#13 Artist interview with - Thomas Boudewijn

In our blog series "Meet the Artist," we introduce a new visual artist in every installment.

In just five questions, you’ll learn more about their style, motivations, and experiences. At Picfee, we are always looking for artists who share their unique vision and style with the world.

This season, we spoke with Thomas van Boudewijn, a passionate photographer and graphic designer from Leek, near Groningen. Thomas combines his work in the coffee and food industry with his love for Car Fine Art Photography, focusing on capturing cars as true works of art. In this interview, he shares his story, creative process, and valuable tips for both aspiring and experienced photographers.

Read on to discover the world of car fine art through Thomas’s lens and dive into the fascinating world of automotive photography through his eyes.

14993: Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 3.2L uit 1973

1. Who are you, what do you do, and what gear do you prefer?

My name is Thomas Boudewijn, I’m 38 years old, and a father of two—a daughter aged 2.5 and a son aged 5. I work four days a week as a graphic designer and photographer in the coffee franchise industry, where I’m responsible for the visual branding of brands like Barista Cafe, Doppio Espresso, and Chocolate Company.

Beyond my regular job, I have a deep passion for Car Fine Art Photography, specifically focused on cars. My goal is to portray cars in a unique way, highlighting their curves, angles, and design lines. I use the Focused Diffused Lighting (FDL) technique to create visual art that showcases a car's design in a distinct manner. This technique allows me to work flexibly and shoot on location without the need for a studio.  

Gear:

For my photography, I use a Nikon D850, paired with lenses like the 90mm, which helps me achieve deep sharpness while maintaining realism. I typically shoot between 50mm and 90mm for a perspective that closely matches human vision without distortion. My aperture settings range between f/8 and f/16, ensuring the subject (often a detail) remains sharp. I always shoot with a tripod and use multiple exposures for each image. My lighting setup includes the Godox AD300 Pro, a battery-powered studio flash that I control wirelessly. By moving around the car and flashing through a reflector screen, I create soft, evenly distributed light. This broken light adds high contrast, soft shadows, and flowing lines, bringing out the best of the car's design. Combining multiple exposures during post-processing, I craft a true fine art masterpiece.  

15153: Ferrari F8 Tributo Spider

2. What is your preferred style in photography or graphic design?

My preference lies in Car Fine Art Photography and minimalism. I strive to pay homage to car design in a unique way, focusing primarily on exclusive and classic cars that balance luxury, history, nostalgia, cult status, sportiness, and design. My unique touch lies in my lighting technique. By working with short flashes and creating a dark background, the car's design takes center stage and almost leaps out of the image. This approach allows me to create abstract art from car details that enthusiasts immediately recognize. What I love most about this style is its flexibility—I can apply it virtually anywhere, under any lighting conditions, while maintaining the same high quality.

3. Who are your biggest inspirations in photography?

I have two major inspirations. Early in my career, I took fairly generic shots, but automotive photographer Tim Wallace inspired me to specialize in Car Fine Art Photography. His work motivated me to develop my own style. I also learned a great deal from Sarel van Staden, another Car Fine Art photographer, particularly regarding the FDL technique. Both artists have significantly influenced my approach and helped shape my journey as a Car Fine Art photographer.

15478: 1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

4. What is your favorite work of your own?

One of my favorite photos is of the Spyker C8 Double12S, taken at The Amsterdam Motorshow two years ago. It’s an image that speaks, evokes wonder, and conveys emotion—I truly feel I created a masterpiece.

I’m also very proud of my photo of a classic Ferrari Dino 246 GT from 1970. This rare car gave me the chance to turn an already existing masterpiece on wheels into a work of art through my photography.

15163: Spyker C8 Double12S #208

5. What tips would you share with other photographers?

Tip 1: Focus on your passion: Avoid trying to master too many styles. To grow professionally, you need to perfect your own style and specialize. This helps you build a unique identity as a photographer.

Tip 2: Don’t fear setbacks: Photography can be challenging, and setbacks are inevitable. Don’t let potential obstacles discourage you. Take risks and persevere.

Tip 3: Keep experimenting and learning: Photography is a continuous learning process. Keep exploring, testing, and trying new techniques. Things may not always work out as planned, but failure is a vital part of the journey. It’s through these experiences that you grow the most.

Car Fine Art Photography: Art on Wheels

Thomas van Boudewijn has a unique approach to photography, transforming cars into works of art through his expertise in lighting and composition. His focus on minimalism and fine art allows him to capture the essence of car design in a way that resonates with both art and car enthusiasts.

At Picfee, we take pride in sharing stories like Thomas’s. They remind us that photography is more than just capturing an image—it’s an art form that conveys emotion, beauty, and passion while inspiring and captivating others. We hope this interview inspires you to develop your own style and follow your passion for photography, wherever it may take you.