Want to learn how to do some amazing automobile photography? As many amateur photographers soon realize, taking stunning photos of vehicles isn’t easy. Whether you’re taking photos of static vehicles or moving vehicles, it can be worth learning a few tricks. Below are just 7 tips for taking amazing vehicle photos.
Explore different angles
It can be worth exploring different angles when photographing a vehicle. The ‘three-quarters shot’ is the go-to shot, but you can also photograph cars from the side, front or back. For the most interesting photos, consider getting creative with angles. Get low on the ground to get a tarmac-eye-view or go somewhere high up to take a picture from above.
Take pictures on the move
Taking static shots of cars is typically much easier than taking pictures of cars in motion, however those perfect motion shots can often be some of the most spectacular. There are various fun ways to take pictures of cars in motion. One fun solution to great close shots could be to get in another car alongside the car you’re trying to photograph. This requires having help from a few people – at the very least, you’ll need someone else driving the car you’re photographing and someone else driving the car you’re in. You can also play around with dashcams and GoPros of course.
Pan shots to add movement
Pan shots are a great way to create that motion blur effect. Just how do you do a pan shot? Ideally, you’ll want the camera on a fixed head. You should then aim to follow the car’s movements while photographing at a low shutter speed. It can take a bit of practice – try photographing some everyday traffic to get the hang of it.
Shoot at sunset
Dawn and dusk are the two best times for outdoor photography. You don’t have to deal with the reflections, glare and big shadows that the midday sun produces. You also get to experience the different colours of the sky. Shooting at dawn often means getting up early, so most people prefer to take photos at sunset.
Avoid distracting backdrops
While it’s important to choose an interesting backdrop, you don’t want it to take away from the subject. Think about the connotations that objects in the background may have. For example, a giant bin in the background could suggest that you’re trying to make out that the car in the foreground is trash. If you’re photographing an everyday vehicle, try to avoid having sportier vehicles in the background that will steal the limelight. You should also take care when including people – try to dress them to match the vehicle they’re posing with.
Take multiple photos at a time
Always take several photos at a time, especially when taking action shots. This can ensure that you have lots of different photos of each scene or angle, allowing you to choose the best one. Don’t worry about ending the day with hundreds of duplicates – there are programs you can use to delete duplicate files if you need to do so at a later date.
Learn from other vehicle photographers
The best way to develop skills is to learn from the experts. Check out famous vehicle photographers and try to learn from what they’re doing. You may be able to learn a few fun tricks from their work.
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