Finding the bucket list cars:

Finding truly special cars to photograph remains one of the greatest challenges in my journey as a car fine art photographer.

On location photography and lighting can all be mastered with time and dedication — but getting access to the cars themselves requires patience, persistence, and above all, trust.

Many of the most fascinating cars ever built are hidden away in private collections. Their owners are understandably protective — these machines aren’t just valuable; they’re personal treasures, pieces of history that hold emotion and meaning.

My Sources for Finding the Bucket List Cars:

Car Museums

Car museums are a great way to start. They showcase incredible examples of automotive history and are usually well connected within the collector community.

Always approach with respect — find the curator, introduce yourself, and explain what you do. Then show your work. Let the merit of the work speak for you!

During my 2023 USA road trip, several museums lifted their “no-tripod” rule once they saw my portfolio. Your work is your calling card — let it speak for you!

Luxury Vehicle Storage & Detailing Shops

High-end storage and detailing facilities are another goldmine for finding rare and exotic cars. These spaces often care for vehicles from multiple owners — from vintage classics to modern hypercars.

If a particular car captures your imagination, speak to the facility manager and always ensure the owner’s permission has been obtained before photographing any specific car. Respect and professionalism go further than you might think.

Car Clubs

Car clubs are a wonderful way to meet passionate enthusiasts. Their gatherings and events make it easy to connect with owners and fellow car lovers who understand what drives us — literally and creatively.

They’re also an excellent source of local knowledge — who owns what, where special cars are kept, and what events are coming up. Every handshake could lead to your next great image.

Car Collectors

Car collectors are passionate but private. Their cars are valuable, rare, and often irreplaceable. Many prefer to keep their collections out of the public eye, which makes access a real challenge for us as photographers.

Trust is everything. Collectors trust other collectors, and that trust extends to the people those collectors recommend. Once you’ve photographed one car in a private collection, that owner becomes your reference to reach others.

Treat every car and every owner with respect. Be professional, careful when working around the cars, and grateful for the opportunity. Over time, word of mouth spreads — and so does your reputation and access follows.

The Rare and the Exotic — The Bucket List Cars

Then there are the cars every photographer dreams about — the one-of-one classics, the legendary supercars, the bucket list cars. These are the hardest to access, because collectors with rare models are constantly approached by photographers and content creators.

To earn that privilege, your portfolio must stand out — it needs to speak the language of craftsmanship and respect. I’ve learned that offering images in exchange for the opportunity to photograph a rare car can start a long-term relationship.

When you deliver stunning images that reveal the beauty of their car’s design, word travels fast within collector circles. One great image can open the door to the next car — and sometimes, the next continent.

Final Thoughts

Finding cars to photograph isn’t about luck. It’s about building relationships — through trust, consistency, and genuine passion.

Each connection becomes part of a larger journey.

Why this is important for me

For me, finding and photographing these cars is about far more than expanding a portfolio. It’s about preserving and celebrating the artistry of automotive design.

Every car I photograph tells a story of vision and craftsmanship. My goal is to share that beauty with the world — to make the already extraordinary, even more extraordinary.