In 2008, we had an incredible opportunity to have three of our beloved cars photographed by Peter Harholdt for his book, “Art of the Muscle Car.” This book, a true testament to automotive artistry, captures the essence of these iconic vehicles in stunning detail. If you’ve ever flipped through its pages, you might wonder about the magic behind those captivating images of legendary collector cars and maybe even how details like Spoiler Car Parts are highlighted. Let’s take you behind the scenes of this memorable photoshoot.
It began with a call from Motorbooks, a publisher known for its high-quality automotive publications. They expressed interest in featuring some of our cars in their upcoming muscle car book. We were no strangers to car photoshoots, having participated in projects for calendars, books, magazines, and even TV. While always exciting, these shoots can also be nerve-wracking. As car enthusiasts, we are acutely aware of every imperfection on our vehicles, and there’s always a slight fear that these flaws will be magnified under the photographer’s lens.
The team for “Art of the Muscle Car” was led by David Newhardt, who penned the insightful text, and the incredibly talented Peter Harholdt, the man behind the lens. If you are familiar with “Art of the Hot Rod,” you already know the exceptional quality they bring to automotive books, and “Art of the Muscle Car” is no exception.
When Peter and his assistant arrived to photograph three of our cars, I was immediately impressed by his portable photo studio. It was a self-contained unit that transformed our driveway into a professional photography space. Setting it up took about an hour, and packing it away at the end of the shoot took another hour, but the results were undeniably worth it. I managed to snap some behind-the-scenes photos that day, offering a glimpse into the process.
They erected this impressive portable studio right in our driveway during late fall, with leaves gently falling around us. It was quite a sight to see this professional setup amidst the everyday surroundings.
Peter then showed me the digital images he had captured that day, and I was truly amazed by the quality. His mastery of light and reflection was evident, revealing details and perspectives that are rarely seen in typical car photography. He had an artistic eye for capturing the lines and curves of these classic machines, going beyond just documenting the vehicles to creating art. He focused on how light played across surfaces, highlighting every contour, perhaps even the subtle design of spoiler car parts if a car had them.
Peter Harholdt is not just a photographer; he is a true car enthusiast and artist. With a background as a racecar driver, his passion for automobiles shines through in his work.
His ingenious portable photo studio, housed in a 5th wheel trailer, is a testament to his dedication to his craft. While you often see photographers at car shows offering quick snapshots and framed prints, Peter’s work transcends mere photography. He elevates car photography to an art form. I have witnessed numerous outdoor photoshoots with stills, action shots, and videos, and while I’m consistently impressed by the professionalism and image quality, Peter’s work is different. He transforms the ordinary car photo into genuine art, capturing the soul of these machines. And the best part? He gets to work with some of the most exceptional cars in the country.
It’s remarkable to think that all the stunning photographs in “Art of the Muscle Car” were taken using this portable studio, set up in driveways and garages across the nation. This mobile approach allowed him to bring his artistic vision directly to these incredible vehicles, wherever they were.
We are incredibly honored that three of our cars were chosen to be part of this masterpiece. Being included in “Art of the Muscle Car” is a true highlight for any car collector.
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