I invite members to share their photography tips. I have learned a few by watching the magazine pros work when I worked at
Metalcrafters. Here is a bullet list of the basics:
- Pick a clean backdrop. Find a location where there is a big blank wall, or mountain top where there is nothing but sky behind the car. My favorite location is a grocery store back lot on a Sunday morning where the is no other parked cars. Get out of your driveway with the trash cans in the background!
- Shoot during the "golden hour" of light. That is one hour after sunrise, or one hour before sunset. You get very warm light during this time and fewer harsh reflections than full sun.
- Shoot unusual angles or use wide angle. Get the "dog's eye" view, or stand on a step ladder. It adds drama to the shot because it is a view that is not normally seen in person. The least dramatic view is one from a standing person at eye level.
- Turn the front wheels to the camera. We don't want to see tread. Looks like the car is in motion.
- Shoot 100 shots for every one that you want to keep. Move an inch, shoot. Move an inch, shoot. Digital is cheap. You will find one gem in a bag of rocks.
