About this episode
Larry Chen joins the Smoking Tire podcast to discuss his new book, 'Life at Shutter Speed,' which chronicles his journey as a car photographer over the past two decades. The conversation dives into his experiences, including a remarkable trip to Brunei where he met the Sultan and explored the royal car collection. Chen shares insights on the evolution of his photography style, the significance of storytelling in car culture, and the excitement surrounding upcoming car events. The episode is filled with anecdotes about his adventures and the vibrant car community he engages with.
Larry Chen is one of the most skilled and famous automotive photographers of this generation. His clients include auto companies, race car drivers, organizers, events, and everything in between. Most recently, he's known for his video series on Hagerty that showcases car culture around the world. From underground clubs in Tokyo to royalty in Asia, American muscle collectors to wheel makers, the show is a true look at every corner of the automotive world.
Today Larry brings us the amazing story of how he got access to the Sultan of Brunei's cars; Larry's new photo book; and what it was like seeing his own Nissan GT-R featured on the prestigious lawn of The Quail.
Larry's show: https://youtu.be/TWhimSwbxE4
Patreon questions include:
- Car communities that challenged his expectations
- Getting hit in the face by cars
- Which point-and-shoot to get
- Automotive personalities that inspire him
- The Nissan Z Nismo manual
- Should he upgrade from his Supra to a different camera car?
- Is he Anthony Bourdain?
And more!
Recorded September 3, 2025
Show Notes:
Car Gurus
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Quince
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Ford Mustang
"...hotos that I published in this book was with your Mustang. Yeah. Yeah. And that's some grainy, awesome shit..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as a symbol of fun driving.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive design, it represents freedom and the open road, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
machine gunning
"...if you're shooting you know motorsport you know you might be machine gunning. You know if you're chasing a drifter around full track you might you might machine gun 2000 frames you know no problem..."
Machine gunning in photography means taking a lot of pictures really quickly, like when you're trying to catch fast-moving cars or action scenes.
In photography, 'machine gunning' refers to taking a rapid series of shots in quick succession, often used in action photography to capture fast-moving subjects or moments.
Porsche 911
"...but then I did a shoot with your safari 911 and that was probably 2500 photos because there was a lot of drifting there was a lot of sunset running back and forth a lot of dust..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and unique shape. It's been around for a long time and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been a staple in the automotive world since its introduction in 1964, with numerous variants and generations.
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
"I was street drifting this car right off the bumper of the camera car which is an Aston Martin Vantage Roadster..."
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is a fancy sports car that you can drive with the top down. It's known for being powerful and stylish.
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is a luxury sports car known for its elegant design and powerful performance. It features a convertible top, allowing for an open-air driving experience.
Nissan 240Z
"I shot that with my 240Z..."
The Nissan 240Z is an older sports car from the 1970s that many people love because it's fun to drive and looks great.
The Nissan 240Z is a classic sports car produced in the early 1970s, known for its lightweight design and strong performance. It has a cult following among car enthusiasts and is celebrated for its styling and driving dynamics.
Datsun 240Z
"... and probably this with yes well that was with my 240Z so that was before I got my so do you I mean do y..."
The Datsun 240Z is an old sports car that many people love for its stylish look and fun driving experience. It's considered a classic and is sought after by car collectors.
The Datsun 240Z is a classic sports car that played a significant role in popularizing Japanese performance cars in the 1970s. Known for its sleek design and spirited driving experience, it remains a beloved model among collectors and enthusiasts.
BMW M2
"...when you and I were at grid life in the BMW M2..."
The BMW M2 is a sporty car that is fun to drive and has a powerful engine. It's designed for people who love performance cars.
The BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the 2 Series, known for its powerful engine and agile handling. It offers a thrilling driving experience and is popular among enthusiasts for its balance of performance and everyday usability.
drift cars
"...we were chasing around the drift cars in this car just going we have our own private view of this action..."
Drift cars are cars that are built to slide sideways around corners. They are modified to make it easier to lose grip on the back tires while still being able to steer the car.
Drift cars are specially modified vehicles designed for drifting, a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels while maintaining control through a turn. These cars often have modifications like upgraded suspension, tires, and power enhancements to facilitate this driving style.
press car
"...they'll take the nose off of your press car they'll take the complete front end off..."
A press car is a car that car companies lend to journalists so they can test and write about it. It helps the company get publicity for their new models.
A press car is a vehicle provided by manufacturers to automotive journalists for testing and review purposes. These cars are often new models and are used to generate media coverage and reviews before they are available to the public.
counter steer
"but it actually is very difficult to do on the steering wheel because sometimes I have to counter steer"
Counter steering is when you turn the steering wheel the opposite way to where you want to go, especially when the back of the car starts to slide out. It helps you stay in control while driving fast.
Counter steering is a technique used in drifting and high-speed cornering where the driver turns the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the turn to maintain control of the vehicle. This helps to counteract oversteer and keep the car stable.
Toyota Supra
"...y going as fast again I mean I know you love your Supra but I wonder if if we were starting from zero and..."
The Toyota Supra is a fast sports car that many people admire for its power and style. It's known for being fun to drive and has a lot of fans who love to modify it for even better performance.
The Toyota Supra is a high-performance sports car that gained fame in the 1990s for its powerful turbocharged engine and tuning potential. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often discussed for its racing heritage and performance capabilities.
Porsche 911 Turbo
"I think you actually want an all-wheel drive car like a like a 9.11 turbo"
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a fast sports car that has a turbo engine, which gives it extra power. It's designed to handle well at high speeds and is great for driving on tracks.
The Porsche 911 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. It offers exceptional speed and handling, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and racers alike.
Nissan R35 Gtr
"I think the two would be 9.11 turbo turbo S or R35 GTR yeah but R35 GTR fucking boring those cars stink"
The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a super fast car known for its technology and performance. Some people think it's not as exciting to drive as other sports cars, though.
The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a high-performance sports car that has gained a reputation for its advanced technology and impressive performance. While it is celebrated for its capabilities, some enthusiasts find it less engaging compared to other sports cars.
Lamborghini
"...that's like the one of my Lambo outside you can that shop..."
Lamborghini is a famous car brand that makes fast and stylish sports cars, often seen as a symbol of luxury.
Lamborghini is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars known for their distinctive designs and powerful engines.
rally
"...because of Ken yeah it's a great shot so rally this is a rally in Spain rally..."
Rally is a type of car racing that takes place on different kinds of roads, where drivers have to follow a specific route and face various challenges.
Rally is a form of motorsport where drivers navigate through a series of stages on public or private roads, often in varying weather conditions, using specialized cars.
donut
"...they had to do a donut around this roundabout and then continue on..."
A donut is when a car spins in a circle while driving, making the tires squeal and sometimes creating smoke.
A donut is a driving maneuver where a car spins in a tight circle, creating a circular skid mark and often producing smoke from the tires.
Nismo
"...he commissioned Nismo to build him like a perfect spec sure..."
Nismo is a part of Nissan that makes cars faster and more exciting. They create special versions of Nissan cars that are designed for racing and performance.
Nismo is the performance division of Nissan, specializing in motorsports and high-performance vehicles. They offer tuning and aftermarket parts for Nissan cars, enhancing their performance and aesthetics.
restoration
"...one of their like restoration things yes but this one was taken down to bare metal..."
Restoration is when someone fixes up an old car to make it look and work like it did when it was new. This can involve a lot of work, like repairing the engine and painting the body.
Restoration refers to the process of returning a vehicle to its original condition, often involving extensive repairs and refurbishments. This can include mechanical work, bodywork, and interior restoration to make the car look and perform like new.
bare metal
"...this one was taken down to bare metal acid dipped sealed all that..."
Bare metal means the metal of the car is completely clean and shiny because all the old paint and rust have been taken off. It's what you see before a new paint job is done.
Bare metal refers to the state of a car's body after all paint and rust have been removed, exposing the raw metal underneath. This process is often done in preparation for a new paint job or restoration to ensure a clean surface for adhesion.
acid dipped
"...acid dipped sealed all that which makes it like I think they call it a fine spec..."
Acid dipping is a method used to clean a car's body by soaking it in a special liquid that removes rust and old paint. This helps prepare the car for repairs or a new paint job.
Acid dipping is a process used in car restoration to remove rust and paint from a vehicle's body. The car is submerged in a solution that dissolves these materials, leaving a clean metal surface for further restoration work.
Chevrolet C5
"I don't think they were built that badly compared to like what a 2000 American I had a C5 Corvette homie yes I get that..."
The C5 Corvette is a model of sports car made by Chevrolet from 1997 to 2004. It's known for being fast and having a sleek design.
The C5 Corvette is the fifth generation of Chevrolet's iconic sports car, produced from 1997 to 2004. It features a lightweight design and a powerful V8 engine, making it a popular choice among performance enthusiasts.
rust
"there was a lot of rust on the shock towers and it was just because Nissan didn't..."
Rust is what happens to metal when it gets wet and starts to break down. It can make car parts weak and cause problems if not fixed.
Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron or its alloys are exposed to moisture and oxygen. It can significantly weaken metal components in vehicles, leading to structural issues if not addressed.
Car Gurus
"...folks we got to take a quick break for car gurus look if you're looking for some super classic enthusiast car we know where to go for the spots..."
Car Gurus is a website that helps people find good deals on cars. It shows you different cars and their prices to make buying a car easier.
Car Gurus is an online platform that helps users find and compare car deals. It provides detailed information on vehicles and aims to simplify the car buying process.
brakes
"...like we just upgraded the brakes are 35 breaks it even feels better now I don't by the way mean new like..."
Brakes are what help a car slow down or stop. When someone upgrades their brakes, it means they are replacing them with better ones to make the car stop more effectively.
Brakes are a crucial component of a vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop. Upgrading brakes can improve a car's stopping power and overall performance.
Nissan R34
"...a bunch from Z1 motorsports for whatever reason okay they stock a lot of R32 to R34 panels..."
The Nissan R34 is a later model of the Skyline GT-R, which is also known for being very fast and popular among car enthusiasts.
The Nissan R34 is another model in the Skyline GT-R series, known for its iconic design and performance, especially in the early 2000s.
Z1 Motorsports
"...I'm starting to source things little by little from Z1 motorsports for whatever reason..."
Z1 Motorsports is a company that sells parts and upgrades for certain Nissan cars. They are known for having a lot of options for enthusiasts looking to improve their vehicles.
Z1 Motorsports is a company that specializes in aftermarket parts and performance upgrades for Nissan vehicles, particularly the Z and GT-R models.
Monterey Car Week
"...I drove that all the way up to Monterey car week and I showed my car at the quail which is so crazy talk talk about a huge ride of passage..."
Monterey Car Week is a big event in California where people show off their cool cars. It's like a festival for car lovers, with lots of different activities and car displays.
Monterey Car Week is an annual event in California that celebrates automotive culture with various car shows, auctions, and gatherings. It attracts car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world, showcasing classic and exotic vehicles.
The Quail
"...I showed my car at the quail which is so crazy talk talk about a huge ride of passage..."
The Quail is a fancy car show that happens during Monterey Car Week. It's known for having really special and expensive cars on display, making it a big deal for car fans.
The Quail is a prestigious automotive event held during Monterey Car Week, known for its exclusive display of classic and luxury cars. It features a curated selection of vehicles and attracts high-profile attendees from the automotive world.
Ferrari
"...like the Paganiwara and leverage any this and Ferrari I don't even know how to pronounce some of these names..."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and luxurious cars. They are well-known for their racing history and are considered a status symbol.
Ferrari is a renowned Italian sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1. The brand is synonymous with speed, luxury, and exclusivity.
McLaren
"...Ferrari Lambo McLaren Pagani..."
McLaren is a British car company that makes very fast sports cars. They are known for their racing success and innovative designs.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer that produces high-performance sports cars and is also known for its success in Formula 1 racing. Their cars are characterized by advanced engineering and lightweight construction.
Pagani
"...Ferrari Lambo McLaren Pagani..."
Pagani is a luxury car brand from Italy that makes very special and expensive sports cars. They are known for their artistic designs and high performance.
Pagani is a small, exclusive manufacturer of high-performance sports cars from Italy, known for their unique designs and use of advanced materials like carbon fiber. Their cars are often considered works of art.
horsepower
"...I get that you can make a thousand horsepower who cares..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and perform better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, often used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive contexts, higher horsepower typically indicates better performance and acceleration.
Nissan Skylines
"...in early college what are we doing Nurburgring no skylines that was like the thing and then you drive it and..."
The Nissan Skyline is a cool car that many people admire for its speed and technology. It's especially popular among car fans who like to modify and race their vehicles.
The Nissan Skyline is a performance car that has gained legendary status, especially in the tuning and racing communities. Known for its advanced technology and powerful engines, it has become an icon in the world of motorsports.
Pontiac Firebird
"it's pretty 125 dollars it's pretty and you should buy it it's it's available firebird rules this white firebird..."
The Firebird is a type of car made by Pontiac that was popular for its sporty look and powerful engine. It’s considered a classic American muscle car.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1967 to 2002. Known for its performance and distinctive styling, it became an icon of American automotive culture, especially in the 1970s and 1980s.
Formula Drift
"I did a meat at the Queen Mary the day before formula drift 1750 cars showed up and yeah it was it was really how many were you expecting..."
Formula Drift is a racing series where drivers intentionally make their cars slide sideways around corners. It's all about style and skill, and it's very popular with fans of car culture.
Formula Drift is a professional drifting series that features drivers competing in drift racing events across various locations. It emphasizes car control and style, making it a popular motorsport among car enthusiasts.
BMW E36
"... blood he bought just like a regular three series E36 325 I yeah at a royal auction registered to the p..."
The BMW 3 Series is a stylish car that offers a mix of comfort and sporty driving. It's popular among people who want a nice car that feels good to drive.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a benchmark in its class for decades. Known for its blend of performance, luxury, and technology, it is often discussed for its driving dynamics and status as a premium vehicle.
Toyota Corollas
"whatever they can get right and we we're talking about just Toyota Corolla's that are barely holding together and then they'll do their absolute best to put it back together or it could be supercar hypercar whatever like"
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people trust because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's a great option for anyone looking for a simple and affordable vehicle.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in history, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It is often discussed for its practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice for everyday drivers.
Shelby Cobras
"... even like even yeah you know some of the replica cobras and stuff like that I mean there's there's a lot ..."
The Shelby Cobra is a famous sports car that is loved for its speed and classic design. It's a symbol of American muscle cars and has a lot of history in racing.
The Shelby Cobra is a classic American sports car known for its powerful V8 engine and lightweight design. It has a storied history in racing and is often discussed for its iconic status and influence on the muscle car genre.
Porsche Cayenne
"...here yeah sounds good I don't know anything about cayenne hybrids Timay says this morning the Nissan and Ze..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that drives like a sports car. It's designed for people who want a lot of space and comfort but still enjoy a fun driving experience.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that combines sporty performance with practicality. It has been significant in expanding Porsche's lineup beyond sports cars, appealing to a broader audience looking for both luxury and capability.
Porsche 911 GT3
"...do H PDE at in the south we'll be trailing uh new GT3 from Boston over the course of a week and a half ..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a super-fast version of the classic Porsche 911. It's built for people who love racing and want a car that can perform really well on the track.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, known for its track-focused design and exceptional handling. It is often discussed among car enthusiasts for its engineering excellence and racing pedigree.
Mazda Miata
"...ing sad yeah that's a good time at Daytona in the Miata that's a lot of full throttle it was fun how did ..."
The Mazda Miata is a small, fun sports car that people love to drive because it feels very responsive and light. It's also known for being a great value for a sports car.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight, two-seater sports car celebrated for its engaging driving experience and affordability. It has a strong following due to its fun-to-drive nature and has become a symbol of open-top motoring.
Lexus GX 550
"...nce to go to the Tahara um where they do like the GX 550 and the LC250 Lankerser plant in Japan I also had..."
The Lexus GX 550 is a fancy SUV that can handle rough terrain while keeping you comfortable inside. It's great for people who want a nice vehicle that can also go off the beaten path.
The Lexus GX 550 is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capability and upscale features. It combines rugged performance with a comfortable interior, making it a popular choice for those seeking both adventure and luxury.
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