Photographing a Race Car for Bonhams at Monterey Regional Airport
A private hangar location, a remarkable competition car, and a complete auction-ready photo set
This was a special repeat assignment for Bonhams, photographing an open-cockpit race car in a private hangar area at Monterey Regional Airport. The location provided an exceptional setting for dramatic hero photographs while also giving me the space needed to create complete exterior coverage, mechanical details, cockpit images, and the other photographs required for a professional auction presentation. With Monterey Car Week 2026 approaching, this shoot also shows what I can offer auction houses, collectors, brokers, and private owners bringing significant cars to the Monterey Peninsula.
Trusted With a Special Race Car in a Remarkable Setting
I was excited to get contacted by Bonhams again to photograph another local car here in the Monterey Peninsula area that will be listed at the upcoming Laguna Seca Auction during Monterey Car Week 2026. And, it was not just a car this time, it was an actual race car! Then the location was not just any location, it was outside a private hanger at Monterey Regional Airport! This combined to allow me to make car auction photos unlike any others I had done before. It was great working with Jim, who took care of this race car for the owner for 20 years. The race car is so light, we never started it up to move it. Jim and I were able to easily push it to turn it around as needed. Thank you to the team at Bonhams for continuing to choose me as a local Monterey car auction photographer and to Jim for his help during the shoot.
Want to own this race car? The listing is already up on Bonhams! Check it out.
Professional Photography for Cars With a Story
Whether a vehicle is headed to a major auction, being offered through a private sale, or simply deserves to be documented at its best, the photography should match the quality and significance of the car. I provide organized, complete auction coverage as well as more creative photography for collectors who want memorable images of their vehicles. The same careful and dependable process trusted for this Bonhams assignment is available to individual car owners throughout the Monterey Peninsula.
Race Car Hero Images at Monterey Regional Airport
Race car curves, airport lines, and a distinctive private hangar setting
The wide-open pavement, repeating hangar lines, nearby aircraft, and clear blue sky created a setting connected to speed, engineering, and motion. I used those surroundings to create strong lead photographs that immediately draw attention while keeping the race car as the unmistakable subject. These are the images that can stop someone while browsing an auction catalogue, online listing, advertisement, social post, or collector portfolio.
The Engineering Beneath the Bodywork
Engine, chassis, suspension, and construction photographed for serious buyers
With the bodywork opened, the race car revealed an entirely different visual story. Detailed photographs of the engine, chassis, suspension, plumbing, and other mechanical components give informed buyers the close look they expect when evaluating a specialized vehicle. This type of coverage adds transparency to an auction listing and helps the photographs answer important questions before a potential buyer ever examines the car in person.
The Details That Define the Car
Cockpit controls, racing equipment, finishes, and distinctive design features
A complete auction photo set should go well beyond the obvious exterior views. The steering wheel, gauges, mirrors, safety equipment, body fasteners, finishes, identification marks, and other specialized features help communicate both character and condition. These photographs give potential buyers more confidence while preserving a visual record of the elements that make the vehicle unique.
Why Your Car Auction Listing Needs a Professional Photographer
Equipment, controlled angles, and a repeatable process make the difference
A successful car auction gallery is not simply a collection of attractive pictures. It requires consistent perspective, accurate color, careful control of reflections, an organized shot list, and the ability to adapt to changing light and real-world locations. The behind-the-scenes photograph from this shoot shows some of the planning and professional equipment involved in creating images that are both visually compelling and useful to serious buyers.
For a deeper look at how photography can affect the presentation and performance of a vehicle listing, read 5 Reasons Professional Car Photography Helps Your Car Sell Faster.
Complete Exterior Coverage From Every Required Angle
Consistent front, rear, profile, and three-quarter views for remote buyers
The required exterior walkaround photographs may not be the most dramatic images in an auction gallery, but they are among the most important. Maintaining consistent camera height, distance, framing, and light from one angle to the next gives bidders a clear and uninterrupted view of the entire car. This complete sequence supports a more credible listing and makes it easier for buyers anywhere in the world to evaluate the vehicle.
Monterey Car Week 2026 Photography for Auctions, Collectors, and Private Owners
Professional car photography while your vehicle is on the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey Car Week brings extraordinary automobiles, collectors, auction houses, brokers, and enthusiasts to one of California’s most visually distinctive regions. Whether you are consigning a car, preparing an online auction listing, or bringing a special vehicle to Monterey simply to enjoy the week, I can create a photography session around your goals.
Choose complete and accurate auction coverage, creative portraits at a scenic Monterey Peninsula location, or a combination of both. As a Pacific Grove-based photographer with repeat car auction experience, I offer local knowledge, an organized on-location process, and photographs designed to make your vehicle stand out.
Available for Monterey Car Week 2026 car auction photography, collector car portraits, and private automotive sessions throughout Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Pebble Beach, and the Monterey Peninsula.