Swissvax: “How did you get into automotive photography, and what inspires you to capture the beauty of cars?”
René: I stumbled into the world of automotive photography by accident. It all started with my fascination with cars, which sparked my passion for capturing their essence through my lens. The sheer beauty, the complex details, and the unique personality that each car possesses inspired me at a young age. To me, cars are more than just machines; they are works of art, and I’m passionate about presenting their aesthetic appeal.
Swissvax: “Have you ever considered switching to people photography?”
René: Although I am primarily known for automotive photography, I have indeed thought about it, especially when I had models on set. Pictures of people can be just as fascinating as exquisite cars, but cars are more patient, they don’t run away frustrated when the shooting day gets a little longer. And there is a completely different dimension to storytelling with people, which is a field I might explore one day.
Swissvax: “Can you describe your creative process when photographing cars and how confident are you that you capture the true essence of the car in your pictures?”
René: My creative process when photographing cars is meticulous. I start by thoroughly studying the car, understanding its design philosophy, and recognizing its character. I visualize the story I want to tell through the images. The setup, the scenery, and the narrative all revolve around bringing out the full character of the car. Inspiration comes from various sources – from the car’s history and origin to the environment in which it’s placed. It’s about capturing the synergy between the car and its surroundings.
Swissvax: What inspires you for the setup, the scenery, and the story behind the shoot?
René: The setup, the scenery, and the story of each shoot are carefully considered to highlight the personality of the car. Sometimes, I find inspiration in the car’s origin or the emotions it evokes. For example, when photographing a classic Italian sports car, I might choose a picturesque Italian landscape as the background. The story then naturally unfolds from there.
Swissvax: What role do you think car care products play in ensuring the car appears in its best form for a photoshoot? You’ve been using SWISSVAX products for several years. What led you to choose SWISSVAX, and how have the products helped you in your work?
René: Car care products are essential to ensure a car is in absolute top form for a photoshoot. I’ve been using SWISSVAX products for several years because of their unmatched quality and their dedication to preserving the beauty of cars. These products are a crucial part of my toolkit and help me maintain the flawless appearance of the cars I photograph. SWISSVAX allows me to achieve the level of perfection required in my work.
Swissvax: “You’ve photographed some of the most iconic cars in the history of the automotive industry. Which was your favorite car to photograph and why?”
René: After so many encounters with the most amazing cars in the world, I can’t define a “favorite car.” Often, my perspective changes before or after the shoot, and years later, I form an opinion. Recently, years after the shoot, I’ve been particularly fascinated by the image “Pretty Woman,” which was captured quite by accident and spontaneously in front of the hotel from the movie of the same name, after a long and exhausting shooting day in Los Angeles. I still fondly remember the creation and circumstances surrounding that shot.
Swissvax: With over 50 years of experience in automotive photography, what do you think sets your work apart from other car photographers?
René: What sets my work apart from other car photographers is my uncompromising attention to detail and my deep connection with the subject. I’ve spent over five decades perfecting the art of automotive photography, and I believe my passion and persistence show in every picture. I don’t just view cars as objects, but as living, breathing beings with their own stories.
Swissvax: How do you see the future of automotive photography, and what role will technology play in it?
René: The future of automotive photography is exciting and technology-driven. Advances in camera technology and post-production techniques are revolutionizing the field. Virtual reality and augmented reality could also play a significant role in how cars are presented to the world. However, the essence of automotive photography will always be about capturing the soul and spirit of the car.
Swissvax: Can you share some behind-the-scenes stories from your photoshoots and what challenges have you experienced when photographing cars?
René: Behind the scenes, there are countless stories in my work. I’ve faced various challenges, from unpredictable weather to tight schedules. One unforgettable shoot involved a vintage car that had been abandoned in the middle of nowhere and forgotten. It later became the star of an improvised story, and the picture captured the resilience and character of the vehicle.
Swissvax: You're known for your extraordinary attention to detail in your pictures. How do you approach post-production, and how do you ensure the final image reflects the true beauty of the car?
René: Post-production is an art in itself. I approach it with the same dedication as photographing the car itself. It’s about enhancing the car's natural beauty while making sure the final image does justice to the subject. I work meticulously on fine details, colors, and contrast to create a visual masterpiece that honors the car.
Swissvax: What do you personally associate with "Care for your Dream"?
René: "Care for your Dream" holds a deep meaning for me. My dream was always to capture the essence of cars in a way that people could see them as I do – as works of art. I’ve nurtured that dream by dedicating my life to it, perfecting my skills, and pushing the boundaries of automotive photography. “A life for photography” was truly part of that dream, a way to bring my vision to life.
Swissvax: Finally, what can we expect from you and Staud Studios in the future, and what new projects are you currently working on?
René: The future holds exciting prospects for me as a photographer, for Staud Studios as a stage for staging, and for Media Monks, the agency group with which our two sons, Patrick and Pascal, collaborate. We are constantly exploring new paths and pushing the boundaries of automotive photography. Currently, we are working with SWISSVAX on a photographer’s wax that will revolutionize car care in the industry. Expect innovation, creativity, and an unrelenting commitment to capturing the beauty of cars in ways that inspire and astonish.
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