This story brought to you by Sam Bourdais Paull

In the world of car photography, the challenge is not just about capturing a vehicle, but immortalising an icon in its finest light. Our recent project with Collecting Cars afforded us this unique opportunity, as we focused our lenses on a unique piece of automotive history—the 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta

Pre-shoot Preparation

Our journey with this photoshoot began a few months ago after a successful session photographing a fully carbon fiber Lotus. Impressed by our work, the client reached out again, this time to showcase their neo-classic black Alfa Romeo Alfetta. Knowing the importance of the backdrop in automotive photography, I decided on a city rooftop that exuded a rustic charm—a perfect contrast to the sleek, polished curves of the Alfetta.

The chosen location was a rooftop car park just off Little Bourke Street, known for its brick walls and red painted metal fences, which promised a gritty, urban feel that complements the classic aesthetics of the car.

Adapting to Challenges

As any seasoned photographer knows, flexibility is as crucial as a good camera. On the morning of the shoot, I arrived early to survey the scene, a practice I maintain to avoid any last-minute surprises. This foresight paid off when I discovered numerous tradie cars occupying our primary location. Quickly adapting to the situation, I utilized the neighboring rooftop carpark, which, fortunately, remained mostly vacant. This swift change not only saved the shoot but also provided an equally compelling setting for our photos.

The Shoot

The shoot unfolded smoothly, blessed by the crisp early morning air and soft, warm light. I utilized the various levels of the rooftop to capture the Alfetta from multiple angles, emphasizing its bold lines and impeccable design. Shooting from higher vantage points, I sought to give the images a more distinguished, premium feel—an homage to the car’s grandeur.

Post-shoot Magic

In post-production, my goal was to enhance the photographs while preserving the authenticity of the Alfetta's deep black hue. The editing process involved leaning into the early morning glow, amplifying the warm tones in the color grading to mirror the initial conditions of the shoot. This approach not only highlighted the car's sleek design but also added a vibrant, lively vibe to the overall aesthetics.

Capturing a Legacy

Reflecting on this photoshoot, it was not just about documenting a car; it was about capturing a legacy. The 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta, with its timeless design and compelling history, was more than just a subject—it was a storytelling journey. Through our lens, we aimed to convey not just the beauty of the car but the passion and meticulous craftsmanship it embodies.

This project reaffirms our philosophy that great photography lies at the intersection of preparation, creativity, and adaptability. Each shoot is a new adventure, and each car like the Alfetta, a new story waiting to be told. We are grateful to Collecting Cars for entrusting us with this endeavor and to our followers for their unwavering support. Stay tuned for more such stories from the road, captured one frame at a time.

Feel free to browse through the stunning images from this shoot and let the visuals take you on a journey back in time, to when cars were not just modes of transport, but art pieces rolling down the avenues of history.