I’m in my element when a shoot is very technical, so I’ve always particularly enjoyed studio shoots. This shoot was for Rennsport of their ST-R, the first in a limited run of ten ST-R builds. I was tasked with shooting the launch photos, ready for it to be showcased for the first time at the Goodwood Revival.
The car is finished in a lovely deep metallic aubergine paint, which looks amazing in person, but is particularly challenging to shoot. I really wanted to capture it in the best light I could, aiming to show off the colour of the car, the shapes of it, and also the gloss. I opted to shoot every photo with two very different lighting setups for each photo, which I’d later blend in photoshop, giving me total control over how it looked. One lighting setup was the ceiling softbox, which highlights the gloss and shapes of the car, but comes out almost monochromatic. The second lighting setup was using powerful lights, pointed directly at the car, which bring out the colour and metallic of the aubergine paint. I’m really happy with the outcome, and think the car looks great!
Rennsport say this build was inspired by the 1970s race car ST, and features their own widened bespoke arches, and sitting on 9” front and 11” rear 3-piece rims. Its design retains the classic look without added spoilers.
It’s powered by a Rennsport built 3.4-litre engine, and includes a forged steel crankshaft and high compression pistons, breathing through Rennsport stacks and AT Power throttle bodies. A close-ratio 5-speed transmission and Quaife limited-slip differential add to the fun.
Suspension is handled by semi-active Tractive suspension. The interior is beautifully trimmed in tan leather with Rennsport GT touring seats, as you can see.
A little look behind the scenes. I opted for Calvert Studios, which is my favourite studio in the UK. Their studio is a great size and they have a moveable large overhead softbox which worked perfectly for this shoot!
