This story brought to you by Aiden Baird

As a photographer, every shoot presents its own set of challenges and surprises, which is part of the thrill. This particular shoot was not just another day at the office—it was an expedition into the picturesque countryside of New South Wales to capture the timeless elegance of a 1998 Rover Mini Cooper. This shoot for Collecting Cars turned out to be one of my favourites, a perfect blend of nature's autumn palette and automotive design.

The Journey to the Location

Our destination was a small town an hour's drive away, where the client had offered his property as the setting for our photoshoot. Not being familiar with the area, I relied entirely on the client’s guidance. The drive itself was an adventure, navigating a dirt road with the car’s stiff coilovers jostling us on the way, setting the stage for what was to be a memorable day.

Setting the Scene

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the sight of a stunning modern home surrounded by a variety of maple trees, their leaves a spectrum of light greens, oranges, and reds. Autumn was showing off, and the backdrop it provided was more than I could have asked for.

The star of the show, the 1998 Rover Mini MK VII Cooper, was dressed in British racing green—a color I’ve admittedly struggled with in the past.

However, this shoot changed my perspective. The car’s hue, challenging yet charming, was ready to be captured alongside the vibrant autumn colors.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

We decided on a location along the property’s driveway, which offered ample space to maneuver the car and, importantly, featured a stunning array of colorful trees in the background.

The red leaves contrasted beautifully with the green of the Mini Cooper, aiding in capturing some striking color contrasts in the photoset.

Overcoming Challenges

The shoot proceeded smoothly with only minor interruptions, thanks to some curious photobombing sausage dogs. A slight slant in the driveway posed a challenge for the side shots, but it also provided a unique angle that I used to add an artistic twist to some of the photos.

Assisted by the client’s wife, who was incredibly helpful in repositioning the car, we managed to navigate around the Mini’s compact dimensions and my own height, which made driving it a bit of a squeeze.

The Editing Process

In post-production, my focus was on enhancing the natural contrast between the car’s dark green and the vibrant reds and yellows of the trees. While aiming to keep the colours true to life, the goal was also to create a temperature contrast that gave the photoset a cool vibe while still highlighting the warm, vibrant tones offered by the surrounding nature.

Reflections on the Shoot

This photoshoot with the Rover Mini Cooper was not just about capturing a car; it was about capturing a moment in time, framed by the breathtaking autumn scenery of NSW.

The challenges of the shoot—from the rugged drive to editing a colour I once disliked—only added to the satisfaction of the final product. This experience has reshaped my views on green cars and left me with vivid memories and images that I believe truly showcase the essence of the Mini Cooper and its environment.

This was undoubtedly my favourite shoot for Collecting Cars so far. It was a day where everything came together perfectly, from the scenery and the car to the help I received on site, culminating in a set of images that I am truly proud of. It’s shoots like these that remind me why I love photography—a medium that captures beauty in its fleeting moments and preserves it for years to come.