Look for interesting angles when photographing cars.
The number one rule in automotive photography is impact. For car enthusiasts, a favorite model is more a work of art than a mode of transportation. Creating that passion in pictures is the job of any professional automotive photographer. A number of markets exist for professional photos of cars, including car clubs, dealerships and collectors.
Instructions
1. Clean the car, and keep clean dusting rags or brushes with you on the shoot to remove any dirt or debris throughout the shoot. The car should look like it just rolled off a showroom floor.
2. Select a location that will add to the car's appeal but not take the focus away from the car. The ideal time for outdoor photography is within two hours of sunrise or two hours before sunset. During these times of the day, the sun is low in the sky and provides a softer light.
3. Position the car and then walk around the car to look for interesting angles or elements to the car you may want to include in your photographs.
4. Add light to the car using reflectors. Reflectors are large, white boards or material that will reflect natural light back onto the subject. Start by positioning them to the left and right of the camera position and move them around until you are satisfied with the result. Reflectors will often have a white side, providing a cooler light similar to flashes, and a gold side, designed to recreate a warmer, more natural tone. While you can use a camera flash, the reflection it creates can be difficult to manage. Using reflectors provides an equal amount of light the car.
5. Mount the camera to a tripod to eliminate camera shake. If you are photographing a number of cars for a dealership, using a tripod also maintains a consistent shooting position, giving all the pictures the same professional look.
6. Shoot photos at different focal lengths, starting with wide-angle lenses and gradually moving toward telephotos. Using a polarizing filter at its maximum setting will help in removing glare and reflections from windows.
