Anthony Schmidt, an 18-year-old photographer with autism, is traveling Route 66 with his mom, capturing the centennial celebration through forced perspective photography of model cars. At first glance, Schmidt’s photos appear to feature life-sized classic cars. But upon closer inspection, the vehicles are actually model cars, photographed to create the illusion of full-sized vehicles. “It’s pretty easy, anyone can do it,” Schmidt said. Using his iPhone, Schmidt began experimenting with photography when he was just six years old. “I just figured it out on my own,” Schmidt said. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age seven, Schmidt has combined his passions for cars and photography, growing his collection to more than 3,500 model cars. “I also got a ’46 Chrysler and a couple ’20s like an Auburn and Model T. They all have six volts,” Schmidt said. He has published two books, created calendars, and built a following online. Now, Schmidt is embarking on his biggest project yet. “It looks good with this Monterey Motel, built in 1946,” Schmidt said. To celebrate the centennial year, Schmidt is traveling Route 66 with his mom in a 1957 Ford Custom, photographing his model cars at iconic spots along the way. “It’s got 270 A/C, two windows down at 70 miles an hour,” Schmidt said. “I always wanted to do it. We’re gonna stop at all historic landmarks,” he added. From Oklahoma’s Sandhill Curiosity Shop to California’s Wigwam Motel, Schmidt is documenting the journey one photo at a time. “Really good ones, there’s a couple that I missed. The Blue Swallow was probably our best,” Schmidt said. During a stop in Albuquerque at the Monterey Motel, Schmidt walked through his process, carefully adjusting angles, shadows, and details to ensure the perfect shot. “Well, we’re gonna move it back a little bit, open the door, let’s move the car back here,” Schmidt said. “Here’s how the shot came out,” he said, showcasing the final picture. Schmidt’s work is more than photography—it’s shifting perspectives on model cars and autism, inspiring others to see possibilities where they may have once seen limitations. “Always chase your dreams, and if you want to do it, do it. Don’t wait. Life is too short to hesitate and not do things,” Schmidt said. Through his lens, Schmidt is offering the world a glimpse of Route 66—and his unique perspective.
Anthony Schmidt, an 18-year-old photographer with autism, is traveling Route 66 with his mom, capturing the centennial celebration through forced perspective photography of model cars.
At first glance, Schmidt’s photos appear to feature life-sized classic cars. But upon closer inspection, the vehicles are actually model cars, photographed to create the illusion of full-sized vehicles.
“It’s pretty easy, anyone can do it,” Schmidt said.
Using his iPhone, Schmidt began experimenting with photography when he was just six years old.
“I just figured it out on my own,” Schmidt said.
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age seven, Schmidt has combined his passions for cars and photography, growing his collection to more than 3,500 model cars.
“I also got a ’46 Chrysler and a couple ’20s like an Auburn and Model T. They all have six volts,” Schmidt said.
He has published two books, created calendars, and built a following online. Now, Schmidt is embarking on his biggest project yet.
“It looks good with this Monterey Motel, built in 1946,” Schmidt said.
To celebrate the centennial year, Schmidt is traveling Route 66 with his mom in a 1957 Ford Custom, photographing his model cars at iconic spots along the way.
“It’s got 270 A/C, two windows down at 70 miles an hour,” Schmidt said.
“I always wanted to do it. We’re gonna stop at all historic landmarks,” he added.
From Oklahoma’s Sandhill Curiosity Shop to California’s Wigwam Motel, Schmidt is documenting the journey one photo at a time.
“Really good ones, there’s a couple that I missed. The Blue Swallow was probably our best,” Schmidt said.
During a stop in Albuquerque at the Monterey Motel, Schmidt walked through his process, carefully adjusting angles, shadows, and details to ensure the perfect shot.
“Well, we’re gonna move it back a little bit, open the door, let’s move the car back here,” Schmidt said.
“Here’s how the shot came out,” he said, showcasing the final picture.
Schmidt’s work is more than photography—it’s shifting perspectives on model cars and autism, inspiring others to see possibilities where they may have once seen limitations.
“Always chase your dreams, and if you want to do it, do it. Don’t wait. Life is too short to hesitate and not do things,” Schmidt said.
Through his lens, Schmidt is offering the world a glimpse of Route 66—and his unique perspective.
