Pro Formula 1 Photographer Builds Stunning Scale Models

Professional photographer, Steve Mohlenkamp, shares his process for creating realistic, beautiful photographs of his precise and detailed models that take years to build. Matthew Wells of Scale Motorsport introduces Steve to fellow photographer, Doug Whyte. Plus two amazing dioramas, a tip for recreating carbon fiber, and a Formula One story.

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This video was recorded in the lobby of the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel. We thank them for their hospitality and accommodations the weekend of GSL.

Thank you to our Tier 3 Patrons: David Heisey, James Rondos, Frank Steffens, and Tier 5 Patron: Mark S. Gustavson, Esq.

Scale models and F1 photos © Steve Mohlenkamp, used with permission
Music: Rest Easy - Vans in Japan, YouTube Audio Library, Standard'Subscribe' clip by Imotivation, from Pixabay, CC0 1.0
© 2024 by Model Car Muse. All rights reserved.

Thanks for watching!

[ModelCarMuse]

Thank you, Steve and Matthew, for an enjoyable visit, and for sharing Steve's work with the scale car model community.
Thank you to our Tier 5 Patron, Mark S. Gustavson, Esq.

[modelmartin]

I saw his Senna diorama at GSL some years ago and loved it. It was so well done and memorable.

[idoxlrer]

Fortunate enough to see Steve’s work on the Model Factory Hiro Forum. It’s great stuff.

[THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid.... Sure gonna miss going to the GSL Show!

[ronalddrain]

Amazing story. Thanks for sharing. Awesome work!

[NitroModelsAndComics]

I am just starting my year long Tamiya 1/20 McLaren MP4/4 build with a Top Studio full detail kit as well as Studio 27 full carbon decal sheet.

I will want to document the build but also the finished build. This video is timely.

Thanks Doug.

BTW, the builds are excellent.

[johndillon]

That was a great little piece. Fantastic modeling and photography. Impossible to duplicate.

[jeffwallen]

What a awesome video. Steve is a great friend! His passion for F1 and photography is second to none. I have seen his MP4/6 in person, what a fantastic model. But what he did for the diorama was off the chart. He is not kidding about taking a year to do the garage after spending 5 years building the car. True professional at what he does at the model bench and behind the glass with his Nikons!

[keithbillett]

Hats off to you Steve for such an array of talent. Bringing all your many finely honed modeling, photographic, and visionary skills together. To then capture a life moment in photo form with your model build is an impressive set of peramiters. Your drive and dedication are amazing achievement's! Double fists bump up to you Steve. A Thank you to Matthew and Doug for what you both brought to the discussion.

[TomDolan-oqcw]

Steve is a friend of mine and is an amazing modeler and photographer.

[mikedelaney]

Thank you for this segment. Quite an excellent mixture of f1 modeling and photography. Great episode.

[mitchbarber]

Thats Patience to take 5years detail outstanding craftsmanship

[scaleffect]

Great interview, what incredible talent for both mediums!

[marcosfernandeznanita]

Really cool concept, thanks for sharing, i always find photographing really interesting, did some work back in college but never thought on doing that for models like that level

[kyledehartsscaleworks]

Truly incredible. Thank you for sharing.

[jrstudioboss]

I LOVE Steve’s statement statement about experience, “ there’s no substitute for it, there’s no substitute in anything. Everybody thinks there’s some magic formula in stead of hard work and experience, it usually turns out there’s not. I’ve found out the secret is usually that there is no secret”

Amazing perspective on all of life and there’s a generation that has no concept of it!

[ScaleDreamsStudio]

One of the most interesting modeling and photography videos on YouTube!
For me, this was a treat. This is coming from someone who builds models and does photography also.

[MasteringTheModel]

Thank you Doug. Watching Steve Mohlenkamp and the passion he has for building models and photographing them was very much a joy.

[roysorenson]

Mannn, I wish I had met this guy at GSL! I was a track photographer at Laguna Seca and Sonoma Raceway for over ten years!

[grahamc]

Thumbs up just doesn't do it. Wow! ( and then some )
cheers, Graham