Huseyin Erturk sets out to capture not only what makes cars beautiful but their individual characteristics as well. Huseyin is an automotive photographer based in Los Angeles, California and since moving to LA, he’s rediscovered his passion for cars thanks to the city’s vast car culture. Now he gets to take photographs for car manufacturers from all around the world. We sat down with Huseyin to discover more about his process and what inspires him. Read the full interview below…
SE: You take incredible photographs for car manufacturers all over the world, when did you know you wanted to be a car photographer specifically?
HE: Thank you! I’ve always appreciated photography but I only started taking photos after I moved to Los Angeles around 12 years ago. In the beginning I was mostly focusing on street photography, candid portraits and some landscapes. Later on I also started taking photos of interesting cars I would come across on the street and then my love for cars took over and it snowballed from there.
SE: Do you have a favourite camera to shoot with?
HE: I’ve been shooting with Canon 5Ds for a while but if I’m not on an assignment I don’t shy away from using my iPhone since it is always with me.
SE: You have shot some beautiful cars from Porsche’s to Mercedes to Lamborghini’s, do you have a favourite car?
HE: It’s tough to pick one but it has to be the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. From its perfect curves to its gullwing doors, it’s a sight to behold.
SE: Out of all your photos, which one is your favourite and why?
HE: I like this shot because not only it features one of my favourite cars to shoot but also the soft light really compliments the design of the 300SL.
SE: What inspires you?
HE: I get a lot of inspiration from the places that I travel to. I tend to visit museums and galleries more when I travel and plus being introduced to different cultures and environments inspire me as well.
SE: Are you following any other photographers at the moment?
HE: I follow a lot of photographers but my favourites have to be, Kevin McCauley(@capturingthemachine), Alejandro Arretureta(@carphiles), Roman Ratkze(@romanraetzke) and Minh T(@thismintymoment)
SE: Where is the best place in the world to shoot?
HE: It has to be Palm Springs. Mid Century Modern houses and palm trees create a dreamy backdrop and the warm California desert light is the cherry on top.
SE: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into photography?
HE: I would say get out there and shoot as much as you can and don’t be afraid of trying new things. I believe that’s how you find out what really works for you and will help establish your own style.
SE: Which photograph do you wish you had taken?
HE: The first photo that comes to my mind is Rainer Schlegelmilch’s image of a Ferrari F1 car shooting flames at Monaco GP in 1985. In some ways it almost looks like a painting given the motion blur and with the flames in the foreground.
Head on over to Huseyin Erturk's beautiful gallery now!
