SpeedSUVs.com — Michael Simari stands out as one of the most prolific creative minds behind the visual storytelling of modern automotive media. As a senior staff photographer, his work is highly ubiquitous, appearing across both digital platforms and printed pages. Simari’s ability to capture the essence of modern automotive culture is not just a professional skill but a reflection of his lifelong dedication to art, mechanics, and design.
Artistic Foundations and Education
Simari’s journey into professional automotive photography was built on a solid educational foundation in the arts. Before capturing high-performance vehicles for a living, he completed an associate degree program in graphic design. He then pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in photography at Detroit’s prestigious College for Creative Studies, an institution renowned for producing generations of automotive designers. His senior thesis, which focused on the rich car culture of the Motor City, served as an early indicator of his career trajectory, blending his formal training with his passion for automobiles.
Career Progression and Professional Demands
Over his fourteen-year tenure at Car and Driver, Simari has transitioned from a standard photographer to an essential operational leader. Today, his responsibilities extend far behind the camera lens. He manages critical logistical tasks, including photo editing, shoot scheduling, and overall production logistics. Balancing these administrative demands with active photo shoots requires immense discipline. Despite the heavy workload, his creative output remains remarkably high, with his photo credits accompanying a vast portion of the publication’s content. This dual role demonstrates his capacity to handle both the creative and organizational sides of media production.
The Automotive Passion: A Hands-On Track Driver
Simari’s connection to the automotive world is deeply personal and hands-on. For over twenty-four years, he has owned and meticulously maintained a third-generation 1998 Acura Integra GS-R. Rather than keeping it stock, Simari has transformed the vehicle into a dedicated track-day machine. The car features a stripped-out rear interior, a protective roll bar, and a Recaro racing bucket seat. It runs on lowered coil-over suspension, sticky Falken Azenis tires wrapped around Rota wheels, and a shorter final drive ratio designed to maximize straight-line acceleration. Currently powered by its second high-revving, 8200-rpm engine, the car is a testament to the mechanical skills Simari first acquired during his high school auto shop classes. His deep automotive literacy is further reinforced by his extensive knowledge of Formula 1 racing.
Culinary Artistry as a Creative Outlet
To decompress from the fast-paced demands of professional photography, Simari turns to culinary arts, specifically artisan pizza making. This skill was honed during his college years when he worked in restaurants, including California Pizza Kitchen, to help pay for his education. Today, he crafts complex creations like his signature “tostada pizza,” which utilizes Italian flour topped with chicken, avocado, black beans, and crispy tortilla strips. This hobby acts as a vital creative release, allowing him to recalibrate his mind between intensive, high-energy photo shoots.
A Balanced Review of the Professional Role
Pros
- Extensive Creative Control: Managing photo editing and logistics allows him to shape the visual direction of a major publication.
- Industry Access: The role provides unparalleled access to the automotive industry, including driving rare vehicles and interviewing iconic racing figures like nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen.
- Versatile Skillset: A diverse background that bridges fine arts, automotive mechanics, and logistics makes him highly adaptable.
Cons
- High Workload: Managing complex logistical operations alongside continuous creative output presents a demanding daily schedule.
- Intense Output Pressure: The physical and mental pressure of maintaining a highly prolific shooting schedule week after week can be exhausting.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Michael Simari exemplifies the ideal fusion of passion and profession. His background as an artist, track-day driver, mechanic, and culinary enthusiast directly informs his exceptional work behind the camera. For aspiring automotive photographers, Simari’s career path offers a clear blueprint of how diverse personal interests can enrich and sustain a demanding creative career.
