See The USA In Your Chevrolet

[swmdrayfan]

The wife and I went to the local art institute yesterday, where several cars were on display from the local auto museum. Here's one of the shots I got. I'm not used to shooting cars, and I was working with my brand new SB-600, so any suggestions are welcome. We plan on hitting the car museum this summer. This particular shot is of the left rear of a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air.
John

[Coastal Flyer]

Cars, flowers, sunsets; they all have been done so many times that it takes a really unique shot to push an image over the top. Cars never seem to be displayed in an area conducive to photography which really makes it tough on we photographers, i.e., reflections of an open door or access to another room, a sign post, another person....just isn't much you can do about that. In this instance, the beauty of the car speaks for itself. Well done, indeed.

CF

[gahspidy]

I think you did fine here. Looks good. Did you try this from many different angles?

[swmdrayfan]

I think you did fine here. Looks good. Did you try this from many different angles?

Yeah Gary, I shot about 100 pictures, not all of which turned out. Many different views of the different cars on display.

Here's another of the Chevy....only from the left front:
The area around this end was in a darker spot of the display, so I tried to boost the lighting a tad.

[drg]

John,

The exposure appears to be fine in this photograph.

In terms of a 'car or auto' photo the main trunk badge is clipped, the 'points' (top of the fine, edge of the bumper, quarter panel end) are missing. You need one of these to define the cars period. The tailight/signals are awkwardly cut and I don't see a purpose to where they have been struck by the frame.

This could be markedly improved by framing a square starting on the left border. It would have a more abstract appearance and at quick glance the chrome and paint would balance each other better.

Car shots are rarely ever untouched. They get lots of editing or altering. In the days of film I know one photographer who figured she would take 10+rolls of MF to get one usable shot at a show and that was when it was pros only with no public.

At shows, events, rallies, the reflections and lights can really be aggravating so you often need to make them work to your advantage. I'll spend several minutes oftentimes finding the angle that I want before I even make an exposure or 50. Like watching your backgrounds in some photos, with shiny object you have to watch you reflections.

This is a gorgeous subject you've chosen. Any more you would care to share?

Best wishes with the musuem this summer. A wide angle used very close or a short/tele will also help to alter the perspective of unwanted elements and even though they will still be in the image, they may not be as distracting because they are distorted.

[swmdrayfan]

Thanks drg.....I've got a lot to learn with car photography. I did get another shot similar to the first one posted that shows more of the tail fin and badge. I'll see if I can work on it and post it. Thanks for the help.
John