Following a hugely successful sixth edition in September 2021 (which was the first international photography show for two years, following the pandemic), Photo London is returning to Somerset House from 12 to 15 May 2022 with a showcase of photographs spanning from the 1850s to the present day.

‘Photo London’s mission has always been to show the best of the past, present and future of photography. This edition is no exception, presenting exhibitors and artists whose work not only delights and surprises, but in many cases also challenges assumptions about what photography can be,’ say the fair’s founders Michael Benson and Fariba Farshad. Subjects range from global industrial landscapes to journalistic candids on the streets of New York City and, of course, automobiles.

With their clean lines, distinctive metal silhouettes and glossy paint jobs, cars –particularly ones of the classic or sporty variety –have long proved a magnet for photographers. Here, then, are Brummell’s exhibition picks for petrolheads.

Breezebrick Roadster – Midnight Modern, by Tom Blachford

One photographer capturing the shiny, alluring world of classic cars is Tom Blachford, represented by ARTITLEDcontemporary. Offering a perfect blend of architecture and motoring, Blachford’s moonlight-drenched shots often feature mid-century houses with handsomely lit vintage Porsches, BMWs and Ferraris, which feel otherworldly and cinematic. American artist Anastasia Samoylova, meanwhile, contrasts the tropical colours of Floridian landscapes with rusted cars, boats and barges, and will be giving a talk at Somerset House on Friday 13 May. She is represented by Galerie-Peter-Sillem.

Sticking with Americana, Camera Work will exhibit photographs from David Yarrow, whose eye-catching photograph of Cindy Crawford at a gas station, while two wolves perch in a convertible behind her, reinterprets her iconic 1992 Pepsi advertisement. And then there is the late David Wolf Kaye (presented by Parkinson’s UK), who travelled to every continent with his camera and captured a rich selection of retro cars in Cuba.

Rusted Car, Normany Shores, 2020 by Anastasia Samoylova. Courtesy Galerie-Peter-Sillem

One of the public programme highlights is a retrospective of 1950s fashion photographer Frank Horvat curated by his daughter, Fiammetta. He wasn’t afraid to ask his Vogue models to step out onto the streets for a snap and thus captured plenty of vehicles in the process. Of note is the fun Mate with Jaguar, shot in South Kensington, London in 1955.

Photo London runs 12-15 May 2022; photolondon.org