Photographer Huntington Witherill is not your typical “car guy.” He is not a collector and says he is not mechanically inclined, but he knows great lines when he sees them. “I choose subjects for their aesthetics,” he says. “Whether it’s a car, a building or a tree, the approach is the same. It’s about light, form and space.” He was first inspired to shoot cars by photographer Brett Weston, the son of legendary photographer Edward Weston, and got his chance at the 1988 Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, California.

“Brett Westin had great passion for photography and fast cars,” says Witherill. “He was my inspiration, and when I got the invitation to the Concours I jumped at the chance.”

Witherill has spent most of his life in California. His first artistic love was actually music. He had every intention of becoming a concert pianist, but stage fright and a budding interest in two-dimensional design changed his focus. He eventually found photography and has pursued a career in fine art photography since the 1970’s. He’s studied with some big names: Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, Steve Crouch, and Al Weber, and has been exhibited in more than 85 individual and group shows in museums and galleries throughout he world. He is well known for his black and white landscape and architecture shots, but has also embraced the digital revolution and all the opportunities that it presents.

When it comes to cars he admits that he really doesn’t know the under-the-hood difference between a Porsche, a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, but he appreciates he every detail on the outside. “Early morning is the best time to shoot,” he says. “And I like flat light. Overcast skies are the best.” And that’s why for this photographer, Pebble Beach in August is perfect – some of the most beautiful cars in the world assembled in one place and morning fog is almost a guarantee.

Look for more Huntington Witherill photography is the upcoming issue of ARTWORKS Magazine on store shelves in September, or better yet subscribe now.