Automotive Night Shots

[Phiberglass]

I've done a search but couldn't exactly find anything on this type of scenario. Most threads died after a few posts. I'm going to be doing a shot with a few friends and their cars. I do a lot of automotive photography but mostly during the day. I'm definitely going to pick up a flash but not in time for this shoot. It's going to be in a parking garage with supposedly ample lighting (we'll see about that. I've yet to see a garage with good lighting >.<)

Any tips or camera settings I should use. I have 18-55, 50, and 70-200 f/4.

Thanks!

[clickcanon40]

Well... hmm... With a flash there could be great possibilities. But without one there could be some good shots of the cars with the lighting but you may also consider getting some nice "sensual" images of the cars, like the reflection of the garage lights, etc. (this is more of studio type thing, but same concept- click here (http://www.autospies.com/images/users/Agent009/HM%20silhouette.jpg))

I have attempted night photos with cars but have not been greatly impressed with most of my results. I do like it when the car is near a light and maybe you see that light or other lights in the background.

Consider using a low flash output on your built in flash and just test that as a fill light. You can also make a diffuser for the pop up flash on your camera out of printer paper, scotch tape, and electrical tape. I cut the printer paper to conform to my flash and taped where necessary. Then covered the end of the paper where the flash will output in scotch tape, then from the middle of the top, back, cover it in black electric tape (if not the light diffuses through the whole paper and back to you which hurts your eyes really bad.... trust me. Just a quick fix tip though

[ryant35]

You would be better off using a tripod and a slower shutter over a pop-up flash or even a Speedlite.

[HoRnYTuRbO]

def need a tripod a remote flash would be a plus too

[PhotosGuy]

Car Garage-Flash shots: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4255577&postcount=40

[Jadam]

long exposure and a flash light. Then do some painting with the flash light

[rigshots]

I've got some car lighting info here (http://www.rigshots.com.au/howto3.htm) and lots of examples here (http://www.rigshots.com.au/howto4.htm).

I'm about to update it with lots of light painting info so it might be too late for your immediate plans but check it out in a little while.

JJ

[PhotosGuy]

I've got some car lighting info here and lots of examples here. Good info!