High Octane!

The annual Octane Nights car show was held in Ravenna, Ohio on September 29. By any standard, this is a massive gathering of classic cars and people. Several blocks of Route 59 are blocked off as the event is staged right in the middle of the state highway as well as some adjacent parking lots. It takes quite a while to traverse the length of the show, and you are visually bombarded with all manner of classic cars, hot rods, rat rods, customs, and on and on. Truly something for everyone. And it does seem like everyone is there; thousands of people were in attendance, despite the early rain storm. Skies did eventually begin to clear and the sun popped out not long before sundown. Photographically this set off a stunning backdrop with the sun illuminating the retreating storm clouds. A rainbow appeared at one point and seemed to linger for several minutes. What I love about this show is that it runs past sunset, affording me the rare opportunity to continue photographing the cars after dark. I was rewarded for staying until the end when an incredible pink glow emerged in the sky as the sun (now already set) cast a glow off of some low clouds. I found myself near the iconic A&W where the pink sky formed a dramatic backdrop for photos.

Written by Dave Dreimiller