HELP!! Photographing British Motorshow

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Paul Buttle
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Hi All,

I've just found out that I am photographing the BMS (British Motorshow) on Press Day for a massive web presence! To say I am nervous is an understatement...

In the brief, I got told "No pressure, but you're up against Evo magazine"... :shake:

Anyone got ANY tips, hints, examples of Motorshow photorgraphy, ideas on what glass to take??? Any decent sites etc... I want to do a good job and I know there is a font of knowledge here!! :runaway:

Cheers everyone
 
some info on what kit you have would probably help:thumbs:
 
I'm a newbie photographer but a life-long car enthusiast! :p

I would suggest you nip down to WHSmiths and have a look at the some of the car magazines and see the style of the photos. I know of one professional car photographer on one of the car forums I belong to who is exceptionally good. I don't want to post his details on here but I can let you know via PM if you wish.
 
Guys, anything would be appreciated... Thanks!

My current kit is as follows, I can always hire a lens if need be:
Canon EOS 30D | EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 USM | EF 24-70mm f2.8 L USM | EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS | EF 50mm f1.4 USM | EF 100mm f2.8 USM Macro | 580EX | 430EX |

Not sure if it is worth taking the macro, unless I need to get close up's of any fine detail???
 
I'd agree with andrewc.....

I'd also echo the comment on the magazines.....

Only comment I would have is.....maybe 24 is a bit too long and you may not have the time to keep swapping lenses....in this case may be worth hiring a 17-55 2.8? only a guess really

I would also try contacting libralis as he is $h!t hot at cars....

Good luck!
 
Depends how busy it is on press day. You don't have to worry about the great unwashed.

A second body would be useful, one with the UWA, one with the 24-70 with a flash on each. I'd probably leave the 50mm f1.4 behind in that case as the 24-70 can do this focal length and is quite fast. Not f1.4 but f2.8 is better than most.

24-70 would be good for portraits of the models and any personalities you see.
 
Thanks all, I'm going to have a play around with the various combos of lens and I'll post here to see what you think... I've got a 350D as well, but rarely use it, I could always take that as a 'last reseort'.

Who is libralis??? Is he a forum member??? Is he friendly???
 
You'll have nowhere to bounce the flash off yet possibly places for nasty shadows to occur if you point forwards. I found the lambency useful when i tested it at the NEC at focus.

Basically, find out what your brief is exactly and then you know what you need to worry about. Unless you're selling your shots in competition with EVO magazine... :D
 
Having been to the press day for the last 8 or so shows i've taken loads of pics at the show. First of all arrive early (opens at 8am) to take in breakfast (bacon rolls are usually on offer), then if you haven't been sent a schedule you will need one to plan your day. Prioritise the most interesting launch events etc and only go to those. I'd take the following kit:

1 or 2 bodies if you have them
Flashgun and diffuser
One fast standard zoom
One fast medium telephoto e.g. 70-200 f2.8
Take a 10-20 if you have space but unless you really want to bend everything leave it at home.

The 70-200 will enable you to step back and get some dramatic shots, especially of the "celebrity" people doing the launches. Last time they had a theatre type thing outside where the longer reach would have been very useful.

For lunch I recommend the Seat stand who do an excellent Piella!

I generally find that the Motorshow isn't that good from a pure photography point of view but get yourself in the right place and you can get some great shots. I based one of my final degree projects around the 2000 show! Just be aware that your feet will ache big time and chances are you will get an elbow in the face at least once in a scrum.

Really you'll enjoy it. Happy to meet up and help if you want just PM me nearer the time.
 
Excellent, thanks dolomitefan - definately be good to meet up, but not sure what the schedule is yet - I'm bound to be given a few 'must have' photos to capture. I'll pm you closer to the event...

Also, does anyone know who 'libralis' is so that I can have a look at some of his photos???
 
shoot in RAW so you can fix any white balance errors in PP. Indoor show's have all sorts of different lights that throw the white balance out.

of course, if you want to do it the proper way, take some white card with you and use it to set your white balance perfectly for each shot (see camera manual for further details :) )
 
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