Hugues Vanhoolandt: Open Gallery

Almost every photo is a pleasure, every angle unique, and he’s equally good with people (he makes the models wink), action shots and stills. His older images are as exciting as the ones taken in today. Hugues came to our attention in early 2008 submitting a story about the Tour Auto in France. He has not left our screen since.

Hugues Vanhoolandt was born 42 years ago in Tournai Belgium, a town almost totally destroyed in WWII. (It is now restored to its medieval state and says Hugues, worth a visit.) At 10 he was a race fan and idolized Jacky Ickx and Mario Andretti. He grew up to be an accountant with same firm as his father, and has been there for 22 years. His position enables him to travel to satisfy his passion for cars and photography, a hobby he shares with other friends. “I learned the art of photography by myself with the help of my friends. Today I use a Canon EOS550D (Rebel T2i in the US) with Canon lenses (28-135 and 70-300).” It didn’t take too long to get noticed. “My first pictures were published in the French magazine Rétro-Passion in 2002. Then I had pictures published in Cavallino Magazine, and on VeloceToday already two years now, to my great satisfaction.” So how does one come back with all those great shots? “To be good, a photographer must have sense of the aesthetic and be very passionate about the subject,” he said.

His normal mode of transportation is a Peugeot 406, but does not have a classic. “I’d like to have a Lancia B20 or Alfa GTZ but I have no skill with mechanics.” What Hugues lacks with a wrench he more than makes up for with the camera. Readers comments are welcome!