tbrazzy-s3's '00 GS-R

[Devil Crx]

from honda tuning magazine

Shooting Straight:
Photo Tips From A Pro
Location, Location, Location
Location has long been an important part of automotive photography. Regardless of what type of car you're shooting, the background can make or break the shot. Of course, every photographer would love to have the perfect background available for each shoot but, realistically, complications involving locations are not uncommon. Photogs must often travel to different cities or states on assignment, to areas they're not familiar with yet try their best to make something happen. In cases like these, it's best to arrive early and scout out potential spots. Everyone has their preferences, although I prefer the rougher parts of town where broken-down and rusted-out structures are common; such aged and weathered backgrounds contrast well against a nice, clean, in-focus subject. Underground parking structures and loading docks have been overdone, however, they're often the only option in a town that doesn't have much to offer in terms of scenery. But, as I've been known to say on occasion, a real photographer should be able to adapt and create something eye-catching despite the circumstances. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind when location hunting:

The Car
Think about its color and bodylines before settling on a spot. Shooting a white car against a white wall won't photograph as well as shooting it in front of, say, a red, brick building.

Lighting
Determine how much time you have left before you lose or gain the amount of natural light that you want. Consider which way the sun is facing in relation to your subject. If the area isn't lit the way you want, make sure you have ample flash power to finish the shoot.

Safety
Shooting a nice car in a bad area isn't always smart. If the area looks particularly shady, have a few friends join you; there's safety in numbers. Shooting alone in downtown Los Angeles at 1a.m. just isn't a smart thing to do. Use common sense.

Legality
You can't just go shooting anywhere you want to. Ports, Federal buildings, airports, and the like have strict security regulations, and you may have a run-in with authorities as a result.

[99sil-teg]

^^^Word. I have always thought location will make an alright car look way better than it is

[B16inside]

location makes the story in every picture to the open minded-explorative person once a picture has been taken with the appropriate setting/background one can make up thousands of stories that the picture can tell. i feel to tell a good picture from bad is the density in which the story tells like the first time photographers around the forum i have seen i honestly had a hard time believeing they were beginners because of such awesome quality that the pictures held to take yours for example rob, even though the focus on the first shot couldve been a bit more dialed in, what i got from the picture was "out with the old, in with the new" a sprout on an old tree at the first of spring, new life that hasnt been seen in quite some time. taking a brand new CLEAN gsr to a what seems like an abandoned loading dock was and will be an awesome choice for a easy classic simply good picture. and the second picture, even though the controversy over it has leaned in the wrong direction i feel, the picture is saying ..."life is an open road" "life is a highway, i wanna ride it all night (in this case day) long" something to that effect. no picture can be PERFECT the very first time the shutter snaps but there is exceptions to that and this one of them. good job man:PDT_Armataz_01_37:

[Potts1]

^Do you have any of your stuff online? You seem to know a lot about photography and Id like to see some of it. Im not doubting you, you bring alot of know how to the table and I wouldnt mind seeing what you got.

[B16inside]

^Do you have any of your stuff online? You seem to know a lot about photography and Id like to see some of it. Im not doubting you, you bring alot of know how to the table and I wouldnt mind seeing what you got.

unfortunatley not a lot at this moment im shooting for some new equipment before i ship off for school i will look for my best and will post at a later date for now my avatar was at Rush snakes and arrows tour last year and yes i took it:wink2:

[B16inside]

one of the best things i learned about car photography is

"fill the frame with the car, it should be the focus of the picture, not where the picture is taken"


now granted you dont want to shoot in a trailer park. but dont make the pic about the backround/location make it about the car.
these are taken with the same camera. also at the wrong time of day(lighting) but there were for friends who are selling these cars.

im no pro. but unless its an action shot. i dont see the need to a lot of backround. and even then its a case by case situation.

i have to agree to disagree location makes any picture the car is just the icing on the cake by fitting the frame with the car it fills the picture wayy too much in my opinion but i really like your first picture not that one is the exception to that theory because like your looking the cars front end but in your periphrial you notice the soft top. and i am not shooting for your jugular but the second and third shots are just way too common, photography in my opinion is all about the individuality and uniqueness it offers.