3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Car Photography

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Written by Jim McIlvaine

Our cars are our pride and joy. We love them, cherish them and in some cases, treat them better than we treat ourselves. Realistically, we know the relationships we have with our beloved machines usually don’t last a lifetime. Our tastes may change or our family obligations may finally win out and we eventually part ways. Still, we’ll always have memories and often photos are a great way to re-live some of those special times.

Unfortunately, our love for our vehicles is often blind. When we look through the viewfinder, all we see is our car and we often overlook some pretty glaring issues that are really detracting from our pride and joy. It doesn’t have to be this way! To help out, here are three easy tips, which will, regardless of what kind of camera you own, help you take better pictures of your ride.

Tip #1: Location, Location, Location

You’ve spent all weekend detailing your car and finally it’s perfect for pictures. Next, you break out your camera and start snapping some shots, right? WRONG! Your car deserves better than that. Take a picture in your driveway and there’s a good chance you’ll be including things like:

• Your messy garage
• Your neighbor’s rusty Toyota
• Maybe the garbage cans sitting at the curb
• Or the pole from your kid’s basketball hoop, sticking out through your trunk.

Is that what you’re looking for? Spend an extra 15 minutes and drive your freshly-waxed ride to a more suitable location. Remember, you’re taking a picture of your car, not a cool statue or a pretty building.

This Mustang was photographed behind a Wal-Mart. Those big box stores are actually good for something besides cheap prices on batteries!

Many of these stores have very clean walls on the backside of their building, with no parking lot stripes, street lights or other clutter to detract from the beauty of your ride. Your shiny paint and sparkling chrome reflect everything around your car, so try to keep that stuff to a minimum.

Also, leave the grassy areas to lawnmowers and livestock. Try not to let any vertical or horizontal lines intersect with your car. These lines could include the horizon, buildings, light poles and trees.

Once you’ve found the right spot, make sure you pick the right time of day. The best times to photograph cars are the hour around sunrise and the hour around sunset, known as “the golden hour.” Without getting too technical, harsh, mid-day sunlight won’t help you get great photos.

Summary for a great location to shoot your ride:

• Don’t use your driveway! Find a clean uncluttered spot
• Watch for excessive, unnecessary reflections, especially when your car’s parked on grass
• Shoot at the “Golden Hour” around sunrise and sunset

Tip #2 Composition:

Aggressive camera angles almost always look better than straight/level shots, even if it’s just a slight tilt of the camera. The angle of this picture is right on target and the “rule of thirds” is also in effect. This rule could actually be called the rule of ninths, as the photographer is supposed to imagine two evenly-spaced vertical and horizontal lines in each photo, with the subject generally located in the middle.

The drawbacks of this picture are:

• It was (presumably) taken sometime during the middle of the day, at a car show. That means we see:
  • a maroon sedan and tent on one side,
  • people eating at picnic tables on the other
  • and a whole slew of reflections in the front bumper and paint.
• The horizon line also intersects with the car (see the white tent?)

Get Low: Cars that sit this low should be photographed at an angle that shows off their proximity to the ground. This same picture can be taken behind the Wal-Mart or at the crest of a hill, with much better results.

See All Four Wheels: If you’re down far enough (and your car sits high enough) to see all four wheels, make sure you get all four in the picture. This will help you find the proper angle, which really shows off the shape of your vehicle, regardless of whether you’re looking at the front or back of the car.

Sweat the Little Things: The window of this car is rolled down and there is a car show flier stuck in the sill. Those are the kinds of little details that only take seconds to correct, but can greatly enhance the overall appeal of a picture. Other things to look for include shadows creeping up on the car (see the long shadow by the passenger side door?) or garbage on the ground or any other clutter that might detract from the subject.

This ’31 Coupe was shot in an industrial park at sunset. The rule of thirds is being applied here, as well as an angle that shows all four wheels and a slight tilt.

Somebody Get the Lights: You’ll also notice the headlights are on. This is an artistic preference, but I always try to use headlights and taillights in my photos, as I think it helps highlight the vehicle. The Mustang shown earlier also has headlights on. The headlight covers darken their effect, but the side markers do make a difference.One notable exception for using headlights is cars like third generation Firebirds and some Corvettes, Porsches and Ferraris, which have pop-up headlights. It’s best to keep those puppies hidden and just use parking lights or emergency flashers instead.

Elevated photos are also an easy way to set your car pictures apart from the herd. Try to avoid shooting straight on, so you can show more of the vehicle’s character. Notice the taillights on this roadster are on and the front wheel is turned toward the camera, to show off the face of the wheel, not the tread of the tire. Because this car is a convertible, we turned the wheel far enough, so that the steering wheel looked level inside the car.

Elevated photos are also a great way to hide junky backgrounds. I stood in the back of my pickup truck to take this picture, which helped hide a bunch of semi trailers. Also, don’t be afraid to move your car to take different pictures. This isn’t crime scene photography and there is no rule that says you cannot move your vehicle to take another picture.

Tip #3 Steady Now!

Flash OFF: One of the most important things to remember is that you should almost always avoid using a flash when photographing your car. The rare exceptions to this rule would include launch shots at the drag strip, but we’re focusing primarily on people taking pictures of their own cars. Whether you have the latest digital SLR or a $90 point and shoot camera, you’ll want to learn how to turn your flash off for car photos.

Tripod Time: Cameras will often compensate for the absence of a flash, with a longer exposure time. If you aren’t using a tripod, this might result in a blurred photograph. Therefore, find a tripod or some way of stabilizing your camera. When I’m photographing cars at ground level, I often set the camera right on the ground, propping up the camera and/or lens at the appropriate angle with my wallet.

I also use the timer function, so I don’t take a chance of shaking the camera by manually pressing the shutter-release button.

Watch for Shadows: As we mentioned earlier, avoiding peak sunlight hours helps eliminate harsh shadows. These harsh shadows come back in spades if you use a flash. This photograph didn’t have a flash, because the sunlight bouncing off the white interior kept the interior bright enough. You can still see plenty of shadows throughout the interior. Interior pictures that use flashes will often show shadow rings from the steering wheel, shifter or anything else that blocks the flash.

This photo was taken of someone else’s car at a Goodguys show. If this is your car, take the placard off the dashboard and move to a location (and camera angle) that won’t show coolers and lawn chairs in the background.

Find some Shade: If you really want to take pictures of your car during the peak sunlight hours, find a spot in the shade and take pictures of your engine and interior. The shade will protect the interior from harsh contrasts and shadow lines, but the strong daylight will provide enough indirect light to evenly illuminate the interior.

More Important Details: It’s also a good idea to double-check the little details on your interior.

• Make sure your steering wheel is straight.
• Be sure all the movable switches, vents and other doodads are uniformly aligned.
• Check to make sure the carpeting is clean and you don’t have 15 pounds worth of key chains or air fresheners junking up your shot.
• Don’t be afraid to open the door to get a better angle, let more light in or make it easier to position your tripod.
• If you have a convertible top or t-tops, crack ‘em open and let that light in! Just make sure you’re in the shade.

Engine Pictures: Taking pictures of your engine can also be challenging, because you’re photographing a relatively dark area of your car and you’re in the shade. Start by opening the hood as wide as possible, even if it means having someone physically hold the hood up (just make sure they aren’t in the shot). Then, get your tripod set up at an angle that shows as much of the engine as possible.

This is another car show picture and probably the best angle available, without touching someone else’s hood. Since the hood is so low, there’s not much light available and we end up seeing as much fender as we do engine.

Remember, just because you can stand in front of your engine and take a picture, that doesn’t make it the best possible angle. The camera in this photo sat on a tripod at about seven feet, to make sure the view of the engine wasn’t obstructed and the battery and intake were also visible.

You’re not alone! If you’ve read all this and are starting to feel embarrassed about all the crummy pictures you’ve taken over the years, don’t feel bad. You can go to the newsstand right now and look at cars in magazines that have paint jobs littered with reflections from trees and backgrounds so cluttered with junk, the art department had to photoshop white backgrounds in their place.

Study the Pros: If you would like more ideas on how to take great pictures, check out the magazine work of some real pros. Some of my favorites include Wes Allison, Randy Lorentzen, Johnny Hunkins, Rich Chenet and Rob McGaffin. Remember, practice makes perfect and if you’re using a digital camera, it only costs you battery power!

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The author of this story supports Camp Anokijig, a non-profit youth and family camp, located near Plymouth, Wisconsin.  Visit www.anokijig.com for more information.

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2008 Goodguys Scottsdale – Photo Upload

The first of many, MANY photos from the 2008 Goodguys Southwest Nationals held in Scottsdale, Arizona just went up. (You can find all the events we’ve shot here: Hot Rod and Custom car Pictures)

…it’s just like being there, but without all of that pesky good weather, fine folks and healthy walking around stuff. Come to think of it, all of that sounds pretty good, huh? That’s the whole point of MyRideIsMe.com: Interacting with other members, making new friends, and just enjoying cars! If you missed this one, we invite you to check out our shots, as well as our member’s photos, too… and if you snapped some that we missed, feel free to join in and post them as well! Have some thoughts or a story from the weekend that you’d like to share? Send it our way, and we’ll make you famous!”

This blog will be updated as I load new pictures, so check back here over the next couple of weeks.
Updated:
11/19/2008
11/23/2008

Goodguys Rod and Custom shows have a mix of cars. While I was there, I thought there were mostly hot rods, but looking over my photos, I shot alot of muscle cars, and G-touring type cars too. I’m calling all those cars, Street Machines. I held a brief but meaningful internal debate about that and finally decided that if there’s some opposition to that naming convention, then you’re welcome to make your own website! Ha ha!! What would you call’m?

The 4th Gallery of customs pics is up! Swanee, you’ve got to have some to add to this one! Once again, here’s the direct link: Goodguys Scottsdale Pictures – Hot Trucks

The 3rd Gallery of hot truck photos is up! Click on the link here: Goodguys Scottsdale Pictures – Hot Trucks

The 2nd Gallery of hot rod photos is up! Click on the link or wander over to the Car show picture gallery Here’s that link and my favorite picture: Goodguys Scottsdale Pictures – Hot Rods

Here’s a link to the 1st gallery and one of my favorite pictures. Goodguys Scottsdale Pictures – Street Machines (Click on the pic to make it larger)

Next to come: (almost done!)

Pro’s Details Photos (shots of some of the super trick ideas from big time builders)

MyRideisMe.com Favorite Photos

What else should I do?

OH! Then there’ll be a bunch of photos from Swanee. I’m sure he’ll make my shot’s look crappy, like usual… Look for his logo on the prints and get in touch with him through his MyRideisMe.com Garage here: Custom car pics

While you’re here, stop saying, “Hey, that’s a good idea for a website!” and join already!

2008 Goodguys Scottsdale – Just a teaser…

If you’re a Cali hot rodder or maybe even a Texan heavy into nose up A/FX drag cars, then you probably missed the 2008 Goodguys Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, AZ. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! The dedicated staff of MyRideisMe.com (Paul Swansen, Erick Anderson and myself) took over 1000 pictures. This is just a taste of the photos and stories coming out soon at MyRideisMe.com. Please check back for updates!

Click this link: The Gasser Chevy II Story is Done!

While you’re here, take a second to join. I’ll shoot over a notice when the new stories and photos are ready.

(click on any of these pics to see them full size. It’s Vivazoom!)

Story about this Crazy!! T-bucket now posted: Twin Huffer T-bucket

Interested? Which story should I do first? So tell a friend and check back. We’ll try to put these stories up asap. Thanks!

Run to the Pines -25th Anniversary Pictures

Run to the Pines – 2008

By our friend Devin Squire
(Devin’s all Ford Garage)

The weekend of Sept. 26th, 27th, & 28th, was the 25th anniversary of the “Run to the Pines” car show in Pinetop, AZ. My wife & I have been going to this show for at least 15 of those years. It’s a great weekend getaway in the cool pines of Pinetop – Lakeside, AZ.
The show is limited to 550 cars, of pre 1973 vintage, and it always gets sold out. If you don’t get your registrations in early, you might not get in, and there is always a waiting list in case of any cancellations. This year, the show sold out in only four weeks! Hotels, Motels, & Cabins in the area are the same story…get your reservations in early. Before we caught on, we had to get rooms in Showlow, which is about 15 to 20 miles away.
This show is part of the Pinetop-Lakeside’s “Fall Festival”, which brings in a lot of people, as well. Some folks love all the “arts & crafts”stuff, and it gives the ladies something else to do, if they get bored with the car show, (like a couple of friends we know).

There are two people who are the main characters that started this great little show, and that’s Bob & Linda Gates. Since the beginning, these two have put their heart and soul into this show. Of course they can’t do it alone. They have a lot of help from other club members and volunteers. Funds from this show are donated to various local nonprofit organizations & charities. The “Run to the Pines” show, has cars that come from all over Arizona, as well as some from New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. The show is held on the grass, out on the driving range at the local golf course, the “Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club”.

Things get rolling on Friday afternoon, where a cavalcade of the cars “Parade” from Showlow, through Pinetop-Lakeside, to the Hon-Dah Resort & Casino for a pre show barbeque. The main show is Saturday, and then Sunday is when they auction off prizes, give away some prizes and the trophies are given out.

We had a great time this year, even though we did get some rain on Saturday. The field was full with lots of cool cars, trucks & even a couple of old tractors. There were some folks that brought out some old vintage engines that were chugging along all weekend. They even had one churning out some homemade ice cream, but I didn’t get to sample any…….bummer.

If you’ve never been to this show, it’s one you should definitely check out. It’s usually around the last weekend in September, so make your plans now.

They can always use donations of products or services that are auctioned off during the show. (Remember, funds go to local charities)

For any questions or info, you can contact Bob at rgates@frontiernet.net.,
or the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce at -
www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com.
Here are some photos from this year’s show, to give you an idea of what you missed.

2008 Route 66 Car show, Flagstaff, Arizona

Written by AZAmber (Amber’s Nash Metropolitan “MetroSxl“)

There’s nothing better than saying goodbye to the Phoenix heat and heading up to the pines to look at some cool rides. The 2008 Route 66 Car show was held Sept 5-7 in downtown Flagstaff, and I have to say, this historic town was a great backdrop to showcase some 375+ cars. Amongst the crowd were many of the cars you would expect to see, like the old Bel-Aires and T-Birds, but a few unusual rides made quite an impression as they lined the streets in front of antique shops and mom and pop delis. There was also a smattering of “tricked out” newer PT Cruisers and the members from a Corvette Club on hand to look at. In a grassy patch in the center of the town square, a few food and souvenirs vendor stands were set up and a DJ from a local radio station played oldies while some fresh squeezed lemonade topped off the day. According to the program, the weekend was full of activities for car enthusiasts. All in all, it was a great way to beat the heat and a nice way to enjoy some exceptional automobiles.

Here’s the pics Amber took from the show.

More Hot Rod Pics from Car-N-Art.com

I met Keven Carter doing what I do best… surfing the web for the best Hot Rod and bike sites out there. Keven’s been sharing his work at Photobucket where old ladies looking for pics of grandkid and quilting pics browse. I talked him into letting MyRideisMe.com have a few. It’s a cool mix of black and whites and color shots of mostly period correct style hot rods and kustoms with a few pinups mixed in just for fun. Keven shared this brief bio… Ever since I was a young boy I wanted to grow up and own a car with fins. Since the automotive world looks to never go back down that road, I was compelled to look to the past. I have always been fascinated with old cars and vintage design elements, from packaging to advertising. I’m a graduate of The Center for Creative Studies (now College of Creative Studies, CCS) in Detroit, Michigan where I received my bachelors of fine art with a focus in Animation. My creative endeavors aren’t limited to animation, but rather they span from Video installations, Sound Design, Film Production, Music, Photography, Graphic Design, and even Painting. My focus here at Car-N-Art.com is to display my visual arts of what has inspired me as a native Detroiter. My muse can be found in traditional tattoos, vintage Halloween decorations, automobiles of nearly any age. I’m a self confessed junk collector and have often been seen picking through your trash and loading it into my truck.To learn a little more, check out Keven’s Myspace Page. I’ve inserted just a few of my favorites pictures from what Keven sent over. Please make him feel welcome by visiting his home page at Car-N-Art.com. In addition to the pics, he does graphic design and has this print for sale for $25.

The rest of his pics can be seen in the photo gallery (Click here). Dig it! Thanks Keven!

Or, check out all the Pinups here MyRideisMe.com Pinups Models & Hot Rods