Social Media Photography: What Clicks?

Social Media Photography: What Clicks?

Telling stories with photos has been a part of our narrative since the first photo was taken with a camera in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. Over the centuries, photography has evolved enormously and the advent of digital photography has revolutionized the entire field. Now, taking, posting and curating digital photos has become a form of art for many individuals who use social media platforms such Instagram and Facebook. It takes great skill to capture photographic content that is interesting to viewers perusing their Instagram accounts. What is going to grab someone’s attention as they scroll through? What is going to encourage someone to push that Follow button? Vehicle accounts are popping up like crazy on social media, but what makes one more interesting than another? One of our ambassadors, Michael Yi (@youngrav4) is extremely consistent with his excellent photos so we wanted to know “How do you create the magic?”


The Inspiration

Michael is an avid Instagram poster and created his YoungRAV4 page in July of 2020.  He has quickly amassed followers by posting anywhere from once to three times a week and everyday people are being drawn in by the very clever photography content. His trick is planning ahead.  Michael is not only a college student, but holds two jobs as well.  During his free time he researches photo locations via geo-tag and Google, concentrating on natural lighting, backgrounds and the “cool” factor.  He also likes to play with juxtaposition on his account as he switches back and forth between cityscape and nature.  Both places have hidden locations to explore and stories to tell.  However, wherever Michael plans to go, there is one thing he always does before he heads out the door – he checks the weather forecast, an absolute must if you want to have a successful shoot.



The Method

Lots of auto enthusiasts hire professional photographers to take pictures of their vehicle, but Michael takes all of his own using a Canon 5D Mark 4. Typically, he hand-holds his camera but in the case of a long exposure in dark areas or at night, he will use a tripod to keep a steady shot. He only uses natural lighting which is an incredibly challenging feat – no flashes, no reflection panels, no extra lighting.  Post photography, Michael will occasionally include filters or graphics from Photoshop, Lightroom, Snapseed and LD to add a humorous or fantastical touch to his photos. The post of a C-17 flying over his RAV4 exemplifies his graphically creative approach.  It is not only his favorite (he made it into wallpaper), but it is the most popular post on his page, as many viewers believed it was real!




















The Goal

The goal for Michael’s social media accounts is to grow a following that can share resources and helpful information within the Toyota and Subaru overlanding communities.  He is passionate about his RAV4 build and wants to share the process (his concept, what products he selected, and what companies he has partnered with) with other individuals as they look for assistance or ideas for their potential builds. His enthusiasm for both his vehicle and photography is definitely conveyed through the images he has posted of his “YoungRAV4”.


When asked for his best piece of advice for social media photographers, Michael immediately responds with “Take your time when taking photos and pay attention to the small details that can so often be missed.”  These small details in both photographic technique and content are often what makes the difference between a post that stops you in your tracks and one that keeps your finger scrolling.

Lift Kits: Get Up and Out There

Lift Kits: Get Up and Out There

REIKA Lift Kits are designed with adventure in mind. By increasing the vehicle ride height, your CUV can accommodate larger tires while maintaining the factory alignment and ride quality. With added ground clearance, you can now participate in more extreme adventures. Our lift kits are E-coated, affordable, easy to install and vehicle specific, ensuring that any adventure you embark on is an enjoyable one.

E-coating

All REIKA lift kits are manufactured and painted using E-coating, which is a wet paint finishing process meant to protect steel and metal parts from corrosion. This process is relatively complex in which a metal component is immersed in a water-based solution that contains a paint emulsion. Once washed and coated with Phosphate, an electric current is disbursed, causing the paint emulsion to condense and form evenly over the metal component. The strength of the electric charge is usually between 25-400 volts and determines the thickness of the coat. The part is then washed again and baked in an industrial oven at 375 degrees for a minimum of 20 minutes where the paint cures and becomes ready to go. 

Affordability

Our lift kits are designed with affordability in mind. With competitive pricing, we wanted to offer our customers a vehicle specific solution that increases the ability to get off the beaten path and explore, all while protecting the vehicle’s undercarriage AND not breaking the bank. We’ve manufactured a strong and durable product and offer our kits at the low cost of $249 plus tax and shipping. The increased ride height with our REIKA lift kits is a bonus when exploring the great outdoors. Adding just a few inches of ground clearance can significantly increase your ability to get over rocks, brush, or tough terrain that you may not have been able to manage before lifting your vehicle. 

Vehicle Specific

While developing our lift kits, we made sure to check all the boxes that ensure safety and perfect fitment for each vehicle. Designed for Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and Toyota RAV4 models, our kits will give you that extra lift you are looking for. REIKA kits can be installed either professionally or within the comfort of your own driveway or garage. Automotive experience is a plus, but not a requirement. In addition to the detailed installation guide provided with the kit, you can check out a live install with expert instruction on REIKA’s YouTube channel (link below). With plenty of resources available to assist in your upgrade, you will be lifted and on your way in no time.  

The pursuit of adventure begins with you, REIKA is what gets you there! 

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Los Angeles Auto Show 2021: Electric Vehicles in the Wild

Los Angeles Auto Show 2021: Electric Vehicles in the Wild

While off-roading and overlanding, the ability to discover new terrain is what makes the adventure worthwhile. Yet while we explore, we must learn to preserve and protect the land for future generations. The benefits of electric vehicles are becoming more widely recognized and could be very advantageous as we continue to travel the land. It may not seem likely that you would want to run an electric vehicle (EV) offroad. Or you may even question an EV’s overall off road capability compared to everything that is familiar. However, the 2021 LA Auto Show provided a glimpse into the future with reveals of new electric vehicles coming to the market that could be game changers for the offroading community.

2023 Subaru Solterra

The Solterra is the first electric vehicle with symmetrical all-wheel drive that provides uniform stability to each wheel and delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction and improved handling. The Solterra is equipped with dual electric motors that generate 215 HP and 248 pound-feet of torque, making it well-equipped for any quest, with a range of 220 miles per charge. One key feature of the Solterra is the option of four drive modes: Eco, Power, Normal and the newly introduced, X-mode. Subaru’s X-mode electrically and independently modulates power to each wheel in slippery conditions and uneven terrain, making it easier for you to get out of ditches or sticky situations. Equipped with a 360 degree safety camera, 12.3” touch screen infotainment center, driver assistance technology, 8.3” of ground clearance, grip control (low speed cruise control) and plenty of cargo room, this EV is ready to hit the road. Cleverly crafted, the Soltara’s moniker is derived from Latin, combining the words “sun” and “earth”, a perfect name for a potential overlanding vehicle.

2023 Toyota bZ4X

With the first half of its name meaning Beyond Zero, the “4” being the vehicles size category and the “x” referring to a crossover, the Toyota bZ4X is hitting dealerships as early as mid-year 2022. The “bZ” moniker is Toyota’s introduction to their sub-brand for all upcoming electric models. This compact crossover features two models, both equipped with a 240-volt home charger for fast charging. The FWD single motor model (201 HP) will get you about 250 miles on a single charge, while the dual motor AWD model (215 HP) will take you approximately 230 miles on a single charge. The bZ4X has short overhangs and a longer wheelbase making it more aerodynamic than it’s similar sized family member, the RAV4. A prominent feature of the bZ4X is the solar roof, which charges the battery pack when the vehicle is stationary and can provide up to 1,110 miles of range per year. Other features include a minimalist interior, a 12.3” touchscreen, driver assist software, 8.3” of ground clearance and AWD.

Interestingly, you may notice the similarities between these two above mentioned EV models. They are a product of collaboration between Subaru and Toyota with a goal of developing a platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles. Though the vehicles share the same platform, the differences lie in key features provided by each manufacturer. So, whether you are a Subaru or Toyota enthusiast, the option for an all-new, top of the line, electric vehicle with off-road capabilities will be opening its driver door for you, mid 2022.

Camp Jeep

We were also able to head outside to Camp Jeep to check out the Jeep Rubicon 4xe, the Jeep plug-in hybrid Wrangler. A heavy step into electric conversion, this plug-in hybrid model has 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Camp Jeep test course allowed riders to tackle obstacles and show what this Jeep can do. The ride featured obstacles including a 25-degree angle test, stair climbing and a 35-degree ramp climb, all of which was done with ease, showing the capability of the hybrid.

We’re excited for the EV movement and its progress. Seeing the vehicles in person and hearing what they’re all about is both interesting and refreshing. Technological developments are making it easier and safer to get out there and explore, all while taking care of the environment. The shift to include electric vehicles with full capabilities into the off-road game might be a rocky transition for some, but hey, little obstacles lead to bigger accomplishments. 

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SEMA 2021: The Growing Overland Trend on Display

SEMA 2021: The Growing Overland Trend on Display

The SEMA Show 

The annual SEMA show was back and all geared up this year after the world was faced with a pandemic of great proportions. For those new to the world of SEMA, the association was established in 1963 and kicked off as a small group of manufacturers who provided performance parts and equipment to the hot rod community. Over the years, SEMA evolved into one of the largest leading trade show events in the automotive industry, providing a week-long social gathering for hot rods, trucks, tuners, classic cars, sports cars, rare builds, off-road rigs and some of the latest and greatest parts and equipment to hit the market.

A Time and Place

Each November, for one week, the event is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show’s popularity has gained tons of exposure resulting in larger crowds year after year. The enormous growth of trade shows in general, advanced the need for the construction of massive arena sized halls in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. For SEMA, this allowed for hundreds more exhibitors to display vehicles and products and thousands more auto enthusiasts to enjoy the show.

Off-roading and Overlanding at SEMA 

The overlanding and off-roading communities have swiftly come into the spotlight within the United States and are gaining considerable attention in the automotive market. This is clearly evident within the halls of SEMA, as the space committed to this type of vehicle has grown tremendously. With the explosion of remote travel and exploration, businesses have used their own outdoor experiences to develop new products and solutions that enhance the experience for all. The SEMA show provides the opportunity for small and newer businesses to not only be discovered, but to expand their network and introduce helpful and innovative products to the market.

REIKA Vehicle Solutions 

This year, REIKA Vehicle Solutions was able to display in the exhibitors hall, showcasing our newly established CUV wheel and lift kit line. SEMA was the perfect place to connect with existing customers and establish new relationships with future customers. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and developing new relationships, as well as bringing awareness of our brand to the marketplace. In the midst of this ever growing off-road and overlanding community, we couldn’t be more excited to provide unique solutions for vehicles that are not always targeted in this market.

Event Highlights 

Roaming around SEMA, we had the chance to discover some of the brands that support the off-road and overlanding communities. The newly constructed West Hall held many companies and brands associated with the community. The ever-popular Overland Expo was in attendance at the back of the hall in the Overland Experience. Here, owners displayed their rigs and conversed with showgoers about the planning and effort that went into building their rigs, providing advice to those who inquired.  Overland Expo also hosted education sessions ⁠with industry experts who discussed market trends, responsible recreation, protecting public land for OHV use, and much more.

Onward 

We had a blast this year at the 2021 SEMA Show. REIKA Vehicle Solutions will be looking forward to attending for many years to come giving us the opportunity to connect with a great group of travelers, hobbyists and fellow auto enthusiasts. We are committed to the overlanding community and promise to provide the highest quality product and customer service to our partners and customers alike. We hope you enjoyed the show and can’t wait to see you all next year. Until then, go out and explore!

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Overland Expo: Exploring the Nature of Off-roading

Overland Expo: Exploring the Nature of Off-roading

What is overlanding?

The term “overlanding” is a combination of remote travel, off-roading and camping, relying heavily on self-sufficiency and can be traced as far back to the Australian Outback, when farmers moved their cattle across long distances as the seasons changed. In more recent years, however, overland travel has evolved with modern technology and has grown in popularity in the United States with people wanting to take a break from the constant goings of our everyday lives, to challenge themselves away from the noise and most importantly, to venture out and explore. With this in mind, Co-founders Roseann and Jonathan Hanson struck up a wonderful idea to bring both new and experienced overlanders together in one place. Thus was born the Overland Expo.

What is Overland Expo?

Overland Expo is North America’s largest professional trade show for overlanders and travel enthusiasts. The expo introduces innovative equipment for the camping life and vehicles and offers classes taught by experienced travelers from around the world. Co-founded in Prescott, Arizona in 2009 by ecologist and writer Roseann Hanson, her husband and journalist, Jonathan Hanson, among a few others, with the purpose of inspiring people to explore and giving them expert instructions in driving and riding. As the popularity in overland travel has increased over the last decade, the attendee list has grown exponentially. Sold to Lodestone in 2018; a professional event production company, Roseann and Jonathan are still heavily involved with the event and are still inspiring others every day to go out and explore the beauty of the earth.

The Purpose

To Inspire people to explore, to give expert instructions in driving and riding and to bring all overlanders from around the world to one place to learn skills, gain knowledge of off-roading and overlanding, travel advice, as well as being a place to purchase equipment, all while discovering new ways and ideas to enhance your overlanding experience. With many classes available at the Overland Expo, you can expect to learn a few things by taking a few minutes to stop and listen. The classes, demonstrations, roundtable discussions and conversations to be had, can be very helpful not only for your safety, but offer extensive know-hows and to-do’s that will be beneficial going forward and ensures your knowledge of safety and survival on your journey.

Attendees

Thousands of visitors from all around the world visit each of the three locations held by Overland Expo each year. Originally starting off in Arizona, the event has now expanded to Colorado and as far east as Arrington, Virginia, covering the span of the United States. The event sees an influx of overlanders, from novice to expert level, during the run time of the expo. Travel advice, skill training, instruction, entertainment and much more are all offered at the expo. With a combined total 57,000 attendees between all three shows, you can understand how popular this lifestyle has become and without a doubt, will continue to grow.

Vendors

Hundreds of vendors set up shop at each location. Companies selling wheels, tires, rooftop tents, compact generators, clothing, lights, accessories, swing-out racks, roof racks, winches, food storage solutions, gadgets and a ton more, are ready to outfit your journey with their products. It’s likely that if you come here with a problem or an idea, that  you’ll leave with knowledge and a solution. Adventure and expertise lies within any of the booths you’re walking past during your visit.

Builds and Rigs

The diversity of builds at the show varies from person to person. Some people sell their houses, hit the road, invest in expensive rigs and travel the land for years, while others may be satisfied camping in the back of their vehicles for a weekend. From one million dollar rigs to simple tents and blankets, we’ve learned that there is no wrong way to be a part of the overlanding movement. The journey becomes what you experience in your travels, whether you have a destination in mind or not. The overlanding expo is a great place to meet and make new friends, plan future adventures, discover incredible ideas and to learn from one another.

Camping

Another captivating attraction about the Overland Expo, is the ability to set up camp alongside hundreds of fellow overlanders for the entire span of the event. A great opportunity to make and meet new friends from around the globe, you’re able to enjoy and create new experiences with one another. From a price range of $160-$190 a person, you can reserve your space with a vehicle or trailer from Thursday through Sunday and enjoy all the general activities the event has to offer (demos, evening films, slideshows, roundtables).

Entertainment

Entertainment at the Expo comes in many forms. Ride alongs, training courses, skill based learning, contests, giveaways, evening film festival shows and much more are offered for anyone willing to sign up. If you ever find yourself in need of relaxation time, you can enjoy some live music, have a few drinks and grab something to eat at the Oasis bar and lounge.

Event Statistics

The event statistics show an increase in not only attendees over the years, but also in vendors, presenters and media outlets. The event had attendees present from Brazil, Japan, Chile and Portugal this year. Overland Expo West, being the original, sees the most people, in all aspects of the shows. With 28,000+ attendees this year, it beats out MTN West at 17,000+ attendees and doubles the attendance of East who had about 14,000+ attendees. The media outlets, exhibitor list, presenters and number of classes follow suit as far as attendance goes. Each show is set up with a great layout and you wouldn’t be missing out if you chose to attend any of the 1 of the 3 in the line-up.

Our Journey

The REIKA team was able to join the many vendors who participated in each of the three Expo shows this year. We met new friends and caught up with old ones, all while learning much more about the overlanding experience. Our goal is to provide safe, lightweight and durable wheels and lift kits that will enhance your vehicle for any of your adventures for years to come. We are committed to providing both product and knowledge to the overlanding community and look forward to growing our relationship. We thank you all for stopping by our booth and being a part of our experience. Hope to see you all at next year’s Overland Expo!

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 Overland Expo: Why We Roam