New from Indianapolis, IN

[Greg Scharton]

Hi,

My name is Greg Scharton and I live in Indianapolis, Indiana. I'm currently a college student at a local community college and am majoring in Criminal Justice. I wanted to pursue a photography degree but figured I could do that later in my life once film is taken for granted. haha...

I use Nikon products and my gear set-up is as followed: Nikon D300, Nikon 18-70mm f./3.5-4.5, Nikon 70-200mm f./2.8. Nikon SB-800.

As a hobby, and sometimes a pretty penny, I shoot local cars and bikes, as well as sports, events, and now I'm getting into portraits. Although it's played out, at least from what I've read on the forum so far, I like shooting rig shots. Not a whole lot of amateur automotive photogs in the Indianapolis area (that I know of) has shown any rigs in the car scene, so I figured I'd to use this as a specialty.

This season (our warm months) I will be shooting for DriftIndy (dot com) and some of the local SCCA events.

My goals for this website is to learn more about automotive photography, get better, and maybe get my foot in the door somewhere (although I know it's a HUUUGGGEEE market).

Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from some of you guys,

Greg Scharton
perryfalcon54@yahoo.com
www.schartonphotos.smugmug.com

[John Thawley]

Welcome to the forum.

[Bill Jurasz]

Welcome! I grew up near 38th and Moller, which explains why I grew to like open-wheel race cars. :) My neighbor while in grade school was a retired crew chief (any heard of a Joe Scopa by any chance?). High school in Greenwood. College in that wonderful town of Terre Haute (Rose-Hulman).

I'd agree with your assessment of the rig shot. It does seem played a lot, especially to the people who make a living at this (I don't), especially on the commercial side of things. But, the average Joe car person really loves the shot. And, more importantly, few of them will take the time and effort to grab the shot themself. This can make it easier to market to the average Joe. I need to get off my butt and market this better myself down here in Austin. I know the demand exists if I just tap into it.

[Steve Stein]

Welcome Greg. I lived for a year or two on the west side off 38th near Eagle Creek. This was back when the only thing happening in Indy was the 500 and the Nationals. Somewhere I have a shot of Janet Guthrie getting out of her car during one of the practice runs for the 500. So you can tell I'm dating myself back to the late 70's (and yes, it was film).

I'll probably come up to Indy for one or more 500 practice days and maybe even a qualifying day, depending on my schedule. Indy sure has changed over the years (for the better) than when I lived there. The big thing back then was people cruising through Steak and Shake, which by then, was dead pretty much all over the country.

PS: Nice rig shots you have on SmugMug

[Greg Scharton]

Hey thanks guys!

Bill I actually live about a block north of Perry Meridian H.S. if that tell you anything. Yeah, the average Joe thing works out with the new (era wise) import scene. So I'll play the rig shot card until it's played out for them hahaha. I'm still trying to get into strobe photography with cars but AB's are pretty pricey for a college student and PW's aren't helping my bank account either.

38th and Eagle Creek? I'm trying to think where that's at... Speedway area, I'm pretty sure, which is why you said something the 500. People still do cruise at steak and shake and also the Suds down in Greenwood. Friday and Saturday nights, like any big city has some sort of car scene. Thanks for the comments about the rigs, too!


Greg Scharton

[Steve Stein]

Greg,

I'm probably old enough to be your dad (but not grandfather). I lived west of 465 off 38th in a apartment complex off Beluga Lane. Last time I was through Indy, it was still there.

If you ever want to go shoot sometime, I get to Indy on business and I can bring my 4 PW and 580EX II, 580EX, and 430EX over and play around with them. Scout out some locations and we can do some shooting. I have a 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 just looking for a good location to shoot at.

Steve

[Greg Scharton]

I'm 20, Steve. So that's a possibility... haha. No worries, though.

Yeah, I'd love to do that. I'm actually trying to put a portfolio together as we speak. It'll be for sponsorship from SportsShooter.com, so hopefully that works out. Just PM me when you're thinking about coming to town or e-mail me. I wouldn't mind at all, and I know a couple of people with some nice import rides that don't look like crap.

Thanks Steve,

Greg Scharton
perryfalcon54@yahoo.com

[Dave Verna]

Welcome!

[Greg Scharton]

Thanks Dave!

[John Jackson]

Welcome to the site I have been to Indy a few times shooting the import truck bash. The town has alot of great places to shoot

[Greg Scharton]

It does, John. Unfortunately ITB will not be in Indianapolis this year because of the lack of showers at the event. I know some people from ITB and their community, and that's what the word is.

If you ever come out this way, let me know!