Viewpoint & color black.....

[E.T.]

Hi all. Im relatively new to this forum [so be gentle] & would appreciate any advice on "how to's" for improving my approach to shooting cars pics.

Im compiling a photo album of special interest autos Ive restored/collected over the years.

Any suggestions on how to make static shots more interesting appreciated.

Also, any tips on improving/enhancing the clarity of black subjects also appreciated.
[I find black to be least appealing color when photographed, that is, lackluster.
more often than not, paint does not reflect "real life" depth/shine...why?]

Ive attached a pic for critique: 1952 Cadillac.
Pic is taken with low end [les than 1 mp] camera.

Fire away!

[mjm]

i would clone out the brown areas of grass and try to get rid of most reflections. the smoke in the back isn't all that appealing to me. maybe a more interesting angle.

try to get some moving shots?

[E.T.]

Thanks for feedback mjm. Indulge me for a moment.....when you say "I would clone out the brown areas of grass", you are refering to manipulation via software image program, yes?

Re: tailpipe vapor, yup, its ugly alright.

Re:" get rid of most reflection" how would I get rid of reflection & still retain gloss?
[Generally speaking, a high quality show finish will look three feet deep.]
Maybe Im confused, lol

BTW, can you manipulate my first pic regarding gloss? That may help give me an idea for improvement

I added this elevated shot to enhance the depth of finish.....

[Charles Hess]

Actually I think the high gloss really makes the black stand out. I think you just need to be careful of your shooting angle, as some of the reflections can hurt rather than help the appeal. In #1, with the lack of a driver, the exhaust seems really out of place. I like #2 because of your viewpoint, though some of the reflections are distracting, especially on the right fender. Overall, these are pretty decent shots, considering they are taken outdoors and the trees causing reflections all over the car's frame.