16d • General discussion
General Car Photography
1. Golden Hours Matter
Shoot at sunrise or sunset — softer light reduces harsh reflections on paint and glass.
Avoid direct overhead sun (midday), which causes unflattering shadows and glare.
2. Use Reflections Wisely
Cars are shiny — position yourself so reflections emphasize lines instead of distracting.
Avoid showing yourself, random buildings, or clutter in reflections.
3. Angles Are Everything
¾ front shot (slightly above headlight level, turned toward you) is the most flattering.
Low angles make the car look more aggressive and powerful.
High angles (like from a garage roof or parking deck) show off design and surroundings.
4. Pay Attention to Backgrounds
Keep it clean: empty roads, industrial areas, parking decks, or nature.
Avoid busy, messy backdrops that pull focus from the car.
Symmetry (bridges, tunnels, wide streets) works well.
5. Focus on Details Too
Capture close-ups: badges, wheels, exhaust tips, interior shots.
Small details tell the story of the car just as much as the wide shots.
6. Motion Shots
Rolling shots: have a friend drive while you shoot from another moving car (use 1/60–1/125 shutter to blur background).
Panning: stand still, track the car as it passes, use slower shutter speed (1/30–1/60) for background motion blur.
7. Lighting Tricks
Streetlights, neon, or garage lighting can give cinematic looks at night.
Light painting with a handheld light source at night makes cars pop.
8. Editing
Slightly increase contrast and clarity to bring out curves and reflections.
Desaturate distractions (like bright grass or people’s clothing).
Keep paint color accurate — don’t over-edit unless for a creative style.
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General Car Photography
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