Photographer Benedict Redgrove showcases his automotive portfolio in Auto Photo Manual

Auto Photo Manual is a new monograph from Benedict Redgrove that explores the art and science of photographing the world’s most striking cars

The Bertone-designed Lancia Stratos Zero photographed by Benedict Redgrove
(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

Many of the most memorable automotive shoots we’ve commissioned for Wallpaper* over the years have been the work of photographer Benedict Redgrove. Combining his love of all things automotive – the more eccentric and exotic the better – with architectural photography and extensive, innovative post-production work, Redgrove has also shot for many of the major manufacturers, from Aston Martin and McLaren through to Polestar and Roborace’s self-driving car.

Auto Photo Manual, by Benedict Redgrove

Auto Photo Manual, by Benedict Redgrove

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

Over two decades’ worth of assignments have been brought together in this new book, which not only presents the striking finished images, but goes behind the scenes to explore the meticulous physical set-ups and lighting rigs that Redgrove has developed to shoot cars in both physical and virtual environments.

Lotus Esprit S1, from Auto Photo Manual

Lotus Esprit S1, from Auto Photo Manual

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

Behind the scenes at the Lotus Esprit S1 shoot

Behind the scenes at the Lotus Esprit S1 shoot

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

Auto Photo Manual follows the pattern taken with Redgrove's earlier publishing venture, The NASA Project (featured in our 2017 article), as it chronicles how an obsessive interest can be parlayed into art.

As the title suggests, Auto Photo Manual is both a portfolio and a how-to book, a behind-the-scenes look into the evolution of the world of car photography. At the same time, the machines themselves become more complex and elaborate, demanding more and more from the photographer as they attempt to bridge the worlds of art and science.

Aston Martin Valkyrie Concept, from Auto Photo Manual

Aston Martin Valkyrie Concept, 2016, from Auto Photo Manual

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

Redgrove has proved more than adept at balancing these demands. He sometimes chooses to shoot all-white cars, all the better to explore their form language and juxtapose it with architectural backdrops, be they real, CGI or a post-production blend of the two.

Roborace robotic racing car, from Auto Photo Manual

Roborace's robotic racing car, from Auto Photo Manual

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

One of his early Wallpaper* commissions, a shoot at the now-defunct Bertone design studio in Turin, is shown here, a rare occasion where car and location could be perfectly dovetailed in camera. Shoots for Giugiaro and Pininfarina are also included, making up some of the definitive images of these legendary names.

Aston Martin Valkyrie Concept, 2016, from Auto Photo Manual

Aston Martin Valkyrie Concept, 2016, from Auto Photo Manual

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

Behind the scenes at the Aston Martin Valkyrie Concept shoot

Getting the shot: Behind the scenes with the Aston Martin Valkyrie Concept

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

Finding, or creating, a location is as much of an art as lighting, composition and post-production, and all this painstaking background work is chronicled in the book. Redgrove is also explicit about the role of neurodivergence on his approach, and how it affects the way he approaches a shoot.

McMurtry Spéirling, from Auto Photo Manual

McMurtry Spéirling, from Auto Photo Manual

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

‘I wanted to make a book that shows the work and projects in their entirety,’ Redgrove explains. ‘Often, I create a large body of work, but due to space or budget, only a few images are shown in magazines or campaigns. This way, I can release the full sets and talk about the how, why, when, and where of the images, which I often get asked about.’

Red Bull RB12 F1 car, 2016, from Auto Photo Manual

Shooting the Red Bull RB12 F1 car, 2016, from Auto Photo Manual

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

A must-have for automotive enthusiasts, photography fans and art directors of all stripes, Auto Photo Manual is a beautiful and essential visual guide to the art of car design, the craft of photography, the importance of composition and the creative processes that bring it all to life.

Saab Aero-X concept, from Auto Photo Manual

Saab Aero-X concept, from Auto Photo Manual

(Image credit: Benedict Redgrove)

Auto Photo Manual is available to back on Kickstarter.com

Auto-Photo-Manual.com, BenedictRedgrove.com, @BenedictRedgrove

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.