Scottsdale photographer Bill Pack has been described as “an artist with the soul of a sculptor and the eye of a designer.”
And people who can get to the Showcases Exhibition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum this month will see why.
His “Painting With Light” exhibit shows off his stunning photos of 34 cars that won the Indy 500, reflecting his passion for race cars and automotive art and design.
The exhibition mirrors Pack’s book, “Epic Drama,” which depicts 34 Indy 500-winning cars. The exhibit is in its final weeks at the Speedway Museum, which is closing until April 2025 for an extensive renovation.
“The concept of ‘Painting With Light’ is not entirely new and traces its roots back to the earliest days of studio photography,” Pack said.
“What I’ve done over the years is meticulously refine and adapt this technique to achieve unparalleled mastery over my lighting.”
Pack differentiates his photographic style from “big-box lighting that dominates traditional commercial car photography.”
His goal is to transform the car “from a mere mechanical entity into an artistic masterpiece” by orchestrating light, shadow and texture so that each image “tells a compelling narrative.”
“Lighting is everything and is nothing short of magical,” said Pack. “It invites you to actively discover and see the car from a different point of view. These are the images that will long resonate with viewers long after they are seen.”
Pack’s work has led to collaborations and conversations with luminaries like Roger Penske, Jay Leno, and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, as well as private collectors worldwide.
It has also been celebrated at prestigious Concours events at Amelia Island and Pebble Beach and taken him to picturesque locations in Paris and the United Kingdom.
“I’m thrilled to share a special project that’s currently underway. My creative collaborator and I have been commissioned to create a bespoke book detailing part of Roger Penske’s exclusive car collection. It’s truly an honor and privilege to work closely with such an eminent figure like Roger on this endeavor,” he said.
Publicist Holly Morgan said OPack’s work instills interior designers with “a sense of movement, history, and passion.”
“His pieces can act as a focal point in a room and serve as a perfect complement, adding a layer of richness and depth,” Morgan said. “His work encourages designers to think outside the box, pushing the boundaries of traditional art placement and inviting conversation and admiration.”
Pack’s career in automotive photography began with an emphasis on advertising, collaborating with clients such as Apple Computer, Del Monte Foods, Visa, and others.
Over time, his approach to lighting and design became the foundation of his automotive imagery. In 2015, Pack’s focus shifted exclusively to post-war cars from the 1950s and 1960s, particularly the Italian V12s.
This inspired the name of his company, V12 Enterprises, reflecting his unique perspective on cars as pieces of art and design.
Pack’s work has also won several advertising awards at the San Francisco Show, the Communication Arts Magazine award for his current automotive work, a Gold ADDY Award for his Phoenix Art Museum book “Legends of Speed.”
Pack also had the opportunity to showcase his photography during a social media takeover of the Smithsonian Magazine’s Instagram platform for a week.
Early next year, Pack’s latest artistic work will be featured at the Celebration of Fine Art Scottsdale, offering art enthusiasts a chance to experience his distinctive car photography.
