Photographing for a brand like Mercedes Benz sounded completely unrealistic to me. I was not a professional photographer, I did not have a big network and I definitely did not feel like someone who would normally get a chance like that.
But sometimes things happen in a much more simple way.
I joined an event called Creator Meets, which was organized together with EyeEm, Canon and Mercedes Benz. For one day, we got a car, a Canon camera and the chance to take photos with it. There were two photographers with the car, so it felt more like a photo walk. It was a fun day, driving around, trying things and hoping to get a few nice photos. Of course I was still stressed none the less.
There was not a lot of pressure. At the end of the day we had to deliver at least one photo. And of course, no speeding ticket.
Looking back, I am still really grateful for that experience. At the time I was very proud of it and probably talked about it a bit too much. But it also showed me that these things are not always as far away as they seem.
If you are interested in something like this, I think it is worth keeping an eye out for creator events, brand photo walks or programs like MBsocialcar (which i think is discontinued?). Even if it feels too big at first, just try to apply or join when you get the chance.
It did not turn me into a car photographer. But it gave me a cool memory, a few photos I still like, and a little bit more confidence to try things that feel too big at first.
