Focused Frames & Fresh Coffee - Cars & Coffee in Arroyo Grande

This past weekend, I made it out to the Cars and Coffee meet in Arroyo Grande. They host this every Saturday morning, and whenever I’ve got a free one, I like to show up with my usual routine: pack the camera, grab some coffee, and see what rolls in.

Sometimes it’s familiar builds—cars I’ve seen a few times now—but every so often something unexpected shows up. That surprise factor is what keeps it exciting. It’s a nice mix of chill energy and cool machinery, and honestly, it’s one of the best ways to start the weekend.

Lately, I’ve been using these meets not just for content but for connection. I’ve been trying to get better at networking, getting to know people, hearing their stories, and just being more present in the community. In a field like this, especially when you're behind the camera a lot, those real-life conversations go a long way.

I also changed my approach a bit with how I shoot these events. Instead of trying to capture everything, I’ve started targeting just a few cars each time. That shift has allowed me to slow down and really focus—dial in cleaner shots, take my time with composition, and even grab a bit of video when it makes sense.

This weekend, I locked in on three builds:

The Audi R8 – There's just something timeless about the design. It has this presence even when it's sitting still, and I couldn’t resist. It was posted up clean and quiet, practically asking to be photographed.

A vibrant yellow Lotus Elise – I love working with bold colors like this. It gives me room to play in post—either trying to match what I saw in person or leaning into something more stylistic and abstract. That pop of yellow under morning light? Chef’s kiss.

A clean street-style Honda Civic – This one stood out not because it was flashy, but because it was simple and dialed. Tasteful mods, nothing overdone, just a really well-executed street build. These are the cars I love highlighting because they don’t always scream for attention—but they deserve it.

Unfortunately, my Boxster’s been having engine issues lately, so getting out to these events has been a bit hit-or-miss. I try to make it every other week if I can. I’ve got the KTM RC390, but carrying camera gear on a bike isn’t the most comfortable situation—especially when you’re trying to bring more than just a camera body and a lens.

But even with all that, I still find ways to make it out. If you're into cars—old or new, wild or subtle—I definitely recommend pulling up to a Cars and Coffee one weekend. It's a great place to soak in different eras, get inspired, and just be part of something local and passionate.

CARS & COFFEE GALLERY