Little did we know at the time that our annual 4 day trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the spring Autofair would become an unexpected and hilarious chapter in our family's story.

Here's the scene:

My dad, my son Madison (10 years old at the time), and I were ready to have some fun on our trip while aiming to sell my dad's old car parts. My mom insisted that dad deserved a more comfortable stay than the back of his truck.

Opting for what seemed like a reasonable choice, we booked a room at the Americas Best Value Inn in Kannapolis, NC. Little did we know that this decision would lead to our worst hotel experience EVER! 

When we stepped into the room, the unmistakable scent of cigarette smoke met us at the door, saturating the air and clinging to every surface. It was very overwhelming to say the least, making us immediately question our choice of hotels.

The room itself wasn't any better – disgustingly dirty. It looked like it had been neglected for a while.  The mattresses felt as though we were lying on slabs of concrete. It was a far cry from the comfort we had expected.  

You're probably thinking "why didn't you go to another hotel?"  The swap meet in the spring is one of the largest events that Charlotte Motor Speedway has during the year, even bigger than the Coca Cola 500 on Memorial Day weekend.  All the other hotels in the area were booked solid (trust me, we tried).  So we were stuck with what we had. 

At that point all we could do was laugh about it and make the best of the situation. 

I guess you could say we learned a valuable lesson from this less-than-pleasant experience – the importance of thorough research and investing in quality!

That misadventure got me to thinking about my role as a photographer. I make it a point to prioritize creating a positive, enjoyable experience for you. Just as I strive for excellence, the same principle should guide choices in other aspects of life.

The lesson is clear: Your experiences are worth the investment. Whether it's choosing a hotel or embarking on a photography session, prioritize quality. I encourage you to scrutinize your choices, making sure that every decision aligns with your expectations. Much like the moments I aim to capture in my photography, life experiences should be cherished, not marred by compromises.

So, as my family learned the hard way in Kannapolis, let this be a reminder to you – seek quality, embrace comfort, and enjoy every moment. Life is too short for subpar experiences.

See how I can help you with your photography journey...

Jonathan

Text or Call Me! (540-793-0798)

Email Me! (jonathan@mess-e-photos.com)