As I’ve been diving deeper into my photography journey this year, I came across Sebastiaan’s car photography during my research process, and it’s definitely made me pause and reflect on the way I approach my own shots. What stands out to me in his work is how he uses lighting and composition to transform what could just be a standard car photo into something almost sculptural. Each image tells a story about the car, but also about the way light, shape, and color can play together to bring out beauty.
One thing that really caught my attention was how Sebastiaan handles lighting. Car photography can be tricky—especially when you’re trying to highlight every curve and feature of the car without making it look flat or overly edited. But in his photos, light is used almost like a paintbrush. It molds the car’s shape, bringing out reflections in ways that make the surface of the car look almost liquid. The way he controls the light—whether it’s from natural sources or artificial—helps define every edge and smooth surface, showcasing the car’s design while avoiding harsh contrasts that could distract from its form. This is something I want to pay more attention to in my own work: lighting isn’t just about illuminating your subject; it’s about shaping it.
In a lot of Sebastiaan’s images, you’ll notice how he doesn’t shy away from using shadow. A lot of beginner photographers, myself included, tend to avoid shadow or darkness in favor of bright, evenly lit scenes. But his photos show how shadows can add texture and depth. Whether he’s using them to emphasize the contours of a car or to create contrast with lighter areas, they help tell the story of the car’s physicality. It’s like a visual language that says, “This car isn’t just an object; it’s something with personality.” The use of shadows also gives a sense of mystery and intrigue, which, in turn, makes the image feel more dynamic.
Another detail that stands out is how he incorporates the background in his shots. When you’re working with a subject as sleek and modern as a car, there’s often a temptation to either overemphasize the background or make it so neutral that it’s almost invisible. Sebastiaan strikes a balance by keeping the background relevant but not overwhelming. It complements the car without taking attention away from it. I find this something worth noting because it’s easy to think of the background as just “filler” when shooting any subject. But Sebastiaan shows that when it’s well thought out, the background can be just as important as the subject itself in telling the overall story.
A feature I must touch on of Sebastiaan’s work is his ability to shoot both close-up details and wide shots with equal care. Sometimes, car photography focuses too much on one or the other. A close-up might show off the intricate details of the wheels, the paint job, or the interior, while a wide shot might attempt to showcase the full vehicle in an environment. Sebastiaan, however, does both with a precision that captures the spirit of the car, whether he’s showing a small yet significant detail or an expansive view that positions the car within a certain context.
Something else I’ve noticed is the way Sebastiaan’s photos often have a cinematic quality. While I’m used to seeing car photography that focuses more on crisp, sharp images, Sebastiaan’s work feels more like a movie scene frozen in time. There’s a sense of motion even in the stillness, whether it’s the way the car gleams under a setting sun or how the background blurs just slightly to suggest speed. As someone who’s still figuring out how to balance stillness and movement in my own shots, it’s been inspiring to see how motion can be suggested without overt action.
From a technical standpoint, I can appreciate how Sebastiaan plays with different perspectives. Some shots are low and dramatic, emphasizing the car’s power and presence. Others are higher, offering a more refined, almost bird’s-eye view. Both perspectives showcase the car in completely different ways, adding variety to his portfolio and allowing him to tell different kinds of stories about the same subject.
Looking at Sebastiaan’s work has definitely given me a lot to think about. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of “just taking pictures,” but when you look at his shots, you realize how much is actually happening behind the scenes to make each image come to life. His ability to control light, frame his subject, and create a narrative through composition is something I definitely want to bring into my own photography.
What stands out the most about Sebastiaan’s approach is his mastery of the technical aspects of photography without sacrificing the emotional impact of his images. While I’ve always focused on the technical details, it’s clear that Sebastiaan has found a way to balance that with an artistic vision. His work shows that great photography doesn’t just require good gear or perfect lighting—it requires a deeper understanding of how to tell a story, capture a moment, and evoke emotion.
At the end of the day, Sebastiaan’s photography is a reminder that photography is about more than just capturing reality—it’s about interpreting it, shaping it, and presenting it in a way that makes people see things in a new light. For me, that’s the lesson I’ll take forward as I continue to grow as a photographer: Photography isn’t just about mastering tools; it’s about using those tools to communicate a unique vision.
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All photos belong to Sebastiaan van ‘t Hoog
Check out his website here: https://bysebas.com/en/
