This blog post was inspired by the info I found in an article titled How to Take Car Pictures for Instagram on LuxuryCarRentalBangkok.com and Semiocast.
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For those who have a unique car or enjoy photographing cars, it is common to share their photos on platforms like Instagram for friends, family, and even strangers to see.
Improving the quality of your car photos can help increase interest and potentially fetch a higher price when selling.
What are some tips for making my car look good in pictures?
Car photography was popular among teenagers, with images of cars like the Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Countach often found on bedroom walls, sparking an interest in cars for many.
1 – Make it shine
Proper car maintenance begins with cleaning and detailing. Use a valeting kit to vacuum, clean, and wax your car to give it a polished look.
2 – Plan according to the weather
It is advisable to avoid bad weather when taking photos, as rain and mud can spoil your efforts and may not lead to good images.
The dark, menacing clouds in the image below were effectively utilized.
The same rules apply when shooting a car or a scooter.
For optimal lighting in photography, a sunny day with some clouds or slightly overcast conditions are preferable. Clear blue skies may create harsh shadows and result in blurred background and in less interesting photos.
3 – Choose your car shoot locations carefully
The location plays a crucial role in car photography. Choose a background that complements and suits the car being captured. For instance, an off-road location would be ideal for a picture of a Land Rover Defender, for example, while a classic car may look best in a sophisticated setting like a country estate.
Land Rover Defender
1975 Porsche 914 Targa Top classic model.
In street photography, contrasts can be effective. For instance, placing a luxurious car like an Aston Martin in a run-down setting, such as a derelict factory, can create an interesting visual contrast in street side.
4 – Aim for the golden hour
Golden hour refers to the early morning or late evening when the sun is rising or setting. During this time, the light is softer and more golden compared to midday. It is best to avoid shooting photos at night or midday when the sun is at its strongest and creates harsh shadows.
The 1963 Volkswagen Splitscreen 13 window Deluxe is a classic model.
5 – A dedicated camera will take your photos to the next level
Transitioning from using a camera app a phone to a more advanced camera can benefit those with a growing interest in car photography. However, financial constraints should not deter anyone from exploring this hobby.
Photography is a widely accessible art form, as it can be enjoyed by anyone using a camera phone.
When taking car photos, it’s more effective to use a phone and follow car photography tips, rather than investing in a phone and an expensive camera and ignoring professional gear and advice.
6 – Lens choice
When using a DSLR-type camera, it is recommended to avoid lenses that are too wide, such as 24mm or below, as they can distort your subject. Lenses between 35mm and 200mm are ideal, with the 90mm lens being a popular choice.
7 – Shoot all of it, don’t miss anything
When photographing cars, it’s important to draw attention, stay aware and not overlook important details.
When taking photos of a vehicle, start by capturing the entire vehicle in the frame. Then, focus on different angles such as the front, side, and back to get a variety of shots.
After initially capturing a wide range of shots, gradually move closer and focus on various angles, lights and features until you’ve thoroughly documented all details.
Remember to take photos of the interior and engine if they are noteworthy.
8 – Pay attention to angles and height
One important tip for photography is to lower your perspective while shooting cars to avoid the car looking disproportionately small and toy-like.
When photographing a car or motorbike, consider it as a living subject and make sure to capture images at its eye level, such as the headlights.
This will enhance the natural beauty and improve the quality of your photos.
These car photography tips are designed to enhance the appearance of your vehicle in photos.
Feel free to check back on this blog for further insights and advanced tips in the future.
For those interested in photography and improving their skills, my book is accessible in all reputable bookstores.
This blog provides information on equipment, process, and tips for taking high-quality car photos, to help you capture the best images for selling or sharing.
Cars have become a significant part of our cultural life due to their attractive designs, advanced technology, varying brand identities, and practical use for transportation.
Whether you are a car lover, enthusiast or involved in car sales, taking high-quality photos of cars can showcase their beauty and features. These photos can attract potential clients, friends and fellow car enthusiasts, allowing for discussions and networking opportunities related to car photography.
If you’re unsure how to take photos of cars, don’t worry! We will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Let’s start and learn how to take car photos.
Best Car Photography Equipment to Choose
When capturing car images, it is important to consider using quality equipment to achieve stunning results.
Here are specific tips for choosing a qualified equipment to save you time.
Tips to Choose Best Camera
This blog provides information on selecting a camera with essential features such as lenses, flashes, and light limiters. Take a look!
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The basics
Using a tripod can help ensure steady car photos, especially in low light conditions where motion blur can be an issue.
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The lenses
In automotive photography, a good lens with proper focal length, such as 5mm or 50mm, is essential for capturing cool car pictures.
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The flashes
When capturing images of cars, using natural light and a reflector can enhance the quality of the photos. Additionally, having a camera flash can be beneficial for brightening interior shots and showcasing texture in detail.
Please select a softer light to prevent shadows.
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The light limiters
Many cars have smooth surfaces that can catch and reflect light. To prevent this, it’s important to use a light limiter such as a neutral density filter or a circular polarizer. These tools help to avoid harsh light glares and capture clear images of cars.
Tips to Take Great Car Photos
If you want to capture high-quality car images, learn what to focus on for great results.
Make a Good Preparation beforehand
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Make a plan first
Car enthusiasts with a limited number of cars can connect with car owners who want to sell or showcase their vehicles. Some car owners also take pride in their cars and want to share them on social media. Good car photography can assist these owners in capturing the beauty of their cars. By demonstrating a genuine passion for their vehicles and showing them how to take detailed car photos, owners may be more willing to let you photograph their cars.
It is recommended to plan accordingly for photography shoot sessions. The best times to shoot are a few minutes before sunrise and a few minutes after sunset as the lighting is softer and the scenery is visually stunning.
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Location
When capturing images of cars, it is important not only focus on the vehicle itself, but also consider the surrounding environment. Therefore, choosing a good location is crucial for achieving the best car images.
Choose the appropriate terrain for showcasing a car’s design. A rugged car would look great on a rocky road, emphasizing its wild charm. A car suitable for driving on sand would be best displayed in the desert, with the swirling sand adding to its cool factor.
Lower cars would be better suited for streets and factory settings. Matching cars with the surrounding nature could also have significant impacts.
Color is an important factor when choosing a location for car photography. For brighter cars, it is best to use a darker background to create contrast. Conversely, for dark cars, a lighter background would be more effective. This contrast helps to highlight the subject of the car pictures. The background choice is significant in showcasing the different cars more effectively.
Take Amazing Pictures of Cars from Different Angles
To showcase a car’s diversity, take pictures from various angles. Capture a picture of the car straight on, from both sides, and at a 45-degree angle. Consider different car photography poses for variety. You may also use a drone to get an aerial shot for a unique perspective and detail.
Take Car Images in Different Styles
When capturing photos of cars, consider exploring different image styles such as humorous or stylish, rather than sticking to conventional methods.
For the desired effect, it is important for the color of the car, the background, and any ornaments to complement each other.
For your idea of a humorous photo, consider using bright colors like dark pink, adding fun stickers for decoration, and choosing a setting with elements of hip-hop culture. Let your creativity guide you as you experiment with different photo ideas.
Shoot the Interiors of Cars
Both the exterior and interior of a car are important for capturing great pictures.
Taking pictures of the interior of a car through the window may not capture all the details. It’s better to sit in the backseat for better shots. The interior of a car is usually darker, so shooting with the door open can let in more light. Keep the flash handy to ensure every detail is captured.
