A Conversation with Aniss Hamdane ~ Reliving the '90s car scene on film
1. Introduce yourself, where you’re from/located and what type of photography you primarily shoot.
Hey there! I'm Aniss, but you might know me as @anissturboturbo over on Instagram. I'm based in Montreal, Canada, where I specialize in automotive film photography.
2. How did you get into your chosen medium? Do you remember the catalyst that influenced your decision to begin your journey?
Amidst the quietude of lockdowns back in 2020, I was on the hunt for something to do. I stumbled upon a podcast featuring @elie, who talked about the charm of film photography. That very day, I dived into Kijiji (Canada's own Craigslist) and snagged the cheapest camera I could find. The same camera I use to ths day.
3. Can you share what sparked your passion for automotive photography, and what about the late 1980s/early 1990s has so much of your attention?
When I was a little kid, I was crazy about cars. Before most kids could differentiate between red and blue, I could tell you the name of every car that passed by. My toy box? Filled with cars. Video games? All about racing. My dad loves cars too, so maybe it's something I inherited through DNA.
I grew up in Algeria, and back then, we had a lot of used European cars on the road, like E30s, Renaults 5, etc. In my free time, I used to always play Gran Turismo 1 which introduced me to 90s Japanese legends like the Supras, NSXs, and RX7s. So, my passion for 90s cars stem from my nostalgia. I never outgrew that love for those cars, and honestly, I don't think I ever will.
4. What has been your favourite vehicle to photograph and is there still one that is your grail car, that you’ve yet to have the opportunity to capture?
My absolute favorites to photograph have been the E30 M3 and the Porsche 959. They aren't just cars; they're icons. Each of them has left an indelible mark on automotive history, and spotting one is like finding a rare gem – a thrill every time. As for the cars I'm itching to shoot? Well, it reads like a dream garage of automotive royalty. Picture the Countach , BMW M1, McLaren F1, XJ220, and the Bugatti EB110. And any car from the Group B era. These aren’t just cars to me; they’re legends.
5. You’ve captured a mix of european classics and japanese tuning, and have even owned a BMW 3 Series E36. Do you have a bias on where the best cars are made?
My first thought was that I'm pretty impartial. But if I dig deep, I have to confess – there's a soft spot in my heart for European cars. It's not that I don't appreciate Japanese ingenuity or get a kick out of American muscle; I truly do. Yet, there's just something about the charm and charisma of a BMW E30 M3, the allure of a pre-merger AMG, or the classic artistry of an old-school Italian that gets my pulse racing a bit faster. So, if we're keeping score, yeah, I guess you could say European classics have the edge in my book.
6. Car photography is a very specific niche in the photography community. How do you
find your subjects? Are there events you mainly attend?
Finding the perfect car to photograph is a mix of strategy and luck. I'm a regular at car events, especially @epicureclassics during the summertime. It's like a candy store for someone with my tastes – full of vehicles from the 2000s and earlier. However, with crowds buzzing around these beauties, it's a challenge to get that perfect shot. That's why I often opt for close-ups, to capture the essence of the car while sidelining the swarms of admirers.
But there's a distinct thrill in spotting cars in the wild'. There's something authentic about capturing these classics parked on streets, living their everyday lives. Though in Montreal, such sightings are a bit of a rarity since not many dare to park their vintage treasures curbside. Still, when it does happen, it's like striking gold.
7. Different cities have their own car cultures and unique car scenes. Are there any specific locations that have inspired you more than others? What is it about these places that sparks your creativity?
My roots in Algeria have deeply influenced the lens through which I view and capture cars. Seeing parking full of old BMWs and Benzes at restaurants, I find myself constantly striving to recreate those nostalgic scenes. When you scroll through my Instagram, I want it to evoke a sense of time travel, as though you've hopped into a time machine and landed smack in the middle of the '90s car scene.
While my travels have been limited, my wish list is expansive. I dream of wandering the streets of France, Germany, and Italy, capturing cars that echo the very essence of those places. But if there's one destination that tops my list, it's Japan. The iconic Daikoku PA is highkey my dream. Whenever I photograph Japanese cars, I aim to channel that unique energy and vibe, hoping to infuse my shots with a touch of the magic I associate with that place.
8. What is the camera (and film stock if applicable) that you're currently using while out
taking photographs? Can you share what drew you to this setup?
The camera that I always use is my trusty Canon At-1, my first camera. Every time I use it, it's not just about taking a photograph – it's a tangible experience. There's something inherently satisfying about its full mechanical nature: the distinctive sound of the shutter, the rhythmic pull of the lever advancing the film, and the ritual of loading and unloading a roll. Every click feels like an ASMR moment. It's become such an integral part of my routine that working with it feels as natural as breathing.
As for film stocks, I tend to lean towards the more "cheap" options: Kodak Gold, Colorplus, and Fujicolor. They possess a grainy texture that infuses my shots with that vintage flair I'm aiming for.
9. Can you share some insight into your creative process when looking for a composition or framing your photo? Any particular techniques you’d like to share?
Well, my approach might not be out of a textbook, but it's 100% me. I literally walk around the car, camera glued to my eyes, bending and adjusting slightly as I go. If you ever see someone looking a bit unconventional while snapping car photos, chances are, it's me! My girlfriend often captures these 'behind-the-scenes' moments, and while I sometimes cringe at how I appear, I can't deny it's my signature technique. It might look odd, but it gets the job done and captures the shot just the way I envision.
10. Do you have any other hobbies (creative or otherwise) that people don’t see being shared on social media?
Cooking is another passion of mine, and being plant-based adds an exciting challenge to the mix. There's been more than one occasion when I've toyed with the idea of sharing cooking reels, giving a sneak peek into my kitchen escapades. Beyond the stove, I'm a nature enthusiast. Hiking and simply being out in the great outdoors, connecting with the earth - it rejuvenates me. I also have a penchant for delving into holistic health, constantly seeking knowledge and ways to enhance well-being.
11. Do you have any creative projects you’re working on or excited about for the future?
The reception to my first book, 'CORNERS', blew me away. The overwhelming feedback has got the wheels turning for my next publication. Perhaps a magazine this time? And, in a slightly different lane, I've been playing around with the idea of diving into merch and clothing. So, there's a lot in the pipeline, and I'm really excited for what's to come.
To close out the interview, feel free to add any remarks you’d like to share about your work, inspirations or your thoughts on creativity.
As we wrap up, I'd love to share a little piece of advice for anyone out there with a passion, be it photography or anything else: believe in your craft and your unique perspective. When I first dipped my toes into car photography, to be honest, I was far from being a pro. But growth comes from dedication. It's easy to get sidetracked by the follower count or accolades of others on platforms like Instagram, but it's essential to remember that those numbers are not the measure of true talent.
It's about constant evolution, authenticity, and staying true to your vision. When I began carving out my unique style, I faced criticisms. Many thought I was capturing cars too up close. But those tight shots, those corners, they resonated with me. Instead of swaying with popular opinion, I stuck to what I loved. That very decision has shaped my distinct style today. So, to all the budding creatives out there: Stay true to yourself, embrace growth, and remember that the journey, with its highs and lows, is what molds your artistry.
