Vintage 1927 Chevrolet Capitol Photoshoot with Haleigh Burckley & Megan Elisabeth Kelly

Gary Miller
May 31, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Jun 23

Back in early 2019, we pulled together a themed shoot with photographer Marla Keown, a gorgeous 1927 Chevrolet Capitol, and two incredible models — Megan Elisabeth Kelly and Haleigh Burckley. This was the first official photoshoot I ever produced under the Best Worst Cantina Media banner.

Two women in vintage attire sit inside a classic car. One has a flower in her hair. The mood is relaxed, with warm lighting. — Megan Elisabeth kelly & haleigh Burckley (Marla Keown)

I was too scared to do the photo taking at this point. I didn’t trust myself behind the camera yet — not with real models, real styling, and a classic car in the frame. At the time, I was more comfortable observing, learning, and assisting. I would later start producing my own small-scale photoshoots with models, but back then, I was just holding reflectors and learning the ropes. Working with Marla Keown was like being in a creative apprenticeship. Holding the light or grabbing gear might seem small, but it reminded me of being in my dad’s garage — showing up, listening, and slowly figuring it out by doing. The flapper dresses were supplied by Rachel Finley, a brilliant costume designer and supplier who works with theaters all over the Denver metro area. Rachel has this incredible collection of vintage and theatrical pieces, and she always knew how to elevate a shoot without making it feel like a costume party. She had everything from WWII Uniforms to Victorian era garb. The dresses she brought gave the whole shoot a Roaring Twenties energy that matched the 1927 Chevrolet Capitol perfectly. Everything felt period-appropriate and cinematic, and that’s what I was chasing at the time — trying to make art that felt like a scene from a movie, even if it was just happening in a driveway or an empty lot. My aunt was gracious enough to let us use the car for the shoot. It’s one of my favorite vehicles I’ve ever had the chance to work with. There’s just something about the presence of an old car that anchors everything: the styling, the mood, the way the models move. It wasn’t just a prop — it was a piece of family history, and having it in the shoot made the whole thing feel personal and cinematic at the same time. A coffee table book featuring this shoot will be released soon through Lustre Magazine, a publication known for its elegant and artistic approach to intimate photography. While it’s a bit different from my usual comedy work, I’m proud to be part of this creative project and to support the artistry involved.