Ever wonder where those stunning freeze-frame images for auto maker ads and press releases come from? In Spotlight: Automotive Photography Automopedia takes a look at the people behind the lens. To the viewer, pretty pictures of cars may be something nice to pin on your Apple’s desktop – for car companies (and the artists who shoot such work) one photo can make or break a sale. This time around we’re taking a look at Todd Johnson Productions Inc. – whose campaigns have included photo shoots with Mercury, Suzuki, Opel, Toyota and Nissan.

From Todd Johnson’s Bio: Todd Johnson is an award-winning photographer whose work with automobiles and action photography has been leading a new generation of shooters for nearly a decade.Todd deliberately works with only a few clients at a time so he can devote himself to each step of any project even in the busiest time of year. Saatchi and Saatchi of LA have hired Todd repeatedly for the last eight years to shoot for Toyota, often at Toyota’s request. Todd’s work for Toyota includes the launch of the Sequoia, RAV4, New Tacoma, and PreRunner as well as work on Supra, Solara, Camry, Land Cruiser, Avalon, T100, Celica, and Tercel. Other clients include Opel, Suzuki, Coca-Cola, Kodak, Mazda, Infiniti, Nissan, Mercedes, Sea-Doo, Mack Trucks, Wired, Polaris, Mitsubishi, Honda, Mercury, and BF Goodrich.

Todd’s images of Toyota cars, trucks and SUV’s as well as shots for most other major car companies, have adorned websites and official press releases for years. His images place each vehicle in a real life situation, on a road or street that appears part waking world, part dream-scape. We hope your eyes enjoy, and check back soon for another Spotlight: Automotive Photography from Automopedia.

All Images Copyright Todd Johnson Productions Inc.