How to shoot CARS! 5 tips to better Automotive Photography!

Summary

In this video, Chris Hau shares five car photography tips to enhance your shots. He covers various angles like front and back 1/4 shots, motion blur with panning, driving shots, and the importance of composition. Safety is emphasized during dynamic shots, and he suggests using a polarizing filter to manage reflections. The video aims to inspire creativity and improve car photography skills.

Takeaways

• 🚗 **Different Angles and Positions**: Experiment with various car positions such as front left 1/4, left 3/4, and their right-side equivalents, as well as front, side profile, and back shots.
• 🔧 **Wheel Positioning**: Always turn the car's wheel to face the photographer to enhance the visual appeal of the rim.
• 🌟 **Panning for Motion Blur**: Capture motion blur by setting the camera's shutter to 1/125 and following a fast-moving car to showcase speed.
• 🚙 **Driving Shots**: Use two cars and a safe, closed-off area to shoot from a chase car at speeds of 40-60 mph with a shutter speed of 1/80 or 1/100 for motion effects.
• 🔒 **Safety First**: Ensure the camera is securely attached to avoid accidents and maintain safety during high-speed photography.
• 🌈 **Beware of Reflections**: Cars reflect their surroundings, so choose open spaces or use a polarizing filter to manage reflections effectively.
• 📸 **Use a Polarizing Filter**: A circular polarizing filter can significantly reduce unwanted reflections and enhance the car's appearance in photos.
• 🏞️ **Creative Composition**: Vary your shots by getting low, high, or using a drone for a bird's-eye view, and incorporate the landscape or foreground elements for a dynamic composition.
• 👁️ **Trust Your Eye**: Encourage creativity by exploring different angles, lighting, and locations to achieve satisfying and unique car photography results.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Chris Hau's video?

The main topic of Chris Hau's video is providing five tips and tricks to improve car photography.

Which car does Chris use for demonstrating the photography tips?

Chris uses his 1998 Mercedes Benz C230 with rust spots and fake AMG wheels for demonstrating the photography tips.

What is the first photography tip Chris suggests?

The first photography tip Chris suggests is to shoot the car at different angles and positions, including front left 1/4, left 3/4, front right 1/4, front right 3/4, front shot, side profile, back shot, back right 1/4, and back right 3/4.

What is the pro tip Chris shares regarding the car's wheel position?

Chris shares a pro tip to always try to turn the wheel of the car so that the rim is facing the photographer, as it generally makes the car look better and is more pleasing to the eye.

How does Chris describe the technique for achieving motion blur in car photography?

Chris describes panning for motion blur by standing stationary next to the side of the road while the car drives past at a fast speed, capturing the shot with a shutter speed of about 1/125 to get a sharp car with blurry wheels and background.

What are the requirements for taking driving shots according to Chris?

For taking driving shots, Chris mentions the need for two drivers, two cars, and a closed-off area for safe shooting. The camera is hung outside the window of the chase car while shooting the opposite car at speeds of about forty to sixty miles per hour.

What safety tip does Chris give regarding camera usage during driving shots?

Chris emphasizes the importance of safety by suggesting that the camera should be attached to the photographer or latched in some way to prevent it from being dropped and potentially damaged.

Why does Chris recommend shooting in an open space?

Chris recommends shooting in an open space to avoid unwanted reflections that can appear on the car's surface, such as people, trees, or buildings.

What is the purpose of using a polarizing filter when shooting cars, according to Chris?

Chris suggests using a polarizing filter to reduce reflections on the car's surface, which can enhance the clarity and color of the car's body and details.

What is the fifth tip Chris offers for improving car photography?

The fifth tip Chris offers is to focus on composition by changing up shots, getting low, using a ladder for high angles, utilizing the landscape, and incorporating different perspectives to make the photos more interesting and appealing.

How does Chris encourage viewers to engage with his content?

Chris encourages viewers to like the video, subscribe for more content, and leave comments suggesting what they would like to see in future videos.