Reducing glare on car photography?

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Jimmymac

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I'm heading the the MPH motor show at the weekend and hoping to get some good shots of the many cars that will be on show there. My main worry though is that all of these cars will be polished to within an inch of their lives and be sat under the glare of a shed load of flourescent lights!

So whats the best way to reduce the glare on them?

The equipment coming will be Canon 400D, a Nifty fifty and the 18-55mm kit lens (think i'll probably not need the 70-300mm :lol: )

I have got a UV filter and a circular polariser too, now i'm guessing using the circular polariser will be the key thing but wanted to see if people can confirm?
 
Jimmymac said:
which brings on another question, do you think i'll get better pics with the 50mm or the 18-55mm?
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Yep. Sharper lens and faster if the lighting isn't great - especially if you are using a CPL as this will reduce your exposure 1-2 stops.
 
Personally I'd take the 18-55 so you can get some nice wide shots if you get close enough, though why not both if space allows.
 
oh both will be coming with me, was more thinking which lens would I be using most so as to keep that one on the body and swapping only when required.

Also got the top gear show from Hammond, Clarkson and May so hopefully get some decent pics of their antics too :)
 
Depends how they light it too. I have done autosport at NEC a few times and never found the need for a polariser, as the lighting tends to be quite directional and in some cases, lousy. IN fact having the flash made things better last time, and it counteracts some of the highlights from spots, etc.

Take the CP along anyway, you may or may not need it but better to have it just in case.

...and say hello to Richard for me :love: :D

edit: defo the 18-55, but take both if you don't mind lugging the two lenses around.
 
Well, here's some from my experience of it last year http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=94826 I would suggest using as wider angled lens as possible to cut out the inevitable bystanders and be prepared to adjust your white balance as the lighting is pretty *****.
As for TG live, you're probably better off just enjoying the show as there is even less light in that part.
 
I went to the London show at the weekend, and it was great.

It's a bit tricky getting clear shots due to the 1000's of others looking at the cars as well, so I ended up trying detail shots of the cars (although I didn't really go to take photos this time - it was more so that my lad could see the Veyron in the 'metal').

I only had a 35mm lens with me on Sunday, and could have gone wider.

If you get the chance, get there as early as possible, and as soon as the doors open, head to the back of the show, as it will be quieter - we got to the Bugatti when hardly anybody else was there.

The Top Gear show is excellent, but I do agree that it might be better to watch it than snap it - there's a lot going on, and I missed some at the start trying to get photos, and then I gave up and just watched the show..
 
I suppose wide angle would let you get closer and cut out the people - best option is take both!
 
The NEC is terrible for the orange sodium lights that seem to cast shadows everywhere. I'll be up at the Classic Show along side the MPH this Friday and Saturday, and I've got to say I despise the lighting. Earls Court on the other hand is a joy, nice white, even lighting.
 
Yeah, I seem to recall the lighting being pretty awful there from a few years ago, bit of trial and error will hopefully get the desired results though. If you spot someone snapping like crazy with a nifty fifty attached to their camera then the chances are its me :D
 
They'll be plenty of those Jimmy! I'll be easier to spot, dressed in a 'Shine On' logo'd shirt, on the Swissvax stand (if I haven't escaped to wander about an drink coffee, which is what I usually do).
 
remember that it's an indoor car show so it will be busy and you are unlikely to get decent shots. take your 18-55 and 50mm. with the kit lens you can take record shots with the 50mm you can take abstract shots of the cars etc
 
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