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11/03/2011 12:54:11 PM · #1 |
| I want to take some pictures of my daughter's boyfriend's truck for his Christmas present. Any suggestions, tips or tricks for a first time vehicle photographer? |
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11/03/2011 01:41:17 PM · #2 |
Not my field exactly, but I think I'd start by waiting for a partly-cloudy or overcast day to minimize specular reflection, except for specific shots where you'd want them, like a close-up of a shiny bumper or rim. If you have time/space, use a tripod so you can use low-ISO/narrow aperture/slow shutter combination of settings.
I'd probably make a collage* with a 3/4 front view, surrounded by small shots with close-ups of interesting details or side/back views or whatever; I can get a 12x18 at Costco for $3.00 ...
*Something like this ... 
Message edited by author 2011-11-03 13:59:55. |
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11/03/2011 01:57:11 PM · #3 |
I've only shot a couple of cars before, so I don't know if I'm exactly qualified, but here are some tips I've picked up:
- Shoot at night or on an overcast day.
- If shooting at night, do a long exposure to get the great star-shine effect from the truck's headlights.
- If shooting at night, and on pavement, wet down the pavement to increase shine and reflectivity.
- If shooting at night, you can use your own car's headlights to light the truck. If you have two cars you can use, even better.
- If shooting in day, try to find a cool location (up in the mountains/at the beach/etc) free of other people and/or visual distractions.
- Place the truck at an attractive angle, and mix up your own shooting angle (ie, shooting down looking up, from more above, etc). Google truck photographs to get some ideas. The angle is probably going to be the most important element to making this look awesome.
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11/03/2011 02:02:29 PM · #4 |
I've had good results shooting against a rising or setting sun in the background. Need to do an HDR from bracketed shots under such conditions, but it can offer pleasing results.
 
I've gotten good results on sunny days as well. What messes up my car shots is overhead trees that cause blotchy reflections in the paint.
 
Message edited by author 2011-11-03 14:06:49.
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11/03/2011 02:04:34 PM · #5 |
The way I would shoot a 1950 Dodge B2B 1-Ton is way different than I would shoot a jacked up dually. The default setting for trucks is the "grrr, so tough" look. Out in nature, on the crest of a hill, or down in a valley, shot with a long enough lens that all the sliks and the fill lighting is just out of the frame.
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11/03/2011 02:13:08 PM · #6 |
wide angle works well upclose this was with my 12mm, depends on his truck is he a polish chrome never leaves the asphalt or like me the dirter it is the better :)
some phone and outtakes ones
_MG_8824 by gilesbert, on Flickr
IMG_0068 by gilesbert, on Flickr
or if you have the keys, stage it off road etc
IMG_6119 by gilesbert, on Flickr
Message edited by author 2011-11-03 14:13:33. |
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11/03/2011 05:53:11 PM · #7 |
here's some of my truck, and some of the thing's I've picked up while shooting it.
Context counts- Put his truck in a situation that makes sense for that truck. (lowered, shouldn't really be sitting in dirt, off-road should be on some sort of non-pavement)
shoot low to emphasize the character of the truck. It makes them more aggressive, and more dimensional. top down shots are boring.
avoid driveways.
watch out for things "growing" out of the truck, trees, wires, etc. either find an area without them, or photoshop.
contrast. If it's a nice vehicle (or if he thinks it is ;) ) try putting it somewhere rundown, next to a warehouse, on a deserted street, somewhere with grafitti, anything industrial usually works, and emphasizes the mechanical nature of the vehicle.
the TRUCK SHOULD BE FRESHLY WASHED! (unless you're emphasizing the ruggedness of it)
use reflections to your advantage, this is where most the interest comes from.
try using liquid to your advantage for reflections.
sunset behind creates great light.
don't be afraid to focus on some details
long exposure with traffic can be interesting
be careful when exposing headlights, they tend to cause a lot of flare
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11/03/2011 08:46:29 PM · #8 |
Get his girlfriend to "borrow" the truck for an afternoon and get some action shots. He'll love it!
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11/03/2011 09:50:39 PM · #9 |
| I actually specialize in car photography. Definitely shoot at sunset/sunrise, unless it's an overcast day. Try to avoid reflections in the car, which usually means you need an open space to shoot at (unless you are going for the wood/trees look or a night time light streak look). And most of all make sure you clean/wash the car before the shoot! And have fun! |
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11/05/2011 09:43:34 AM · #10 |
| Wow! Thanks for great response Everyone. I'm going to attempt the shoot next time her boyfriend is out of town and she can use the truck. |
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11/05/2011 09:30:24 PM · #11 |
Definitely try to control the environment.....if you can't get the best possible shot that you can with what you have. It's all about angle & perspective.
 
Sometimes you're screwed as far as a background/setting......then you have to make the light and subject work the best you can.
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