Automotive Photographer Profile: Charlie Sant

Name: Charlie Sant

Business Name: KNGR Media

How long have you been shooting?
At least ten years! I’m 22 now and I’ve had a camera in my hand for most of my life. Having all the cool ProFlo built cars in the yard and workshop definitely inspired me, and I’ve been reading Street Machine since I was a kid and I was always inspired by their photography.

What do you shoot on?
This will probably sound like the least photographer thing to say, but I don’t really know! [laughs]. I toy around a lot using my phone’s camera for the stuff I post to socials and I taught myself the basics of shot composition using a cheap digital camera, but I’ve just started shooting for Street Machine so I’ve stepped on to a full body DSLR that I’m still learning the ropes on!

Does being a car guy help you zero in on the most interesting aspects of the cars?
Absolutely, I know what needs to be the hero of the shot because of my exposure to the cars. Also, having access to some of the best cars in Sydney helps the shoots come out well!

As well as your stills you’re dabbling with video too?
Absolutely. I got my photos to a point where I was happy with them and I wanted to try something else. I’ve done a few YouTube videos - event coverage as well as some feature style, interviewing the owner. Video is so time intensive, and it’s hard to fit it around my full time job, but it’s a good place to try out new editing techniques. I’d love to have the time to do more of it.

Have you got a favourite event to photograph, or do you focus mainly on feature shoots?
Summernats! Everyone and every cool car in Australia is in the one spot, and it’s always a big build up getting lots of customer cars ready - we always have plenty of customer cars at the event, and usually a handful of brand new builds being unveiled too

What’s your favourite shoot - in the build or finished product?
I love shooting the big builds when they’re finished - the kind of builds that we knew are going to break the internet! I’m fortunate enough to shoot a few cars of this caliber every year.

And now you’re getting published, shooting for Street Machine?
It is unbelievable! Ever since I started shooting I was emulating the Street Machine style. To be asked to shoot a feature article was a dream come true. I rarely shoot for paid projects, but shooting for Street Machine has motivated me to push harder with my photography.

What’s your number one tip for young photographers looking to get into it?
Take a minute to think about your shot - don’t be afraid to be inspired by other photographers and let that shape your own style. Learn the rules before you bend them. At first I was focused on taking normal, well composed shots and once I could do that I started to push the boundaries.

And what’s in your shed?
I’ve got my HK Kingswood, with a 400-cube small block Chev in it. It’s a nice streeter, and I’m building a Commodore at the moment - I won’t divulge which model but it’s going to be HSV inspired with a turbo LS. That’s all I’ll say about that!