'Driving Spirit' Nice metal inside :)

[DeanPhoto]

Afternoon all,

I have spent the last month or so shooting for a Sports and Classic Car Hire Club called 'Driving Spirit'. I have yet to finish off all the cars but I'm sat here in work bored out of my skull and thought I'd post a few of the images. They gave me free roam on all the photography as I understood their needs, personally I wanted to create images which were really simple and made you want to drive the car, they certainly weren't for any benefit of my own.

I hold a full time job in IT and so I struggle greatly with finding the time to shoot and finding locations is purely down to google maps or somewhere I've passed through. I usually end up getting only 3hrs sleep when I'm shooting (on location for sunrise, do not get home from work until midnight). Working the late shift at work has it's advantages, as does driving these cars around, but boy am I tired! You gotta push yourself though if you want to improve and do it full time I guess.


So, first off was the Elise 111R. They wanted this car shot first as it was a new arrival and time was of the essence. I normally choose to shoot in nice open spaces but because of a lack of time I used a road locally that would hopefully suit the Elise to a tee.

Unfortunately metcheck lied to me regarding the time of the sunrise so it was a tad bright by the time I'd finished off cleaning the car and was ready to shoot. I don't think the reflections are too bad though and in general I think I just about managed to pull it off, even if they are boring.

1.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3417020293_ba8d10fd7d.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3417020293_04c655c54b_o.jpg)

2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3486168904_38e90a213e.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3486168904_a9121e1c9d_o.jpg]See it bigger[/URL]

3.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3486173030_8c4a946f49.jpg
[URL="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3486173030_65a01aef05_o.jpg)

4. And one from the day I picked it up, never shoot at midday :(
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3486170042_eded4153a0.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3486170042_19fdaacbd0_o.jpg)

[DeanPhoto]

Next up was their gorgeous 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera. This car had only 8000 miles on the clock and is truly 'mint'. After being underwhelmed by a 997 Turbo cabriolet, I wasn't expecting much but now I know why the 911 has it cuslt following, I loved this car. Due to bad weather I again found myself short on time. For some reason I haven't uploaded a lot of these images, there are some better ones at home.

5.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3403558805_63d0180d7f.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3403558805_de457022e5_o.jpg)

6.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3404371500_75663b8aed.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3404371500_9c559b50e1_o.jpg

7.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3645/3417821102_30e914d9c8.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3645/3417821102_df47b89b7c_o.jpg)

8.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3417014685_4aa7d97040.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3417014685_1ef86e2b14_o.jpg)

9. Really poor comp.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3417017321_b3d72b7330.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3417017321_0b4606013b_o.jpg)

[DeanPhoto]

Next up was the TVR Griffith 500. I am a total TVR nut so I was really looking forward to this one, unfortunately though it rained throughout the entire 2 days I had it :(

10.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3430431243_ff1f2bdba9.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3430431243_38570b145f_o.jpg)

11.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3428106365_44d52d5bba.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3428106365_fe7d699839_o.jpg)

12.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3486156240_9ce31cc9f0.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3486156240_cdb0aa23a5_o.jpg)

13.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3485342185_f481a299e1.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3485342185_88636a2c4b_o.jpg)

[DeanPhoto]

And then onto the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

14.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3479947592_d439b6e867.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3479947592_657e718674_o.jpg)

15.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3430797881_eabac755ef.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3430797881_77976086a0_o.jpg)

16.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3439490566_08df1dd7c5.jpg
I'm getting bored of typing the same thing (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3439490566_ffd7cb7e80_o.jpg)

17.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3482993140_76d5f5f372.jpg
See it in a slightly bigger resolution (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3482993140_96a0f7ebbb_o.jpg)

18.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3482176307_32d5824aec.jpg
Tickle me (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3482176307_32d5824aec.jpg)

19.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3503550777_f3c3f89440.jpg
If you must (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3503550777_df090ba574_o.jpg)

20. My fav
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3456281976_325c34c43d.jpg
I suggest you click me (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3456281976_b42e0bf54a_o.jpg)

[DeanPhoto]

Then it was onto the Ferrari 360 Spider. Normally, I'd be excitied by shooting one of these however, this one was black :(

21.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3450482031_aeaaf612f6.jpg
Clicky clicky (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3450482031_e7f985963b_o.jpg)

22. This is someones driveway!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3448295184_4be16a5762.jpg
Bigger one over here (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3448295184_2c7198f80e_o.jpg)

23.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3445944192_764a8253f2.jpg
Guess what? (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3445944192_f9154499b8_o.jpg)

24.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3445942452_4ab46c452d.jpg
Larger one over here (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3445942452_399b701f52_o.jpg)

[DeanPhoto]

From one Ferrari to another, the brilliant F355 GTS. I cannot tell you in words how great this car was, it felt so much more special than the 360's and F430's that I have driven in the past!

25. Oh I do like to be beside the seaside..
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3468612669_36b0256cdd.jpg
Recommended (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3468612669_30b089ec9f_o.jpg)

26.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3476982514_448908387e.jpg
Over here (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3476982514_8695140887_o.jpg)

27.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3476179585_1e7a4d1186.jpg
Go on, I dare you (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3476179585_a81f73795c_o.jpg)

28.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3476989976_ceb57da264.jpg
You guessed it (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3476989976_c9c6f4a03f_o.jpg)

29.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3304/3476969120_157be4d73b.jpg
Bigger than the one above (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3304/3476969120_ec2631febc_o.jpg)

30. I wish that sometimes pictures could see noise, the howl from this 355 with straight through pipes was immense.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3468609487_b7a00ac69e.jpg
See it bigger (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3468609487_f970041e76_o.jpg)

[DeanPhoto]

And then another, the Ferrari 328 GTS. We didn't get on terribly well together, what with me being built like an english man and not a little Italian.

31.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3504354870_721e19893c.jpg
Go on.... (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3504354870_f745b0f59e_o.jpg)

32.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3504351902_300a7d4e8e.jpg
click me (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3504351902_130080b470_o.jpg)

33.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3500811576_d3e26dfdd6.jpg
Retro does not rule (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3500811576_02558541a8_o.jpg)

34.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3499996901_1a1573a81d.jpg
Well, that killed an hour (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3499996901_517b35a0fb_o.jpg)

So there we have the progress so far. I have only posted a very small percentage of the images, some more availaable on my Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/dean-photo).

If you have any questions about the photography, cars, club and my sleeping habits then please post them here and not via PM :)

Thanks for looking.

[purpleclouds]

Too much to comment on individually, but I like the style a lot :)

[Liberalis]

Loads to look through there, I see why you have been quiet in here mate.

I am so wanting that loc in 15 & 16.

[david357]

Too much information??? Lovely set, the Elise number 1 for me, then the Aston, number 19.

[jwr]

lovely set, the aston ones being my favs.

[DeanPhoto]

Loads to look through there, I see why you have been quiet in here mate.

I am so wanting that loc in 15 & 16.

It's been a tough month! I do check the forum from work but I can only images from flickr through the proxy so most of the threads are empty when I view them, hence no comments from me.

The location ruled, it was the wrong time of day but I don't think it looks too bad. It's a bit of a trek for you though :)

Too much information??? Lovely set, the Elise number 1 for me, then the Aston, number 19.

Too much info? I always get slated for not providing enough. I must find that happy medium!

lovely set, the aston ones being my favs.

I think some of the Aston's are also mine too but I just love simplicity of the F355 shots.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

[Thomas88]

Lovely set as usual Dean!

[dazzajl]

Afternoon all,
I wanted to create images which were really simple and made you want to drive the car


I WANT to drive these cars. Job done! Very nicely too. :thumbs:

[GFWilliams]

Great as usual!

Do you know when you are doing Mike R's collection?

[TJenkos]

Those photos are absolutely amazing, I wish I knew of places like that round here!

[AndyWest]

I have just soiled my pants!!!! :lol:

[Rob_W]

All great pics but i do like the Vantage shots, 19 & 20

[Little Man]

Awesome work, as always Dean.

Allthough I see you've gone to the dark side, and bought a D3. What happend to the 1DS you bought?

[sam_51]

smashing any tips on your tenchnique, did you use flash on any of then. really like your style

[DeanPhoto]

Great as usual!

Do you know when you are doing Mike R's collection?

Thanks George. I've no idea, I followed him into Auto Italia last week when he was in his F40 but then I lost track of him! I'll send him an email soon.

Awesome work, as always Dean.

Allthough I see you've gone to the dark side, and bought a D3. What happend to the 1DS you bought?

Thanks Little Man. I have never used Canon (makes me feel ill thinking about it ;) ) I guess you might be mixing up your Dean's?

smashing any tips on your tenchnique, did you use flash on any of then. really like your style

I used flash in the some of the Aston shots (between the trees) and one flash on the rear of the F355 of the ones taken by the sea.

As for tips on my technique, that's a little too general to answer really. Is there anything in particular you were after? I have a set of rules that I try and adhere too:

*Only shoot during sunrise, sunset, when it's very cloudy or in the shade.
*Only use flash if absolutely nessecary, or if it's the 'look' you're going for (think MAX Power etc).
*Always use a tripod.
*If doing different cars for one company, keep all the processing and compostions similar
*Try and have fun
*Be nice to the chavs and give them a few revs to shut them up
*Have at least a litre of Duvel and 20 Marlboro once back home.

[DeanPhoto]

I have just soiled my pants!!!! :lol:


In a brown way, yellow way or clear way? :)

[GFWilliams]

Sounds good :)

I forgot to tell you, I've got 3 paid shoot after my exams! All ph people, I feel as if I have had free advertising...

George

[DeanPhoto]

Sounds good :)

I forgot to tell you, I've got 3 paid shoot after my exams! All ph people, I feel as if I have had free advertising...

George

Good on ya fella! Make sure you do it on your terms!!

[Kryptix]

Too much to comment on individually, but I like the style a lot :)
I'd agree with that. :)

[Liberalis]

In a brown way, yellow way or clear way? :)

When you get old its all at the same time, lol

[Little Man]

Thanks Little Man. I have never used Canon (makes me feel ill thinking about it ;) ) I guess you might be mixing up your Dean's?



Was actually getting you mixed up with another lad, sorry fella.

As said, uber work!

[Impspeed]

A fantastic set of photos and I can definately see the theme running through them all.

#16 caught my eye in particular and not for a good reason. There are some people stood at the end of the long straight road which my eye was immediate drawn to - don't ask mw why but it would be good to have those cloned out and make sure it's cleaner...?

DB

[DeanPhoto]

A fantastic set of photos and I can definately see the theme running through them all.

#16 caught my eye in particular and not for a good reason. There are some people stood at the end of the long straight road which my eye was immediate drawn to - don't ask mw why but it would be good to have those cloned out and make sure it's cleaner...?

DB

Thanks for reminding me! I'd noticed that whilst processing and I keep forgetting to clone them out!

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

[SpidersEye]

I've looked through these pictures for several minutes now and I'll just say a few things:

1. Superb set of pictures. Like all of them :)

2. #8 stands out for me. It's a very classy picture of a beautiful car :thumbs:

3. I love the setting in 14 (the Aston) and 25 (the 355). The colours in the background work really well with the colour of the cars.

4. I really want that driveway (pic 22).

Thanks for sharing :)

[brad mole]

some really great shots there, love how clear they are and so vibrant, nice work

[rob200sx]

Great shots Dean, are you doing EvenTT09 this year?

[Anton17]

The Aston Martin set is my favourite - not due to the car but the lighting. Very nice. :)

[Butler]

Is that a rig shot of the aston in motion? If so was it hard to photoshop it out with the trees in the background? Also what rig are you using? Thanks :) Great photos.

[Scotty B]

25 - 30. Stunning, love the 355.

[specialman]

Great shots. It's like car porn - think I've gone blind already from all the hand (on mouse) action :)

The 355 is the best of those cars - looks sweet.

[DeanPhoto]

Great shots Dean, are you doing EvenTT09 this year?

Hi Rob,

I haven't been asked to cover it. Saying that, me and the TTF has a little fall-out over some minor copyright issues!

Is that a rig shot of the aston in motion? If so was it hard to photoshop it out with the trees in the background? Also what rig are you using? Thanks :) Great photos.

It is a rig shot. The hardest part of removing the rig is cloning the reflections on the bonnet, the tree's can be a PITA sometimes but you get used to it.

The 355 is the best of those cars - looks sweet.

Agreed :)

[Bendihossan]

I...don't think I've ever been so jealous in my life! Stunning vehicles, stunning cars. stunning, stunning, stunning!

[DizMatt]

does the ferrari hire come with an obligatory huge moustache...if it doesn't it damn well should

love some of these shots.
the best ones are the Aston ones for me....really does the car justice.

[EdinburghGary]

Awesome sets!!! :D

How do you rate the cars? I have the 111R and I love it, I suspect it does not live up to the power of the others. They all look awesome.

Fancy coming to shoot mine? :D

Gary.

[Trev Rich]

OK.. what's a rig?
I'm assuming the camera is suspended from the car on a rig but it looks like it would have to be huge?

Bloody awesome set of images there matey.

[stu_the_flat]

I love number 6 and 19 they are stunning! How do you take such images?

Cheers Stuart

[Trev Rich]

I love number 6 and 19 they are stunning! How do you take such images?

Cheers Stuart

read my post.. directly above yours... :nuts:

[DeanPhoto]

Awesome sets!!! :D

How do you rate the cars? I have the 111R and I love it, I suspect it does not live up to the power of the others. They all look awesome.

Fancy coming to shoot mine? :D

Gary.

Hi Gary,

I have to say I didn't get on with the 111R. The road handling is outstanding and I love how communicative it was however, if I wanted a car with such compromises it would have to be a lot faster and louder!! I reckon an Exige would be much more up my alley.

Quick rundown then:

AM V8 Vantage: Gorgeous, sounds amazing (with fuse 22 pulled), nice interior, the handling was great and because of the way the structure is made (similar to an elise) it felt great, it's a geniune everyday car but I'd want a little more performance. Certainly wouldn't say no to a second hand car at £45k!

Porsche 1989 911: I hate 911's, had the displeasure of having a 997 turbo cab for a day or two last year and I didn't 'get it' (130k porsche 911?) however, this '89 911 was great! So retro, pretty quick, great looking and it was mighty comfortable! Cool little car

TVR Griff 500: Smelt like a canoe, couldn't figure out the heating controls for the life of me but I absolutely loved it! I only ever drove it in the wet and it only stepped out of line once, you just had to tread carefully. Great V8 noise and a pretty rare sight, well worth a go in one if you can see past the ever so slightly dated looks.

Ferrari 328 GTS: Absolutely horrible. Sounds like a bag of nails, looks horrid and if you're over 5ft tall then good luck fitting in it. Awful, awful, awful car. If you dream of owning one of these then leave it at that; a dream, or else you will be very gutted!!

Ferrari F355: Wow. This was the second 'rari that I had driven (prev being an F430 Spyder) and I absolutely loved it! This particular car had straight through pipes and it was LOUD! Driving position was akward at first but not really cramped, probably wasn;t helped by the oversize airbag steering wheel. I was expecting it to not handle very well but to be honest, it handled brilliantly, it must have been light years ahead back in the nineties. Drove lovely, sounded lovely, looked gorgeous and it's on my shopping list now!

Ferrari 360: Having now driven the 430 & 355 I was expecting something in the middle of the two, obviously. As a driving machine, it met the expectations but it just didn't feel special at all and the build quality was questionable, as are the looks. Also doesn't sound that great until your past 7k rpm. Bit of a let down but still a very nice car.

As for coming and shooting your 111R, if we can head over to the west highlands then I might just take you up on that offer!

[DeanPhoto]

OK.. what's a rig?
I'm assuming the camera is suspended from the car on a rig but it looks like it would have to be huge?

Bloody awesome set of images there matey.

Trev,

Have a butchers at this..

Rig shots (http://www.rigshots.com.au/howto1.htm)

[buckas]

elise and 911 are the best sets imo

drew

[Matt Sayle]

25-30 are my favoutires :love::love::love:

Stunning set of images :clap: SO many crackers!!