Capturing Automotive Art

For Zach, a photographer with a passion for both cars and art, automotive photography is the perfect creative outlet. Having started his journey two years ago, Zach has carved out a unique niche by blending his love for vehicles with his artistic vision, specializing in dark, moody nighttime shots.

A Photographer’s Journey

Zach’s interest in automotive photography began as a way to combine two things he loves: cars and art. Armed with a Canon EOS R8, he has honed his skills over time and is now balancing photography part-time while attending college out of state in Utah.

When it comes to lighting, Zach takes a flexible approach. “I tend to just accept the lighting I’m given,” he says, though he often scouts locations ahead of time to ensure the conditions are optimal. For those times when lighting isn’t ideal, Zach relies on advanced editing software to bring his images to life. “Editing software has come so far that I can really shoot in any and all lightings, as long as I get the correct exposure,” he explains.

Dream Shoots and Locations

Zach’s taste in cars is anything but conventional, which makes shooting rare and hyper-exotic vehicles an exciting experience. “Shooting the crazy hyper exotics is always awesome and will never get old,” he shares. While he doesn’t have a specific dream car to photograph, his dream locations include unique and dramatic settings like sand dunes and deep snow—places he doesn’t get to shoot often but loves to explore.

Location scouting is an integral part of Zach’s process. “I spend way too much time messing around on maps, switching from satellite view to street view,” he admits. However, some of his favorite spots are discovered serendipitously while driving around. Planning is usually kept to choosing the location and time, but Zach is just as comfortable with last-minute shoots, even if planned only 20 minutes in advance.

Post-production is another key component of Zach’s workflow. He spends about an hour editing 10 images, using presets and masks to refine the shots. “I like to do about half of the set, take a break, and then review what I’ve done,” he says. This method ensures that each image gets the attention it deserves, even if it occasionally means starting over.

Follow Zach’s Work

With a distinct style and dedication to his craft, Zach is making waves in the world of automotive photography. Whether it’s capturing exotic cars or seeking out dramatic landscapes, his work reflects his passion and creativity. Explore more of Zach’s photography on Instagram at @zach.phto.