Dramatic car shots...

*PentaxPZ* · 07-10-2008, 04:29 PM

OK Im not so good with the cam just yet... but what about this?
my

little 1993 Clio automatic...

*MikeH* · 07-10-2008, 04:43 PM

Less sky, the car should be brighter and in full view. Good start, though!

rfortson · 07-10-2008, 08:21 PM

Agree with the previous post. You need more light on the car. However, I like how you're looking at it from a different angle. If you want to shoot there, study the light and see when/where you'll get a shaft of morning or evening light, then try that for lighting the car.

*Jewelltrail* · 07-11-2008, 12:09 AM

Yes, both earlier observations are right on the ball. The shot is composed as if the sky is your subject. Try metering for correct exposure on the car, with more car in the shot, though I agree with rfortson that your angle is intriguing.

More light on the car, but not too much light, of course.

Regards,

Ernest

*PentaxPZ* · 07-11-2008, 04:31 AM

Thanks guys, I liked the sweeping away of the lock ups.
Yes I took lots of funny angled shots, but I could not see the view finder so just pushed the button and hoped for the best.....

Here is another shot....

*PentaxPZ* · 07-11-2008, 07:03 AM

Or these?

better?
I dont normally take pictures at this location but it was quiet, maybe a little dark now I have seen the shots on a PC...

vizjerei · 07-11-2008, 07:39 AM

do you have a wireless flash? set it to the left side of the car to light up the car more, make it stand out from the dark background

Shashinki · 07-11-2008, 05:12 PM

The "L" is just classic! It's a bit dark, but I think you have enough detail to lighten it a bit in PP.

If not: go for Wflash and some creative lighting like vizjerei said.

*PentaxPZ* · 07-12-2008, 10:33 AM

I have only recently got the car so put the Ls on to warn others....

Dont have a wireless flash but, want one....
but dont the onboard one trigger them?
if so wont i get a bright spot at the back and glow on the side?

*PentaxPZ* · 07-14-2008, 07:11 AM

and a few more......
What do you think guys?
Any suggestions?
I dont usually take pictures at this location....

PentaxScott · 07-14-2008, 05:11 PM

Lighting is much better in this last set. Good job!

My favs are the second and the fourth. I might suggest in the second shot, setting your focus directly on the hubcap. It was the spot my eyes kept wanting to drift to. Great color on the garage doors! The fourth shot angle is nice. Its still a hair dark, but easily correctable with minor PP. Try shooting a few shots there, with a varying DoF. The shot would be a bit more engaging with either less depth, or more, but right now its kind of in a "so-so" middle. The composition is pleasing though.

Great job! I can already see the improvements!

*PentaxPZ* · 07-15-2008, 06:51 AM

Thanks.... but all the shots where taken in one go....
I have the camera set to full auto with pattern metering (mainly because I have no idea of what settings to use)

Thanks for the encoragement, I love to take pictures of cars, though usually classics...

vizjerei · 07-18-2008, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by PentaxPZ

I have only recently got the car so put the Ls on to warn others....

Dont have a wireless flash but, want one....
but dont the onboard one trigger them?
if so wont i get a bright spot at the back and glow on the side?

Yes I use the onboard one to trigger my 540. well u need a big white cardbroad, to let the flash shoot the light to and reflect the light to the car, so the car's glass will a nice white reflection and the car will evenly lighted, stand out from the dark background.

I was talking about the first 2 photos you posted by the way.

Lowell Goudge · 07-18-2008, 01:53 PM

It makes me laugh to see the L for new drivers, can you shrink that down for your camera

Just kidding, your shots are getting beter in a hurry as this thread progresses, and the first shot, except for exposure is an interesting angle.

One suggestion however, is watch oout for the background, trees or a field would be better than the garages

I am surprised at the condition of the car, as it is now quite old. I had one of these in the mid 1990's when I lived in Lyon.

Funny though, I don't see an engine badge on the front fender. There should have been one at about the side marker light. Mine was a 1.9D

*PentaxPZ* · 07-19-2008, 12:03 PM

This car is a 1.4 perol automatic and is in fair condition.....
as can be seen the arches are going....

The car has previously been in a minor shunt and had repairs carried out by previous owner so that may be why the badges are not present...

It drives very well and goes by the name "NIGEL" blame the girlfriend!!!!!
these where to help me use the camera around a car as I'm off the wadebridge wheels tomorrow, one of the biggest classic car show in the UK!

pictures will be posted here soon after....
expect more strange angles and some full views too.
I really like the odd angles, a whole new perspective to automotive photography?