In 2008, we had an incredible opportunity to have three of our cherished cars photographed by the talented Peter Harholdt for his celebrated book, “Art of the Muscle Car,” a must-have for any muscle car enthusiast, available on Amazon and other fine book retailers. Flipping through the pages of this book, you’re immediately struck by the stunning photography of iconic collector cars. The question naturally arises: how were these breathtaking images captured?
The “Art of the Muscle Car” Photo Shoot: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
The journey began with a phone call from Motorbooks (www.motorbooks.com), a renowned publisher, expressing interest in featuring some of our cars in their upcoming muscle car book. Having collaborated with them before for calendars and book contributions, we were familiar with the process of automotive photo shoots. While always exciting, these shoots can also be nerve-wracking. As car enthusiasts, we’re acutely aware of every tiny imperfection on our vehicles, and there’s always a slight anxiety that these flaws will be magnified under the photographer’s lens.
The team for “Art of the Muscle Car” was composed of David Newhardt, responsible for the captivating text, and Peter Harholdt, the photographic genius behind the lens. If you’ve encountered “Art of the Hot Rod,” another masterpiece, you’ll know the exceptional quality to expect from this muscle car edition.
Peter and his assistant arrived ready to photograph three of our prized possessions, and we were immediately impressed by his innovative portable photo studio. Setting it up took about an hour, and dismantling it was another hour, but the results were undeniably worth it. I managed to capture some behind-the-scenes snapshots that day, offering a glimpse into the photo shoot process.
Their portable studio was erected right in our driveway during late autumn, with leaves gently falling, creating a picturesque backdrop.
When Peter shared the digital previews of his day’s work, I was truly astounded by the image quality. His mastery of light and reflections allowed him to capture perspectives and details that are rarely seen in typical car photography.
Peter Harholdt is more than just a photographer; he’s a true car enthusiast and artist. With a background as a race car driver, his artistic vision is evident in every shot.
His ingenious portable photo studio, custom-designed and housed in a 5th wheel trailer, is a testament to his dedication to his craft. While many car show photographers offer on-the-spot car photos, Peter’s work elevates automotive photography to an art form. Having witnessed numerous outdoor photo shoots for stills, action shots, and videos, I can confidently say that Peter’s artistry transcends ordinary car photos, transforming them into genuine works of art. He possesses a unique ability to see and capture the beauty of even the most minute details of these incredible machines. And, he gets to work with some of the most exceptional cars in the country – a dream job for any car lover!
It’s remarkable to consider that all the stunning photographs in “Art of the Muscle Car” were created using this mobile studio, set up in driveways and garages across the nation!
We are incredibly honored to have three of our cars featured within the pages of this photographic masterpiece.
Click Here to see Part 2 for our review of the finished book!
