Tips for shooting a car meet?

sduk

sduk

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Sammy
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Hello, just wondering if anyone had any tips or help for what will be technically my first photoshooot for other people :)

For those who dont know me (probably all of you as im still new here lol) I am Sammy, Im 24 and amongst other things im a big car enthusiast.

I am a member of the astra owners network and on saturday there is a meet in Aberdeen.

Now as I have been posting lots of my DSLR pics (which I have only owned for a couple of months) I have been designated photgrapher for the meet!

So not wanting to be a complete noob infront of them all, I just was after some of your wisdom :D

- The cars will be stationary so should I shoot on MANUAL and adjust aperature and shutter speed?

- or just set to aperature mode and let the shutter speed be chosen by the camera?

- ISO set to auto aswell?

- any suggestions for a good formation with about 12 cars?

- will also shoot individual pics for everyone so just go free hand and leave the tripod in the boot (its a daytime meet)

- anything else is very much appreciated, I will post the results if i manage to get a good pic :D

Thanks as always

Sammy
 
The position of the cars are up to you. That's what makes each photographer unique. You decide.

Yep, manual is good. Shoot on a wide aperture to get a small depth of focus (bokeh background), or raise the f number to something like f/11 if you want more in focus.

ISO on the lowest it'll go (less noise as possible).

Shoot on a tripod and use a remote control so you don't jog the camera. If you don't have a remote control then use the timer so it takes the picture without you touching the camera. If you're shooting in the day, you don't really need to do this but it helps to make the photo as sharp as possible.

Once you're set, just adjust the shutter speed manually until it's exposed correctly. Shoot using a wide aperture (low f number) to do arty stuff with bokeh backgrounds and so on. It's up to you really, but the above is what I normally do. :)
 
One item I would recommend you take with you is a polarizing filter, as this will help to minimize reflections you will get on the paint work and windows. With an auto-focus SLR, this would be a circular polarizer rather than linear.
 
Well technically speaking all cars suck and then they blow!! it's the method and efficiency in which they suck that defines their greatness... ;)

But seriously though just go along and have fun if you worry too much about the technicalities you will not enjoy your first full shoot and miss a lot of good shots!

Fire off a couple of test shots at the beginning of the meet to get an idea of the light available then just go nut's if it does not work try sommit else! Get an early idea of the best cars there, the owners are more likely to interested in the shots afterwards and a photo of a boring car is no good for your portfolio either.. ;)

Try lots of different angles, depths of field and get lots of little details from the cars they love all that they do.

Go back and do the formal shots of owner with car and car formations later on once you feel comfortable.

but remember have fun... see this post for what I mean.. http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=130995

Oh and let us know how you get on, with some examples of the shots you got..good luck.
 
All the best with your shoot.Just go out and enjoy yourself.Some useful info given above already.My Son James belongs to A.O.N forum over here in N.Ireland.
 
thanks very much for all the help :D I am really looking forward to the shoot and another chance to practice with the camera. Although its just for fun I am a bit of a perfectionist and I would like some good shots!

Jimc, my girlfriend is from Cullybackey and next month we are holidaying over there for 2 weeks and taking our astra. I have arranged a meet/photoshoot with the NI members on AON.

You should give him the heads up if he is not already aware :) You should come along too, be nice to meet the both of you :D





So back on topic just to confirm...

- ISO on auto
- Shoot on Manual mode and adjust the aperature and shutter speed as required with light?
- and have fun :D

Sammy
 
Kryptix said:
The position of the cars are up to you. That's what makes each photographer unique. You decide.

Yep, manual is good. Shoot on a wide aperture to get a small depth of focus (bokeh background), or raise the f number to something like f/11 if you want more in focus.

ISO on the lowest it'll go (less noise as possible).

Shoot on a tripod and use a remote control so you don't jog the camera. If you don't have a remote control then use the timer so it takes the picture without you touching the camera. If you're shooting in the day, you don't really need to do this but it helps to make the photo as sharp as possible.

Once you're set, just adjust the shutter speed manually until it's exposed correctly. Shoot using a wide aperture (low f number) to do arty stuff with bokeh backgrounds and so on. It's up to you really, but the above is what I normally do. :)
Click to expand...

thats a great bit of advice thank you, can i ask what a "bokeh" is?

i dont have a remote but i do have a tripod, would you recommend I use that for all the shots?

Sammy
 
The bokeh,is using your Aperture to give you a nice background.F 2 puts everything out of focus behind subject and as you go to say f16,the background gets sharper.The better the quality of lens the nicer (creamery look)should be possible.Just my quick definition!!
My son JamesC knows who you are (and your white Astra),and will try to meet up when you come over.Best of luck
 
Sammy as this is your first AON meeting just stick the camera on auto and get used to different positions such as low angles, ¾ shots, high up using a step ladder or any handy wall etc.

one point worth remembering is think beyond the car and look at any nasty’s in the background - lamp posts etc

No-one at AON will expect you to be a pro.

I think there are more chances of messing up trying everything including manual settings at your first meet.

Just get to know the other members and feel comfortable with what your KNOW you can do and leave the harder stuff for next time around.:thumbs:
 
9.jpg


That was shot at a low aperture (f/1.8-f/4.0) so it gives a background bokeh because it's a very small depth of focus. To get more in focus just raise the f number. :)
 
you have a astra so you know the angles the car looks best at .
try a few settings either TV or AV or manual.
hope it all works out.
 
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