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| Venom |
LagondaI've been asked to take some pictures of old cars hmmm..... a total new one to me so even though I'm posting this in the Appraisals section it's also a ask for help and advice.
This is a first attempt so be kind 
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| adam |
ouch!! wouldn't know where to start...
this one is ok, but it may be better if you crop a bit off the top..the green distracts from the engine..i think... |
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| creators |
I'm with Adam, yowch, tough one. I was at a rally recently and realised then what a skill taking pictures of motors is. I like what you've put here, but agree with Adam about the crop. It's a lovely shot though. | ||
| Evolution104 |
I've always had a love affair with classic cars. To me, they have a personality, just like any person.
Your image of the engine has really good lighting and focus. I might have included the headlight at the bottom and made sure it was in focus also - that would have provided a visual anchor and added a sense of perspective and environment. One thing a classic car fan will look for in an engine photo is a signature image of what makes that engine special. The Lagonda logo is a prime example. Another thing to do, if the owner is nearby, is ask questions about what is unique about that year/model/engine so you can get some insight into what will make the photo meaningful. Is it a V-12? Is it turbocharged? What differentiates this motor from all the others? Is there something custom or limited about this particular motor that makes it noteworthy? If there is something universally recognizable, then zoom in on that and make it dominate. If not, try to include something that provides a hint. Because the car has personality, I would treat it just like a portrait. Lighting is seriously important. So is a clear background (and foreground - I can't believe how many photos have ropes and spectators crossing in front!). A classic car is sensuous - think glam if the car warrants it. Sensuality in the Art of the Car This is another good image: http://www.makehl.com/photoLarge.asp?PhotoID=15 One perspective to consider is that of the driver - take shots from the cockpit showing the steering wheel, instrumentation, gauges, shift lever, through the windscreen, etc. The best shots empathize the feel and view of an experienced driver (racer, tourer), so it helps to understand their experience, motivation and passions when driving one of these cars. Talk to them! Look around the net for really top quality classic car galleries. Skip the snapshots and forums. You want real quality to use as inspiration. Think about the great calendars and posters you've seen. Interesting angles and closeups. The best shots I've seen typically engage the viewer, have perfect exposure, perfect sharpness and perfect lighting. Not to mention great composition and an unspoken story begging to be told. renestaud.com :: an awesome site for inspiration!! - check out the audi r8 gallery for some serious glam!! Wow! |
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| Venom |
Many thanks guys especially Evo, made alot of sense what you've said, I see from the pictures (links) I've alot to learn.
I'm meeting some of the members this weekend so hoping to make a few contacts and get a feel for what their after. One thing that's in my favour is that the cars are normally roped off to the public so I won't have people getting in front of me, but from the few shots I took yesterday I've realised that it's not going to be easy. Lighting is going to be one of the biggest problems I foresee, the sun especially. The above image was taken in Raw, due to the extreme glare of the sun I've had to edit it in Photoshop but I'm fairly happy with how it came out. Think you guys are bang on the money with needing some cropping off the top especially listening to what Evo has said and checking out some sites, looks like the engine is a big feature and the bonnet does detract from it somewhat. Thanks again and I'll let you know how I get on Mike |
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| Evolution104 |
Shooting outside in glaring sunlight with people around does make it more difficult to get great shots.
One thing I always kick myself for is not being careful about composing so that I don't end up in the picture. I can't tell you how many times my best shot of the day was ruined because my reflection showed up in a chrome hub cap or in a beautifully waxed door. A reflection of me, hunched over a tripod, framed beautifully in a headlight housing is not the shot I'm after, lol. Take lots of shots, and over time, your experience will make you better and better at this. Good luck! |
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| Evolution104 |
LinksMike,Here are some links to sites that offer some tips you might find useful: Motorcar Photography Tips Car Photography Guide A few Car Lighting Tips Tips On Taking Photographs Of Your Classic Car And for inspiration
Richard James Photographic Editions - Classic Car Collection Classic Cars photography portfolio of professional photographer, Larry Davis Michael Harris Photography - Driving Automotive-Photography.com |
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| Venom |
Wow thanks m8 much appreciated | ||
| hil26 |
Have to agree, the bonnet gets in the way, but I do like the angle of the engine and the name, and the lighting looks spot on for this one..
With the lighting, why not take a tripod and use it to take 3/5/7 exposures of the same image and use photomatix or cs3 to hdr them, alternatively, one image, processed twice - one for the highlights the other for the shadows and merge them. Evo's tips - great advice |
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| Venom |
Have thought about trying some hdr but I'm not very good and I might take some after I've done my raw shots just to see how they turn out as a possible alternative. |
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