First Self Done Night Car Shoot.

[jonklein611]

Ok I'm a huge fan of night photography, and car photography, But I can never really get anything to turn out awesome... I'll post an example of what I'm trynig to do, and what I've done so far. Help / advice / comments are all welcome as I'm always looking to improve. Also please note I have zero lighting equipment, and I'm using an XTi with either the kit lens or a 70-200 4L (kit lens for these shots).

What I'm trying to do as far as exposure / color:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2855195368_0098ec4219_o.jpg


NOTE: One the one shot done outside, yes I know the white ballance is off, but it was under sodium lights and that's the best adjustment I could get.

What I got when I did my shoot:

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/jonklein611/IMG_7755.jpg


http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/jonklein611/IMG_7760.jpg

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/jonklein611/IMG_7770.jpg

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/jonklein611/IMG_7766.jpg

Thanks in advance for any and all help

[canonnoob]

welll your car is not under the light at all... thus why its so dark. did you use your flash?

[jonklein611]

welll your car is not under the light at all... thus why its so dark. did you use your flash?


Built in flash tends not to reach very far. :mad: I'm going back again tonight to try it again with the car under a light and with my other lens.


What would the best postion for a light? Above, in front, to the side?

[canonnoob]

I tend to shoot with it to the front of the car and above.. but enough to get it out of the shot... but still enough to get a good lighting...

[jonklein611]

Ok, I'll give it a shot tonight. Also, would using my 70-200 give a better shot?

[canonnoob]

it might give you a better Fstop for it but really its about the lighting.... maybe think in investing in some lighting considering you have that nice wagon...

[jonklein611]

What should I look for in a lighting rig. Obviously a Flash, but what else is good to have without going crazy over budget?

[canonnoob]

Well what IS your budget?

[jonklein611]

Depends on paychecks, but def under $1000 for now.

[canonnoob]

look for a good external flash... you could look at the 430 ex II or the ex version. But also, look for a soft box or something along those lines to possibly help you...

[jonklein611]

Thank you for the advice!

[jonklein611]

Ok here are the results from tonight:

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/jonklein611/Subaru%20Night%202/IMG_7824.jpg

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/jonklein611/Subaru%20Night%202/IMG_7829-1.jpg


http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff323/jonklein611/Subaru%20Night%202/IMG_7827.jpg

[KarlosDaJackal]

Basics first. The car in your example that you want to achieve has been detailed. Its super clean, its been waxed you can see even the tires have been treated. Your car is dirty and or the paint has faded, the tires look more grey than black, this is going to be an issue. Clean it, wax it, treat the tires and windscreen. Clean means proper clean. It takes me about 6-7 hours to get my car that clean. It looks better in the new set, but in the 2nd shot I can see marks running along the door.

Also its clear on the example shot that a polarizing filter was used (as it should be on car shots) this is why there is no reflection from the front window of the Imprezza, also a nice side effect of the polarizer is the major boost in contrast. You can try fake the contrast afterwards but it never looks as good.

Adding to what the others said get a flash to help light the car better also.

[PhotosGuy]

The first shot is getting there, but I don't think that any of them make the car look as good as it could in better light. There are some links to better garage shots in here, if you must do that.
A few Car Lighting Tips - Updated (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70290)

[navy.wife_2004]

okay, so it's not the exact look you were goin for, but in editing, i added light(on top of the car) changed brightness/contract and curves. it's a neat look, in my eyes, haha.. but i can't give you much help on the 'photography' side of it.. i'm learning myself. good luck getting the shot. tho i agree. cars gotta look great before hand.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb48/webfrndz/Adjusted%20Photo%20Colors/car.jpg

[navy.wife_2004]

oh. i cropped it, your shadow was at the bottom right hand corner.