Finding locations for an automotive shoot

ralphhardwick

ralphhardwick

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Ralph
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I am hoping to develop my business into automotive photography. I have some ideas for getting clients but I am a bit 'lost' regarding suitable venues.
Obviously there are car parks, industrial estates and country lanes for some shots but even these have severe limitations and different times of the day.

For those of you that take car/bike shots professionally, or as a more serious hobbyist, how do you go about find, and getting permission to use, decent locations? This especially applies to warehouses/ barns for indoor/studio style shots.

I would appreciate any pointers.
 
Hey Ralph! Good to see you here :)

When you say barns or warehouses I take it you're looking at static shots. I have used public roads / off roads in the past and also car parks, late in the day being better I've found.

Have you thought about a car rig also for motion images?
 
I pop up all over the place :)

To begin with I am mainly going to focus on static shots. Car and bike portraits using a portable studio setup that I'm developing. Eventually I shall add motion shots but this will probably be car to car due to the nature of the service I want to offer.

My inspiration is Tim Wallace and the stunning images he produces for the major marques. What I want to do is offer this kind of photography to the Ford Focus owners of this world.

Car parks are great late in the evening or at weekends but you can hit problems with security cameras and permission from the land owner if your doing it professionally. Also I need to be able to offer this service at times to suit the owners which may not always coincide with office closing hours.

I just wondered how others go about finding suitable locations and approaching (or even finding) the owner for permission.
 
The thing is using a farmer's barn is great but will it suit your 'Ford Focus' market? If you're aiming to target a younger audience then a more urban setting will suit better. Also every man and his dog has a camera now and takes pictures so you need to think what you can offer over the owners doing it themselves with their camera or phone.

Shooting car to car whilst moving is tricky and sharp images will be hard to get as there'll be minute changes to focusing.
 
I take your point but the Ford Focus was just one example. However to show how you can use a modern car in a barn just look at GF Williams photos of a Ferrari (http://gfwilliams.net/v2013/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/GFW_4695.jpg and http://gfwilliams.net/v2013/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/GFW_47591111.jpg).

Car to car will come much later (if at all). I have a quasi business plan, I think I have a USP and I think I have identified my target markets and how to reach them. I am in a scalable contract (i.e. I can vary the amount of days I work) and I have the motivation.

MY main reason for wanting barns/warehouses is so that I can work under cover when needed. My studio concept is okay but relies upon dry weather and space. A barn or warehouse would allow me to work at any time and offer more possibilities. However it's not my only option nor is it my only choice. Other locations would allow me to work without the worry of security patrols cming and asking you what your doing as they've just spotted you on the cameras:oops: :$:oops: :$
 
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