to skip a beat on exploring new custom car configurations and capturing their aesthetic appeal through automotive photography perspectives, regardless of the occasion or event that draws me in.
While many enjoy the excitement associated with interstate car shows, I find it personally fulfilling to witness the collective efforts that compose these community-based gatherings. Scrolling back in time, we have already covered the wholesome adventures of Grassroots car culture and small collective gatherings such as Wheels on the Danforth. All events that derive from community participation, rather than commercially polished car shows. As a fellow entrepreneur and content creator, my motivational drive in supporting those taking community-uniting initiatives and making significant moves in the industry comes at large.
Those familar with the journey backing my creative studies will understand the irony that I again return to Fanshawe College to engage in more photography. Since graduating, I have found unique ways to reconnect with the institution. Residing close to Fanshawe College, I have remained engaged through the years following my graduation. A notable experience occurred in 2023- while walking home after completing a photography session, I first recognized the vibrant automotive culture emanating from the college parking lot, where, unfortunately, I had to follow-up for the next year’s event in real time.
Proof that Canadian Car Culture Will Never Fade.
I was caught off-guard, as last year, and typically following the pandemic, I haven’t been as connected with car culture as much as I would have liked and compared to previous years. Focusing on photography sessions, helping to scale the local Strict Standards Streetwear brand, and other digital media projects, where it was beginning to feel like a long, lost, and somehow out of reach, even though I remained working on simliar tasks remotely.
Through the last few summers, encountering Forest City Cars and Coffee was a replenishing of hope. After experiencing Forest City Cars and Coffee for the first time with my Canon EOS60d- witnessing classic cars and other hidden gems at what you might classify as the local park and chill was surreal.
Wait, is that a Supra?
From the golden days, enjoy this classic Toyota Supra MK3.
All through manifestation— after rekindling with Forest City Cars and Coffee, and corresponding to the preparation of this correspondence, suddenly, I observed a notable increase in the presence of project cars in London, Ontario. Oh, the irony.
As a graduate of Fanshawe College and a car enthusiast, I find this phenomenon particularly intriguing. There was always an urge to prospect organized pop-up meets to celebrate car customization and articulate a platform for other photographers to venture into automotive photography.
However, a like-minded car enthusiast and entrepreneur had the same imagination with more dire priority. Although I had contemplated this concept for an extended period, my pre-occupation of managinig multiple digital media projects led to unintentional oversight. Nevertheless, it was reassuring to recognize that, despite challenges, my thinking aligned where I could only be fruitful for the platform created through a similar purpose. The excitement surrounding the automotive culture continues to thrive throughout Southwestern Ontario.
Experience Forest City Cars & Coffee 2024 on Strict Standards.
Presenting Forest City Cars and Coffee.
Throwing it down for the local car enthusiasts, and this year, one travelled down from Windsor, Ontario, where I had the pleasure of a quick chat and photographing his modified 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLi. Although I may neglect to have a noteworthy project car of my own, it’s a joy I share when I get to talk shop with the owners— it never fails as a reintroduction to the primary passion that is.
Establishing a reputation as a car show host requires considerable planning, dedication and consistency. Let’s just say, after promoting your event or setting a baseline expectation, there’s no quitting halfway through.
Having been a part of the automotive community for many years, Forest City Cars and Coffee has made a significant impact and possesses substantial potential for future growth. Given the duration of their presence in the industry, it is rekindling to witness individuals willing to travel considerable distances to participate for a local park and chill event. There is a substantial need for more car shows, automotive events, and gatherings like this in Southwestern Ontario.
From way back in 2015, this gathering gave nostalgic vibes to where the automotive passion and photography pursuits took off. London is a big city, so without gatherings like this, you would not even know what vehicles are out and about for the most part. This gathering gave me another taste for what is out there local and nearby— and I hope to connect with more owners as Forest City Cars and Coffee progresses into the future. The outcome was immaculate, bringing together big local names like StreetStars Customs and colliding with the car enthusiasts of London, Ontario, all the way out to Windsor.
Finally Acquainted With Street Stars Customs!
The opportunity finally occurred— witnessing the boundary-breaking projects cars of Street Stars Customs in person. Local sometimes does not mean close enough. Throughout my adventures in the Argyle of London, Ontario, I have seen these vehicles whipping around more than dozens of times. However, through local pop-ups, car gatherings, and so forth— we never had the opportunity to be in the same place in unison. Let’s just say, I had some samples of what Street Stars Customs was cooking up— but never indulged in the full taste.
Introducing the Legends, Themselves: Street Stars Customs.
Street Stars Customs is a premier authority in vehicle wraps located in London, Ontario, Canada. The company offers many services leveraging its automotive expertise, including vehicle wraps, paint protection film, window tinting, paint correction, and polishing, among other automotive protection solutions. In 2022, Street Stars Customs achieved recognition for holding the top ranking in London within automotive customization.
Street Stars Customs is a reputable provider for those seeking to enhance the cosmetic appearance of project cars, show cars, or vehicles intended for daily use. Specializing in significant transformations for exotic and supercars, you are in the hands of seasoned professionals. Learn more about Street Stars Customs and their journey by reading their story. Additionally, a visual compilation of images captured at the Forest City Cars and Coffee event illustrates the exceptional quality that characterizes Street Stars Customs and their expertise in vehicle customization.
I have to express my gratitude to Forest City Cars and Coffee for fostering a community of local automotive enthusiasts. This event provided an excellent opportunity to examine the intricate details of the Street Stars Widebody Hyundai Genesis Coupe, in conjunction with the meticulously maintained Toyota MR2, which showcased a complementary aesthetic.
Experience Street Stars Customs for Yourself!
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For those yet to discover, Forest City Cars and Coffee was a listing on Carllective, alongside many other car shows and auto events in Ontario, Canada. Bookmark this platform and check back often to catch all the automotive hype in your local area! To help bring an even better turn-out next year,
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