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Ken Phuong  (kenp.pullfolio.com) is a talented automotive photographer.

“Hello everyone, my name is Ken Phuong, and I am a commercial photographer operating out of the Oakland, Ca area. My main interests are in the automotive, and still life categories. I find that still life photography is not only abundant, but extremely hard to shoot well. Anyone can pick up a camera and snap shots. But the challenge of making a statement, or telling a story with what is essentially a stationary object is what allured me towards this discipline.”

Ken can be contacted for inquires at ken@spotninestudio.com

Time attack Evo, Button Willow, CA

I got my start in photography while in high school because I needed an elective to finish out my high school requirements. I definitely did not foresee it becoming a passion, nor a career.  I don’t really know what else to say about this, other than the art of photography requires a lot of sacrifices in order to do it well. It challenges you with every new subject that you encounter because it will require you to think the shot through. It also requires that you have an open mind and is able to adapt well to the constantly changing scene. These attributes of photography appeal to my competitive spirit. It challenges me to do better, and having no real end in sight, gives me the feeling that the journey will go on forever.

Q&A with Pullfolio:

How did you get started?
I destroyed my first camera at age 7, does that count? haha. But it was in high school, that i really pursued photography as more than just a snap shooter. As with everything, knowledge is power, and what i learned really opened my eyes and gave me a new perspective on what photography is really all about.

Collage, Alameda NAS

What work do you want to do, and why?
I am primarily a still life photographer. I started out photographing cars and landscape and eventually moved onto other subjects. However photographing cars has always been something of a passion of mine. The automobile has always been America’s sweetheart in a way. Many men would consider their vehicles to be an extension of their soul. For automotive photographers, the trick is to find and bring out that soul. This can be challenging with “boring cars”.

RS 2.5 front, Treasure Island, CA

What motivates you as a photographer – and do you have any idols in the photography world?
My motivation comes from my desire to always better myself and everything that I do. Some would call it the competitive spirit, I say its because im afraid of failure. I have a lot of photographers whom I look up to. I would routinely run across different shooting styles, and try to incorporate them into my repertoire. In the automotive world, there is no one more famous than Easton Chang from Australia. I recall seeing his work for the first time about 6yrs ago and thought to myself that this has to be the epitomy of automotive photography. But every year, he proves me wrong by upping the bar by which we all measure ourselves. For this, my appreciation goes out to Easton for forcing the rest of us to better ourselves. He is a true pioneer in the modern automotive photography world.

RS 2.5 rear, Treasure Island, CA

So show us your best image, and tell us why it is?
I dont really have a favorite image because I always try to do something different with every shoot. Also you are your own worst critic. But if I had to pick something that I feel very strongly about, it would have to be this one:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Oakland, CA

I’m really proud of this particular shot because I was working in an adverse lighting condition, the dreaded high noon harsh sunlight, and was still able to pull off the subtle tonal transitions, and not have too many blown highlights. Overall, the composition of the shot, the stance of the car, and the clouds all came together well for me that day.

RS 2.5 interior, Treasure Island, CA

What do you plan to do in future?
I am in the process of putting together a digital studio in the Oakland area. My goal is to provide a creative photographic haven for photographers to come and either learn the art, or take it to the next level. The studio will offer subject specific training workshops, in addition to entry level photography classes, to advanced studio lighting courses. We also offer studio space rental on a hourly, monthly, and yearly basis. Our studios would come with everything you would need to start shooting. All you would need is to bring a camera.

Widebody MR2 Spyder, Alameda CA

For the gearheads: what equipment do you use?

My current stable of gear includes a

- 5D MkII,

- 24-70 f2.8L

- 70-200 f2.8L

- Cybersync trigger and receivers

- Seconic light meter

- Alien Bee strobes and ring flash.

Tire marks, Alameda NAS

What do you think of Pullfolio so far?
I love it! probably one of the greatest applications for the up and coming photographer. I will be pushing my students to sign up and use this for their portfolios.

Thank you. And now, let’s see some images!

Acura NSX @ Ikea Emeryville, CA

Old School Mustang, Emeryville, Ca

Honda S2000, San Francisco, CA

Honda S2000 valve cover, San Francisco, CA

Subaru WRX, Treasure Island, CA

Crawford Performance Engine Bay, Button willow, CA

Crawford Performance STi, Button Willow, CA

Mercedes E55, San Francisco, CA

Lotus Elise Interior, Oakland, CA

Lotus Elise Steering Wheel, Oakland, Ca

Mazda Miata, San Francisco, CA

Nissan 240, Alameda, CA

Ken can be contacted for inquires at ken@spotninestudio.com