Ok, If any pro's are viewing you can tell me where to go!

By changing an angle by a few degrees, or just taking time to view the setting, you can make professional looking photographs of your car.(i've still yet to do it but some day i will get lucky!) here's how.

 

Firstly a 4-6 megapixel camera is fine, i've had sony, HP and now Nikon. I find the HP software easiest to use and still use it with the Nikon.

 

1. when you're car is nicely polished up, take it somewhere for the day, just with photo's in mind. If you're lucky to live somewhere scenic then that's even better.

 

2. remember, the plainer the background, the stronger you're Z will look. unbroken horizons such as sea and sand (as in hellraisers pic) , riverbanks, deserted roads, etc. Or use a old mansion with a gravel drive if you know any rich people!

 

3. If you're alone, ignore people staring at you getting out of you're car with camera in hand. it's none of their business what you are doing.

 

4. Ok, Lighting. the tricky bit. After taking umpteen disastrous attempts with digital camera settings, I find going to manual mode gives best results. Anyone will tell you dusk or dawn are the best lighting conditions. So cloudy days are Ideal. If you can borrow a tripod, great, if not bring something you can sit you're camera on that will keep it very steady.

 

Turn off the flash, and all other settings.Set you're exposure to +3 or more. The more exposure, the more light left in. If there is a lot of brightness such as sand or snow reduce it slightly till you find the best result.

 

5. Angles. one thing i've found out about this car is the slightest change in you're camera angle can make a huge difference. 3/4 rear is my favourite . As an example if this is what you are shooting, take 10 or more photos from this angle at 2" height changes, and don't delete any of them. If it's the front side or back the same applies. Most cameras with a memory card will store up to 80 high res pics so don't be mean.

 

6. just remember, the most unlikely or unusual settings can produce great photos, so use an open mind and don't be afraid to stop and jump out at something that catches you're eye. use plenty of different angles. for every 100 pics you take only a couple will be worth keeping, but thats the great thing about digital photography.

 

lighting is the key. i have f8cked up many a photo by rushing it .

 

7. editing. By adding some contrast and dropping the brightness, another huge difference is made. Very subtle, but really makes your subject stand out.

 

 

happy snapping :)

:bow: Cheers Mick

Nice one bud I have canon A80 4Mp camera and i have no idea how to use it, but you just made things seem a whole lot easier... cheers Jay :dance:

i have one of them throw disposable cameras mate it doesnt have zoom at all, shall i just move closer,pmsl, only messing mate. thx i have digi cam sod knows how to work it though

Another good tip is to keep the car sharp focus with a tetephoto lense about 135mm-180mm & blur out the background

Thanks for that Chewie! I always think my zed looks best at dusk.

Chewie - what Nikon camera do you have ?