Beginner Canon EOS 2000D - Car photography-Lenses

Kacper0330

Kacper0330

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Kacper
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Hello everyone,

I have just started using Canon EOS 2000D with 18-55mm lens. I use the camera mainly for taking photos of my car but I don't feel like either camera or lens is good for it.

So the main two questions are:
1) Is Canon EOS 2000D suitable for this kind of photos (for begginer)
2) what lens would you suggest to use.

Thanks for the help in advance.
 
Kacper0330 said:
Hello everyone,

I have just started using Canon EOS 2000D with 18-55mm lens. I use the camera mainly for taking photos of my car but I don't feel like either camera or lens is good for it.

So the main two questions are:
1) Is Canon EOS 2000D suitable for this kind of photos (for begginer)
2) what lens would you suggest to use.

Thanks for the help in advance.
Click to expand...
Hi Kacper0330,

I'm new here myself, welcome along

I use to use a Canon 1300D with the same lens and got along ok, what sort of image are you trying to go for?

The kit should be a good start, could be lighting or shooting angles that are not working?
 
Welcome to TP, hope you hang around to make the most of the answers you’ll get.

The camera is more capable than almost anything built before 2000, so the majority of iconic images in existence were taken on ‘lesser’ cameras.

Lenses are the reason we have interchangeable lens cameras, some are ‘ok’ (like yours) and some are phenomenal (at a price).

It’s likely not the gear that’s the weak link here (though it might be), as above, show us what you’ve got so far, or links to what you’re trying to achieve - or both, and you’ll get all the answers you could wish for.

I haven’t mentioned lighting - but the clue is in the name photography is literally painting with light. Both artistically and scientifically what you’re trying to do is paint a picture by manipulating light. Your camera and lens are merely the method of capturing that light - there’s a whole other question about light sources.
 
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As already said, the camera is more than capable, the lens is ok.
It really will come down to your skill and if you are willing to put the effort in to learn. There is a wealth of experience in this forum, from amateur (as in not not being paid), too professional photographers.
 
I'm attaching a few photos that I did. So I'm mostly going to do this kind of photos. So any tips will be appreciated. As you lot have mentioned it will have a lot to do with angles and lighting so I have to figure that out .
 

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What’s wrong with them?

(in your view - obviously I could list what I don’t like, but they’d maybe be choices you made).

They all appear to be taken in low light levels; is this a choice? Why?
 
I think it may be angles and lighting that needs to be played with, car photography isn't really my thing but I think they are best shot at really low angles or from above, as shots from standing eye height can look bland as we are all used to seeing them at that angle.
 
Just one general point

you have to remember that your picture is ‘of’ exactly what’s in the viewfinder, so if you want a picture of a ‘car’ it’s no good pointing your camera at a car, a tree, a fence and a house.

There’s a lot of other things in your images, along with the general care needed about camera angles, focus, shutter speed etc. And remember that cars are also big reflective objects.
 
Phil V said:
What’s wrong with them?

(in your view - obviously I could list what I don’t like, but they’d maybe be choices you made).

They all appear to be taken in low light levels; is this a choice? Why?
Click to expand...

Yeah I prefer to do photos in low light. Or even in a darker scenery. I personally think the car shows better that way.
I would be happy to hear what you dont like about it. It's always something new to look out for and learn from that.
 
Gav-canon said:
I think it may be angles and lighting that needs to be played with, car photography isn't really my thing but I think they are best shot at really low angles or from above, as shots from standing eye height can look bland as we are all used to seeing them at that angle.
Click to expand...
Yeah I can agree. I'm just starting with it so I'm taking everything on board to improve. Thanks
 
I think the light displays reflecting off the cars paint work and windscreen distract from the car itself, Location would be another to watch.

I'm sure others will be better help than me, I hope you find a style you like soon :)
 
My opinion is you need to watch your backgrounds and to control reflections. Some reflections could be reduced with a polariser filter, others would have to be masked somehow. In a studio set or a bigger budget shoot they would have screen to cut out reflections.

Andrew (C5 RS6 owner)
 
andrewc said:
My opinion is you need to watch your backgrounds and to control reflections. Some reflections could be reduced with a polariser filter, others would have to be masked somehow. In a studio set or a bigger budget shoot they would have screen to cut out reflections.

Andrew (C5 RS6 owner)
Click to expand...
I will have a look into those filters. Thanks mate
 
I think the camera & lens should be okay to begin with.

As mentioned, I think the 'issues' are certainly the location and also reflections - the "car park with houses behind" images do nothing for me at all.

First one is the best of the bunch and the most distracting thing there is the car in the background on the right imo

Firstly, a polariser is pretty much a must to have in the bag (regardless) imo but especially for car photography. Also, use a good tripod - you may well be already - in which case you can turn the polariser to kill the all reflections you want in several images & blend in PP if you are being that particular. You will often find getting rid of the reflections on the side of the car won't get rid of the reflections on the bonnet.... ;) Again, referring to the first image, an ND filter would allow a slightly longer shutter speed without going to a small aperture and your people in the image would 'ghost' & also not be as distracting.

Personally, I also prefer medium to longer focal lengths for car photography rather than wide angle. Wide distorts things too much & includes too much unwanted background! I typically go 85mm full frame or maybe 40mm.
 
Hi @Kacper0330 and welcome to TP

Firstly, car photography is not my bag though I have shot some over the years.

But as @Phil V asks 'what is it about them (those you posted) ' you do not like? As posted by a few others suggestions as to how to improve them....................IMO without some insight as to what & why they disappoint you may not be able to execute any suggestions to your satisfaction, as perhaps any suggestions without knowing what it is you seek to "improve".

Photography is all a "learning curve" but that does not happen in isolation ;)

All the best with your photographic journey :)
 
LeeRatters said:
I think the camera & lens should be okay to begin with.

As mentioned, I think the 'issues' are certainly the location and also reflections - the "car park with houses behind" images do nothing for me at all.

First one is the best of the bunch and the most distracting thing there is the car in the background on the right imo

Firstly, a polariser is pretty much a must to have in the bag (regardless) imo but especially for car photography. Also, use a good tripod - you may well be already - in which case you can turn the polariser to kill the all reflections you want in several images & blend in PP if you are being that particular. You will often find getting rid of the reflections on the side of the car won't get rid of the reflections on the bonnet.... ;) Again, referring to the first image, an ND filter would allow a slightly longer shutter speed without going to a small aperture and your people in the image would 'ghost' & also not be as distracting.

Personally, I also prefer medium to longer focal lengths for car photography rather than wide angle. Wide distorts things too much & includes too much unwanted background! I typically go 85mm full frame or maybe 40mm.
Click to expand...
Thanks! Tripod arrived only today so will be using it from now on. I'm having look Into the filters.
 
1dmouse said:
I have been watching this guy on YouTube https://youtube.com/c/NorthBorders and he shoots a lot at night, OK he uses some expensive glass but perhaps his videos will give you some tips? It seems location and light are just as important as the car it’s itself but with the kit you have and a tripod you can still get great results.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I will check it out!
 
Box Brownie said:
Hi @Kacper0330 and welcome to TP

Firstly, car photography is not my bag though I have shot some over the years.

But as @Phil V asks 'what is it about them (those you posted) ' you do not like? As posted by a few others suggestions as to how to improve them....................IMO without some insight as to what & why they disappoint you may not be able to execute any suggestions to your satisfaction, as perhaps any suggestions without knowing what it is you seek to "improve".

Photography is all a "learning curve" but that does not happen in isolation ;)

All the best with your photographic journey :)
Click to expand...
It's hard to explain what I dont like about them. It's just something that is missing. But as everyone said, it might be to the light and angles as well as the location. I will be doing more to test out different angles, lights, locations etc etc. I'm not expecting miracles especially when Im only just starting. It's just good to be pointed in the right direction.
 
Kacper0330 said:
It's hard to explain what I dont like about them. It's just something that is missing. But as everyone said, it might be to the light and angles as well as the location. I will be doing more to test out different angles, lights, locations etc etc. I'm not expecting miracles especially when Im only just starting. It's just good to be pointed in the right direction.
Click to expand...

As a sort of focal length & distortion comparison.....

20mm

*** by Lee, on Flickr

85mm

*** by Lee, on Flickr

Personally, I much prefer the 85mm focal length than the wide stuff. I don't like the repeated distortion especially when shot at a low angle (which I can't demonstrate because I don't have any!) I took a single 20mm frame here just for a 'different' image.
 
If you're also looking at other peoples images, you've got to weigh up the amount of photoshop involved. This photograph, taken by Gary, formerly of this parish is after processing.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https://www.facebook.com/badgerbaiter/posts/10165817067715032&show_text=true&width=800

This one, is before processing.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10165817131460032&set=p.10165817131460032&type=3&show_text=true&width=800
 
andrewc said:
If you're also looking at other peoples images, you've got to weigh up the amount of photoshop involved. This photograph, taken by Gary, formerly of this parish is after processing.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https://www.facebook.com/badgerbaiter/posts/10165817067715032&show_text=true&width=800

This one, is before processing.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10165817131460032&set=p.10165817131460032&type=3&show_text=true&width=800
Click to expand...
Yeah that's another thing I have to start learning
 
From the photos you've shared, for me there are too many distractions I the background. I'd like to see a bit more isolation of the car.
There's a couple of ways to achieve this, #1 get the car as far away from the background as possible. #2 use a lens with a wide aperture (f/1.8-f/2.8). There are other things you can do to blur out the background, but these are probably the 2 simplest to try.
See if you can find a video on YouTube about how aperture, focal length effect depth of field (you might need to look up what 'depth of field' Means). It's not something I can explain in a short post and I think seeing it explained is easier to understand.
 
Kacper0330 said:
It's hard to explain what I dont like about them. It's just something that is missing. But as everyone said, it might be to the light and angles as well as the location. I will be doing more to test out different angles, lights, locations etc etc. I'm not expecting miracles especially when Im only just starting. It's just good to be pointed in the right direction.
Click to expand...
Some of us asked you to also post links to images you’d like to achieve.

There’s really no point in us telling you what you’ve done ‘wrong’ if we don’t know what you’re aiming for.
 
Kacper0330 said:
Hello everyone,

I have just started using Canon EOS 2000D with 18-55mm lens. I use the camera mainly for taking photos of my car but I don't feel like either camera or lens is good for it.

So the main two questions are:
1) Is Canon EOS 2000D suitable for this kind of photos (for begginer)
2) what lens would you suggest to use.

Thanks for the help in advance.
Click to expand...
Late reply but hopefully useful (I'm an automotive journalist and used to do my own photograph, but was never great at it, and now work for a pub that has professional photographers.

Camera is fine. Lens might be fine. I learned to shoot cars with a longer lens; when using my own APS-C camera I would shoot with the 18-55 and would zoom the lens out as far as it will go and move back as far as I need to. That said, our photographers sometimes shoot action with very wide lenses, especially when we do car-to-car (pics like this and this -- we are very close to the photo car). They do use longer lenses for the "beauty" shots but I'm not sure how long they go. Next time I'm on a shoot I'll look/ask.

Other tips for car photography:

- Don't use a flash if you can avoid it (cars eat flash).
- Watch for things (trees, telephone poles) growing out of the cars.
- Lighting is important. Golden hour is great.
- Diffused light is great -- you are so lucky to live in the UK. We're in California and hot spots are always an issue esp. if you shoot with the sun over your shoulder. A lot of our photographers shoot into the light -- I am not sure if they are stacking or what (I'm more of a film guy).
- A polarizer is helpful to reduce/eliminate glare and allow you to shoot through windshields.
- Beware of overly complex backgrounds. A nice repeating background or a scene that doesn't grab attention works well, but you can also break this rule (guideline?) to great effect.

Assuming you are in the UK, you are very lucky -- I think their car pubs embraced the importance of compelling photography much more so than the US. I interned at a British car mag in the 90s (What Car?) and learned so, so, so much about photography, Pick up the magazines and you'll see lots of examples of great work.

Hope this helps!
Aaron
 
As above, the camera and lens will be fine, the shot below was taken on a Fuji with 18-55 kit lens, so very similar in capability.

MR2 and BMW Z4 on the Dam by Lewis Craik, on Flickr

My advice is just to shoot lots, look at your pictures, and ask yourself what you like/don't like about them, then try to apply what you learn the next time you shoot.
 
First impressions... seen better and seen much worse (some in my catalogue). I actually liked your pictures.

I wouldn't worry about the kit but you have done the one thing that matters most, is getting some feedback/critique on the photos, that will certainly help you progress.
 
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