René Staud : ASTON MARTIN 'Rapide' sports car, MERCEDES-BENZ China automobile anniversary campaign and FORD SUV concept study

In 2011, ASTON MARTIN presents 'Rapide' - a four door sports car, with new motifs and a new advertising campaign. The René Staud Photography team created the stylish, yet subtle and dynamic look for the photographs taken on location in Salzburg and Barcelona.

The crew also accompanied the first introduction of the model in 2009. The pictures will be used in the worldwide catalogue and online campaign, to encourage a rapid spread of the ‘Rapide’ word.

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the autmobile, René and his team produced an elaborate anniversary campaign for MERCEDES-BENZ China. The location for the six motifs was the new MERCEDES-BENZ Arena in Shanghai.

Some of the 14 vehicles, which are featured on the pictures had to be photographed in Peking due to logistical reasons, three vehicles were even done in full CGI. The pictures were released over a six-day countdown to the opening of the arena.

The arena was built for the 2010 World Exhibition and sports 18,000 seats, making it the largest concert venue in China. Mercedes booked Hong-Kong popstar Alan Tam and Chinese singer Jane Zhang to celebrate its 125th anniversary in the arena.

FORD introduced their compact SUV 'Vertrek' concept study to the public at the Detroit Motor Show. René Staud Photography created the studio pictures and interior imagery.

The photographs' production took place at the same time as the film shoot in the Turin studio. The study's exterior shots emphasise the design and sport a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic.