Photographing a car

Creed

Creed

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The better half loves her car and keeps getting upset at the odd stone chip etc, so next time I have use of it I was wanting to try and get a few really good photo's of it for her, touch them up and give them to her to show how good it actually looks..

However, bar the odd snap I haven't done much automotive photography so was wondering if anyone has any advice on getting a really good image...

Also if there are any good places in the north east to get good photo's... I know of a few but would welcome any additional suggestions
 
It's a Black Gold(like metallic but the flecks are gold rather than silver when the light hits) Renault Sport Clio 182

I was Looking for something similar to the following.... This was taken on my old mobile (N95) so please don't slag off the quality :)... however any suggestions are welcome, I would go for a motion one but that's hard if she doesn't know I'm doing it

Edit4.jpg
 
baby blue corsa with furry dice or a green beetle?? :P

north east? new to the area but there are a few nice parks (with parking) off the A1 near durham or there abouts. or the carpark down by the tyne in south shields for the sunset and industrial look


edit: okay the 182 clio is a really nice motor :p i lose!
 
DizMatt said:
baby blue corsa with furry dice or a green beetle?? :P

north east? new to the area but there are a few nice parks (with parking) off the A1 near durham or there abouts. or the carpark down by the tyne in south shields for the sunset and industrial look


edit: okay the 182 clio is a really nice motor :p i lose!
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No.. she is REALLY into her cars and luckily wouldn't be seen dead in something like that... it's me who has the red 1.2 with stripes :P... although in all fairness to myself it was only because I needed a cheap run around at that's the one they happened to have a cracking deal on.... honest guv.

I might try a few different places then as they places I was thinking were parks etc, or where the shot above was taken, just this time at a better angle etc....

From a technical point of view is there anything that I should be taking into consideration? would hand held be ok, or am I better going for a tripod. Does long or short exposures make any difference when shooting a car etc... I really don't know but would like to get some really nice shots.
 
Yeah had thought about a CPL, but I'm not at the stage where I can justify buying one so will just have to make do... personally like the low angle shots as well
 
Clio's are tall, so don't go too low otherwise you'll exagerate how tall it really is.

Have a look at my flickr or site (below) for some ideas.
 
DeanPhoto said:
Clio's are tall, so don't go too low otherwise you'll exagerate how tall it really is.

Have a look at my flickr or site (below) for some ideas.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't call them tall.. what sort of lighting were you using for the V6 shot's I don't really have any but it's interesting to try and work out what I am going to be able to achieve with the equipment I have
 
Creed said:
I wouldn't call them tall..
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Okay, they're not as tall as a van but they're taller than most supercars, which look good shot from very low down, just don't go too low, no point seeing the chassis! Ever driven an LP640, now that's low! :lol:

Creed said:
what sort of lighting were you using for the V6 shot's I don't really have any but it's interesting to try and work out what I am going to be able to achieve with the equipment I have
Click to expand...

3 x Vivitar 285's triggered via pocket wizards. I can't remember the power setting that I had them on as it was a wee while ago. Red cars are quite difficult to shoot with flash, you're better off shooting at either sunrise or sunset to get that lovely light flowing over the bodywork.
 
When photographing your car think about how she looks in different lighting conditions, what suits her best! Some look much better when under street lighting at night or next to neon signs in a street, others look better in sunny conditions.

I have to agree with skyblueads though, cars do look better in motion. Give 'panning' a try, you can get some awesome effects and it really makes the car stand out.
 
One of the most important things to take with you is acleaning kit.
A low viewpointalways empasise the cr%p along the sills etc.
Its amazing how much is picked up even on a short drive.
C
 
As already said, CPL will cut down on the reflections. Low-down or high up shots work quite well. Don't forget to face the front wheels towards you if you're going for an angled shot too.

How about some close up shots of perhaps the badge or the wheels maybe?

I've just edited and uploaded some pics on my Flickr of my girlfriend's car. I'm quite pleased with how they turned out. Hopefully they might give you some idea.
 
I've just taken the bottom ones for a mate

http://www.imagesbysw.com/archives/1253

I would say a nice plain (ish) backdrop, a CPL (if you have one to hand) and a tripod, take plenty of pictures itf its your first time with this sort of thing and pick out the best

I always aim to use Aperture priority and play around F8, usually bring out some decent (IMO) shots

Good luck
 
whitey said:
I've just taken the bottom ones for a mate

http://www.imagesbysw.com/archives/1253

I would say a nice plain (ish) backdrop, a CPL (if you have one to hand) and a tripod, take plenty of pictures itf its your first time with this sort of thing and pick out the best

I always aim to use Aperture priority and play around F8, usually bring out some decent (IMO) shots

Good luck
Click to expand...

Thank you it's a cupped 182 just like that one so it's a really good reference for some of the shots I'm after... haven't got and can't afford any lighting so that will have to wait for another time, and i can't do panning shots as I wanted to do this without her knowing about it and obviously can't take panning shots while I am driving the car :)

I'll be sure to post them when they are taken though
 
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