Event Coverage | Nisei Showoff Car Show 2011 (Pt. III)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Finally the last part of my Nisei Showoff Car Show coverage.  Please do understand that this partly coverage is to avoid lags and complaints. I like to keep every opinions/advice in mind, which is how it came down to posting certain amount of photos in one part and then to another. Also, I do want to let you guys know that Night-Import is not a formal-college-smart-elite writing automotive website. I'm bringing this up because of comments and e-mails I've been receiving throughout the past months. Most of the contents are written by me and for those who've been visiting my site since day one, I cuss, joke around, and write some random ass shit to make a coverage enjoyable to read rather than a boring and 'scroll down and only check the photos' status. It might change up a bit later on, but the contents are mostly written in first-person so you guys get an idea of what I personally went through at an event. I do not make shit up to give someone a bad reputation! What I write is what happened and I do have witnesses around me to prove it. Enough said.
Additionally, the photos I take of cars at an event or meet are decided by what I favor. Sometimes I might skip a car, either because I unintentionally skipped it or I didn't like the overall execution. There are a lot more things to say about this, but let's just keep it to that.
One last announcement I want to make before I start Part 3. I usually go to an event early but will not always stay till the end to see who won what category at an event. Why? Because I'm usually the only one from my site doing the coverage and get pretty dam tired walking for 4~5 hours taking photos. I'm not being cocky at all but those who see me know how much work I put into when it comes to photography. I'm still an amateur, but try to take photos as professional as possible.
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There was and still a controversy about my Part 1 coverage of Nisei Showoff Car Show because of stating my own opinion/thoughts, which only a small part of it was not positive toward the organization. However, what was written in that article was not a falsified story but true.
I actually want to take this time to write about who I am, how I started this site, and why I'm doing it, just because I dislike those who act or talk like they know me when they don't .
I've been in this scene for about only a year now but have been to more events and meets than you can even imagine. While some of you guys took some time modifying your rides during the weekends, I was out there shooting. When some of you guys were at an event, I managed my schedule to attend 2 or 3. My site was not created to make a profit. No offense to anyone, but I dislike making decals, sell shirts, or other stuffs to make money out of all of this.. So why am I continuing? It's because I love cars and love the people in this scene. Once I go to an event or meet, I try to take the best shots instead of walking around and taking photos like it ain't meant to be. Yes, there are plenty of people who go to events and shoot, but how many sites actually write up a thorough coverage?
If I don't get accepted for a Media pass, I pay my way through. I respect those who create an event and believe they should get paid for what they do.
Lastly, I never expect myself to be placed higher than anyone because I'm an enthusiast like everyone else.

The whole point about the Part 1 coverage was not to talk about my complaints such as not getting into Nisei early or not being highly respected as a Media applicant, but how the small fairness that could have been given was not. I'm willing to face the consequences that will be hitting me pretty hard from now on, but I want to say to all future bloggers out there, don't feel restricted to say what you want to say.

Now!!!! Let's go ahead with the coverage...

Event Coverage | Nisei Showoff Car Show 2011 (Pt. II)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Thinking about what I wrote on our fanpage, I made a minor mistake; our site has not been officially a year old yet. I did create this site back in June of 2010, but that's before I even had the title Night-Import in mind and was posting random contents. In a few months, I'll be announcing our 1 year anniversary and might do something pretty darn crazy, but that's just a thought so don't be expecting a surprise soon. The reason why I'm bringing this up though is because of so many cars I've seen throughout that one year period. Although Southern California is known for car events in the West coast, the cars you get to see at meets and events become repetitive, which isn't bad at all because you get to meet the car owners and build up relationships. I think that's how I made friends in this scene and now, those friends becoming a part of my life. Additionally, Nisei Showoff Car Show made me realize that it was not just the owners but the cars they owned played the same role. I've seen some rides so many times, but to be honest, I'm still impressed with all the work put into a machine that literally redefines the meaning of a car. It's not only meant to be driven, but to be a companion. Am I becoming Emo right now? Maybe because it's 7:15am and I'm tired as fuk, so back to the coverage before I say more random stuff.

Event Coverage | Nisei Showoff Car Show 2011 (Pt. I)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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I can't believe it's already been a year since my first time to Nisei last year. Probably that was one of the first events I've covered for Just Stance and I remember it to be hot as fu**, but filled with top notch cars from California and even a few from out of states. From what I've heard through friends who've been into the car scene for quite a long time, Nisei Showoff Car Show has a history of throwing the best car event in Los Angeles, CA.
If you didn't know, Nisei is a Japanese Festival happening in Little Tokyo of Los Angeles and this was their 7th annual event. Within this 1 week festival, the Car Show happens right across where all the festivities happen, so it's basically a win-win for both sides. If you are hungry, walk across and grab yourself some JDM food and to walk off those calories, walk back to the Car Show area and check out some cars.

I was expecting this years Nisei Car Show to be as big as last year and because I have a site that lets all of our staffs eligible to apply for Media (not being cocky at all), I sent an e-mail last week and we got approved. I called up 1013MM who covers a lot of events and feature contents for Canibeat to see what time he was planning to go. We arrived at around 10:30am, 30 minutes before the actual event started and was expecting an early access. Now before some of you guys start bashing on me because I said 'early access', you guys need to understand photographers who work for automotive sites actually 'work' at car shows rather than chilling the whole time, so we do need some extra time before an event, especially ones that are known world-wide like Nisei Showoff. That's why for all of those who don't live in the States get to see photos of the whole car rather than photos of only the front bumper and rest of it being covered by people.
1013mm and I asked the security guard if we could get in a bit early, but after he talked with the host or staff, our access got denied. We were a bit disappointed, but waited. In a few minutes, a crowd was building up in front of the entrance. Waiting would not have been a big deal if the staffs were more organized and kept everything on time, but what sort of pissed me off was seeing the host (I'm speculating it was him) or a staff letting all of their friends of friends get in. They were clearly aware of Media applicants waiting, but seems like it wasn't an issue to consider.
What do I think about this? Not good of course. I don't know the host nor staffs and some of you guys who are friends of the organization might dislike me for writing my own opinion, but I'm being straight up and telling the truth. To all future event hosts and staffs, be fair with what goes on inside and outside of an event.

Event Coverage: NISEI Week Coverage

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

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wasupppppp!!!!!!!!!!
DAYM! Yesterday was really long, but busy and fun at the same time.
I wanted to see how tC's were rolling in SoCal, so I participated at the Unlock the tC Finale event. Not too many tC's, but tons of people. I've noticed that the Toyota family create these events with a lot of thought and money. Seriously, they serve some good food and run expensive events within the event. Last time when I went to their revealing of the 2011 tC show, they were serving some weird looking bottled drinks that I never heard of. So I went home and did some research and found out these drinks cost about $7 per bottle :/
Yea..that's how Toyota roll. Took some shots of only stance tC's so i'll upload those with the NESEI event.

Anyways! Enough with the tC event and now let's talk about NISEI.
I have to say NISEI was one of the best shows I've attended.
This show was purely about cars rather than models.
Tons of fixed up cars from stance to straight up performance builds.
The location wasn't bad either because there were restaurants all around the area, but the weather was HOT! Props to all the supporters @ the event who stayed till the end.
I don't know where and how to start this, so let's see how this goes :D

*If ya don't feel like reading this long coverage, just check out my Flickr

So I walk in and see these cars that I've never seen at events. Some were familiar but still looking sick like always.


TL? Iunno, but took a photo of it b/c it was the first car there.


You guys have probably seen this xB couple of times. I saw him at the event by Revoluscion and the interior was full of stuff, but seems like he was slowly taking things out because I've seen his car at It's JDM Yo's first meet and greet and a lot of the items were gone. Still a unique xB.


Hell yea~ check this one out :D




VIP Lexus. I'm into the VIP thing now and thought only Junction Produce was the only luxurious company out there. Found out about Bellezza and this company looks sick!!!!!!! Well all the luxurious items look sick.
VIP Scion tC? Who knows?? (-_-)v


Widebody Z




Didn't recognize this was the car from It's JDM Yo. One of the best looking IS's. Did a complete graphic design all around. Not as clean as before but still a beast! This car is MONEY!


I'll get back to these later on :)


Supra FTW


I've fell in love with this color after I saw this car. If you went to Toyotafest, JDM Yo's Meet & Greet, and all those JDM events, you've probably seen it. Sexy color car on Gold Work Meisters.


Honda Fit on SSR's






VIP cars


Really sexy finish to these BBS RS's


White on White. Hot? YES!


Never seen this s2k. Looks great with the Mugen wheels




What you guys see right now is an option for my BBS Impul's. Gold bolts all around. I have another choice, which I'll mention later on.
Engine bay was clean as ffffffffff










Line of some serious VIP cars.


Some hellaflush xB's


Concave XXR's on an Evo. I think these are XXR 552's? Iunno but a unique design that differs from Rota Grids.


Sexy rims that look good on Honda's.


Old School!!!


Back was clean so I had to take a shot.




Some Evo's that are on CCW's (I think)


Very unique looking Civic Si. The color looks awesome and matches perfectly with the wheel finish.


I put a lot of Vibrance into this, but it's suppose to be metallic grey. Love those BBS LM's.


From Team Praxis. Looking good like always.


Front looking good!


So after walking one way, which was longgg and felt like I've seen enough, I realized I wasn't even half way done! A lot of cars came to this event, and of course, you can't miss It's JDM Yo! Dropped by the booth and had to say sup to Tony. Iunno if he knew who I was but introduced myself that I was from Just Stance and bought a sticker to represent their crew. The new design looks hella sexy.


The model for It's JDM Yo. Sorry for uploading a pic when her eyes were closed but this was the only one I had. Still hot!




Seems like these guys are in a same team or work in the same company. Seen the first car at events but not the s2k. Both lookin JDM style~


Now I've been checking Team Supastar's forums for awhile and these guys are awesome. Haven't met them personally so I didn't want to show up and say "hi!" and make myself look like a jerk. Most of you guys know Emerson (Emu) and he's in this team as well. Mad respect to Emu for his awesome photography and his activeness at various events. This team rolled BIG! I think Emu told me more than 30 cars came to the event, which was amazing.


RSX on CCW's. WIN!!


Love the color. Sick looking xB.


Work Meister 350z


CLEAN! I want to know the owner of this car.


mmMM~ VIP


Very simple and clean


dam...so many clean cars...can't stop saying clean. My guess is Volks on a Prelude


RPF1's on a red S2k. The girl at the left seemed like a judge. Saw her couple of times back and forth.




This car was amazing. More like a freakin HP monster. Corvette engine in a RX7.


White on Black looking fabulous.




ARC fan. Loving the engine bay.


Definitely a time attack car. Loving the exterior look.










Let's go back to the early 1900's. These are CLASSIC cars that look amazing in person. I think i've seen some at Toyotafest. Check them out.


Back to super modded cars..


I love Mothers products. Works like a charm.






If you went to RPM, you've probably seen these high-end cars. I've been saying "these cars are high-end modded cars" to myself and noticed their company name was really called "high-end performance." Team name is Auto Concept Elite. When I look into these cars, I hate my life not having enough money :(


















A look into Team Hybrid


Classic Racing Harts 3-piece wheels. The car would look MUCH cleaner without the design, but still a great car.


Seen this guy and his crew @ RPM. Same display like last time. He was sweating like crazy and his face was burning too. I was trying to find his friend who did a Farm-like display but seems like he wasn't there.




Awesome


Not your everyday 350z

Ok, i'll shut up for a bit and my fingers are getting tired so some pics without description. Don't worry, your car is still special :D

















OK! I'm back. Now to writing again. If you hate reading, then just check out my flickr


Never seen these. Unique Mugen wheels.


Me like!


Most of the Honda cars had some clean a$$ engine bays.




Yes. Clean engine bays. Carbon Fiber wrapped on some performance and exterior parts. Love it!


Dam I love white on white.




From crew High-End with the same display as last time. SICK!
Seems like Mothers is a product to use now because I didn't see a single
Meguiar's detailer or watever that was holding the hood.


Green? It's a G35 so I don't care :D


Clean and Slammed!


First time ever seeing a widebody BMW


Another Mothers detailer. I need to go out and buy one right now.


Yaris coupe that pulls 357HP. Owner is Garm and he is the president of his car team, Micro Image. Awesome guy who owns this car and a custom widebody tC that is for sale.


One of the best combos for Bride seats. Bride Cuga for the driver and Bride Vorga for passengers. The difference? Bride Vorga has a smaller height of where it supports your butt so passengers won't have a difficult time going in and out.






Some clean engine bays of Honda's again.

S2K MADNESS!!!!







If you're the owner or know the owner of this car, contact me!!




I was going to look for this owner, but was running out of time because I had to go back to the tC event.


OK! So here's my second choice for an option to do on my BBS Impul's.


Mad camber! Guy at the back smiling as a pose.


I don't know if this girl was the owner of the car but seems like she had a hard time walking for a long time. Yoga time!!!!


Took a pic of this because I like VS-XX


Back to some S2k's.


My favorite.





I'm gonna finish this off with some 350Z' and a clean a$$ hatchback Civic.




You guys know who the owner of this car is..right? Winner of the Best Stance @ RPM and known for his clean 350z on Gold VS-XX's. Planning to do a photoshoot of his car, so I'm looking forward to seeing his ride and a model on top of it :)


Seems like a friend of Milt's. Mean looking 350Z on DPE's.


Money shot!


Now back to Hondas. I'm not going to say much about these two cars, so you guys check them out. Be amazed!












I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dam! I had a hard time trying to edit these pics and uploading them on Flickr because my laptop SUCKS to the max. I need to invest my money for a new laptop rather than parts for my car. Anyways, thx for reading and looking. See ya guys at the next event with my camera rockin a "juststance" sticker!!
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