KMC Wheels x Vogue Autowerks
Photography by Josh Mackey | BTS Video & Photos by Jackson Mackey | Client: KMC Wheels
What began as a cold, rain-soaked November morning in Seattle quickly turned into a project built for escape. Waiting at Vogue Autowerks in Kirkland was our subject—a satin black Ford Raptor designed to leave the gray behind and head east into the open dunes of Central Washington.
Built by Vogue Autowerks, the Raptor reflects the same precision and restraint the shop has become known for. Owned and operated by Andy Nissen-Barber, Vogue Autowerks has been a staple of high-level vehicle customization in the Pacific Northwest for years. I’ve known Andy for over 15 years, first connecting during my NWMotiv days, and his approach has remained consistent: patient, detail-driven, and focused on executing each project at the highest level.
Behind the Lens
This project centered around our client KMC Wheels, a 2021 Ford Raptor built by Vogue Autowerks. The Raptor’s trophy-truck-inspired stance called for a location that felt raw and cinematic—somewhere that looked more like another planet than a local backdrop.
We traded the rain-soaked Puget Sound for the dry, open terrain of Central Washington. The weather couldn’t have cooperated better: warm air, soft sunlight, and occasional gusts that lifted sand into the air, giving shots a surreal, atmospheric look.
I shot entirely with natural light, using a Sony A7R III paired with a Sony FE 70–200mm G OSS and Sigma 24–70mm f/2.8 DG DN II. A tripod, polarizer, and exposure bracketing handled reflections and evened out the tones—simple tools for a natural, balanced result.
The location was quiet and wide open, perfect for taking our time and letting moments unfold. When the wind picked up, the sand wrapped around the truck, giving it that “out of this world” texture I was chasing. The team was small—myself, my son Jackson, Andy, his wife, and his assistant Kyle. No strict shot list, no overplanning—just instinct and timing. Jackson filmed behind the scenes, capturing small moments in a quiet, documentary style that reflected the pace of the day.
Wheels & Suspension
This Raptor means business. Up front, it runs an SVC mid-travel suspension with Fox coilovers and 3.5-inch bypass shocks. Out back, an SVC 5-link setup with billet arms, a bypass rack, Geiser springs, and Fox 4.0x16-inch five-tube bypass shocks keep it composed when the terrain gets unpredictable. The result is a stance that’s wider, tougher, and built to handle real speed in rough conditions.
KMC Impact Forged Beadlock wheels, finished in a custom two-tone powdercoat, pull the look together. Wrapped in massive 40-inch BFGoodrich KR3s, the setup strikes a perfect balance between function and form—aggressive, capable, and made for the dunes.
Exterior
Every detail of the Raptor’s exterior serves a purpose. McNeil +4-inch fenders and bedsides give the suspension room to breathe, while SVC front and rear bumpers sharpen the look and improve off-road geometry. A full matte PPF finish cuts reflections and enhances the truck’s lines under any lighting, while Baja Designs lighting completes the build with form-meets-function precision. The result is clean, capable, and ready for anything that comes its way.
Performance
Performance upgrades stay true to the truck’s off-road focus. A PCI 110W race radio, 4.88 gears, and a Cobb Accessport tuned by Goosetuned ensure consistent power delivery and communication when it counts. Subtle improvements—but ones that make all the difference once the pavement ends.
Modification List
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
SVC mid-travel front suspension with Fox coilovers and 3.5” bypass
SVC 5-link rear suspension with billet arms, SVC bypass rack, Geiser rear springs, and Fox 4.0x16” five-tube bypass shocks
KMC Impact Forged Beadlock Wheels with Custom Powdercoat
BFGoodrich KR3 40” tires
Engine & Transmission
PCI 110W race radio
4.88 gears
Cobb Accessport with custom tunes by Goosetuned
Exterior
McNeil +4” fenders and bedsides
SVC front and rear bumpers
All Baja Designs lighting
Full matte PPF
This project is part of my commercial automotive photography portfolio.