Role: Freelance Photographer
Joined: 2019
Location: Oxfordshire
Darren joined Trade Classics way back in 2018 and his primary coverage area is the Home Counties, with occasional assignments in London and the Midlands.
His interest in photography began early: on the day he passed his driving test, he “borrowed” his dad’s Canon AE-1 and spent the Saturday photographing classic cars at a scrapyard. This interest soon developed into a serious hobby, offering escapism through capturing cars at shows and out on the street.
Darren’s primary camera is a Canon R6, typically paired with a Sigma Art 50mm lens, backed up by a Fuji X-T30 with a prime lens.
Darren’s daily driver is a dependable BMW 116D. His classic car collection currently features a 1997 S2 Peugeot 106 Rallye, a Datsun 180B, and a handful of other intriguing 1970s Japanese family cars. He is keen to obtain a MK1 Toyota Celica or an Opel Manta.
While he can find photographic inspiration in almost any vehicle given the right setting, Darren is particularly drawn to esoteric 1970s designs such as the Citroën SM and the Lamborghini Countach.
Darren is currently taking a break from his online presence but plans to relaunch both www.reallyloud.co.uk and the corresponding Instagram account, @reallyloudcars, soon.
One of Darren’s most memorable drives was a VIP consignment undertaken on behalf of a client in his Super Seven, with Trade Classics CEO Adam along for the ride. Initially, Darren was nervous – his 6’1″ frame barely squeezed in – but it quickly became an exhilarating experience. As Adam found his rhythm with the car, tucking into corners with growing confidence, Darren’s enjoyment became undeniable: by the end, they were both completely converted to the Super Seven’s charm.
Darren’s passion for cars began in childhood – a fascination he attributes entirely to his father. His earliest memories are filled with a steady stream of car brochures, books, magazines, and Matchbox toy cars. Unlike most, he never outgrew this obsession; it became the driving force behind his career.
His initial skill, drawing, naturally focused on cars, leading him to pursue a degree in Car Design at Coventry University. During his final major project, he collaborated on the design, build, and marketing of a sports car called the Concept Climax, which debuted at the 2007 Festival of Speed.
This combined enthusiasm for car photography and driving led Darren to work with magazines, including Retro Japanese and Classic Ford. He was more than happy to research and write about the vehicles and events he attended.
Today, his role as a freelance classic car photographer and writer perfectly synthesises all his skills: he uses his photography, communication, research, writing, and web knowledge to combine what feels like a hobby – a paid application of his time and creativity. He continues learning from others, and though he feels he has yet to take the perfect shot, he is having a lot of fun trying.
Here’s some images Darren is particularly proud of, together with some photos of him out on location.
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