Rolling car shots

[-markie-]

A few of my friends are big on their cars and want a few rolling car shots.

Anyone done any before?

I've read and watch a few videos on it and looks simple enough. Just wondered if anyone has any tips that might be useful?

I assume it's easier to go faster and use a fast shutter than have a slower car and a slower shutter?

 

[Orangecroc]

I would suggest matching speed with the subject car and using a slower shutter speed to get motion blur in the background. Turn off any VR as it would essentially be the same as panning.

 

[kman]

Some of my car to car:

Lamborghini Huracan Avio Edition

Mercedes Benz AMG GTS

Lamborghini Aventador SV and Huracan

Apart from obvious lighting considerations, you need to match speeds, and be at a low enough shutter to get some good motion blur in the road/backgrounds and wheel spin.

Rig shots:

Audi A6 motion rig shot

Morgan Aero8

need a bit more controlled environment for those.

 

[-markie-]

Some of my car to car:

Lamborghini Huracan Avio Edition

Mercedes Benz AMG GTS

Lamborghini Aventador SV and Huracan

Apart from obvious lighting considerations, you need to match speeds, and be at a low enough shutter to get some good motion blur in the road/backgrounds and wheel spin.

Rig shots:

Audi A6 motion rig shot

Morgan Aero8

need a bit more controlled environment for those.

Very Nice, What sort of shutter speeds were used for these - about 1/50 ish?

 

[kman]

Yes they were going pretty fast so could stay around that speed.

 

[sk66]

I assume it's easier to go faster and use a fast shutter than have a slower car and a slower shutter?

From a chase vehicle faster is easier (and more dangerous). Using a rig, slower is easier (and safer).

 

[-markie-]

Nipped out and had a quick go last night. Lots of images to get through but here's one of the very first lot i took.

Have some more at slower shutter speeds which ill post later this evening.
DSC_1100-Edit by mg photography, on Flickr

 

[Byker28i]

Car to Car can be good but you need a decent dual carriageway which isn't busy as you'll be driving side by side. Target car maintains a steady speed and the camera car driver adjusts position as directed by the photographer, who shoots out the passenger window. A good driver calls out situations such as areas of shade ahead, or lighting changes such as street lights. Shutter speed and depth of field as appropriate - experiment, it's fun.

If you haven't dual carriageway, then a car with a tailgate is good. Drive with the tailgate open in front of the target car, photographer shoots from the rear seat (or boot if on private runway etc) or use a convertible.

Or you use a rig. Rig can be attached to subject car, long exposure and slow movement. Then use a tripod to mark the position of the camera when stopped and take an image from that position without the rig to assist with removing the rig in post (photoshop etc).

Or pick a spot, have the car drive past and pan the camera

Or combine both. Rig cameras to the chase car, triggered by the photographer shooting his camera. Maximise chances

So many choices.


Rig shot - 2mph

Cameras attached to rear of chase car (mx-5 roof down) with rig, pointing backwards.

 

[Mark-Anthony]

I'd definitely consider buying a rig. I did and absolutely love it.

 

[Orangecroc]

Nipped out and had a quick go last night. Lots of images to get through but here's one of the very first lot i took.

Have some more at slower shutter speeds which ill post later this evening.
DSC_1100-Edit by mg photography, on Flickr

Pretty great first try. Shadow of the camera car is distracting though I've the front right quarter.

 

[-markie-]

Here's some more from the set:

2)
DSC_1109-Edit by mg photography, on Flickr

3)
DSC_1139-Edit by mg photography, on Flickr

4)
DSC_1102-Edit-2 by mg photography, on Flickr

5)
DSC_1100-Edit-2 by mg photography, on Flickr

6)
DSC_1178-2 by mg photography, on Flickr

7)
DSC_1178 by mg photography, on Flickr

8)
DSC_1178-3 by mg photography, on Flickr

9)
DSC_1189 by mg photography, on Flickr

 

[Orangecroc]

I would suggest faster speed in the cars, or even lower shutter speeds to induce more motion blur.
Try and avoid shots with power lines and things like the start of the bridge creeping into frame.
The exposures are very good and really suit the car and the paint colour.
Watch out for reflections such as the ones of the trees in the bonnet in 1 & 3, then in 6 of the chase car.