November 6th, 2002

Don Heiny is one of our favorite photographers, and keeps busy with a wide variety of assignments. I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Don on a number of stories, and watched in envy as he performs miracles under most difficult circumstances. Don is a true pro, an increasingly rare phenomenon in the world of digital snapshots.

In addition to shows and races, Don also works from his studio in Connecticut, bringing in some of the most interesting vintage cars as inside subjects. Naturally, the shots are great material for a calendar, and fortunately Don has had one made up for the 2003 year. And naturally, Don’s calendar clearly reflects his consummate professionalism and great eye for art.

By making use of a totally black background, Don has given the portraits a look of luxury and high quality, often missing from the run of the mill outside lawn and garden shots typical of most car calendars. The trick is, of course, in the subtle and not-so-subtle use of lighting. Each car has unique and beautiful lines which are captured most effectively by the studio lights. Interestingly, the vintage race cars from the fifties such as the C and D type Jags perform best under those conditions, allowing the play of light to accentuate the luscious curves.

For Italian car fans, Don has included the Ferrari 312T, a Maserati Zagato, one of the original cycle-fendered OSCAs, and several other Ferraris. All lend themselves to Don’s camera in a most spectacular fashion.

While the cars are identified, their individual histories are not encapsulated. Again, this is true of most automotive calendars, but perhaps would be a good idea to include in an information page.

Don’s Vintage Race Cars Calendar is available for $11.99 plus shipping from Brown Trout Publishers, at www.browntrout.com.

All images of the Vintage Car Calendar are copyright Don Heiny. Photographic prints of the cars featured on the Vintage Race Cars calendar are available to be purchased directly from Don at dheiny@mohawk.net. A perfect gift. Prices are

16 x 20 - $365.00 + shipping
24 x 36 - $470.00 + shipping