Car show question

[HammerCope]

Has anyone here done much with car shows? Ive been asked to shoot a local car show I'm not sure how its usually done is it done on spec or other wise. Also I normally shoot action so would a 24-70 lens be all right. I personally think it would be ok ony other option that would be better.

[silvrr]

What are you shooting? One car, the entire show (all cars) or more the event and people?

Photosguy does alot of car shows and has quite a few threads on tips. Im sure he will be in here soon.

[lambocars]

Hello,

I've done my share of car shows, both inside and outside ... and I must admit that I usually use my 17-55 IS 2.8 lens, 24mm could be a but too wide. Do use a stabilized lens, it will help a lot when there isn't enough light available.

A tripod is nice, but very unpractical during a crowded car show, I've actually put together a few tutorials in this item, feel free to take a look at these :

Photographing a car show like a professional (http://www.carphototutorials.com/photographing_an_indoor_car_show_like_a_pro.php)
and
2009 Geneva Car Show - Case study (http://www.carphototutorials.com/case_study_geneva_2009_auto_show.php)

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate ...

Mark

[Corey Thompson]

Good luck keeping the spectators out of the photographs. This is one thing I've been trying to figure out how to accomplish everytime I'm at a show. :lol:

[Flo]

What do you do when it outside and there are over 600 cars and 70,000 people?;)

Just been to one this past sunday, and its near impossible to get anything with arms and heads and legs...I used the 17-55, and even with that it was sometimes too shallow.

[DC Fan]

Actual car show images with people minimized. Timing, patience and angles make a difference, even with thousands of people around.

http://www.fansview.com/racing/200906130612a.jpg

http://www.fansview.com/racing/200906130725a.jpg

http://www.fansview.com/racing/200906130378a.jpg

There are two schools of thought on car show images. One school says that people interfere with images that must feature cars alone. Another school says that people are part of the story, and that having people in the frame is an important part of illustrating how a car has an impact on the outside world. Whether a car is an abstract work of art or a way of telling a story about the automobile is a decision you must make.

[PhotosGuy]

What do you do when it outside and there are over 600 cars and 70,000 people? What DC Fan said. Or, at an evening show, you can wait until some cars have left. The advantage is that you'll have more room & the better "late light". See the "Tips" in my Sig. Ive been asked to shoot a local car show I'm not sure how its usually done is it done on spec or other wise. It's whatever both you & they want. Don't expect too much & you won't be disappointed. Most of the car guys here are retired & unlikely to pay a "proper" price for a shot to put on their wall because,
1. They are living on retirement money.
2. They spend all their "extra" money on their cars and,
3. They have a ton of pics already, most of which they got for $10-20. would a 24-70 lens be all right. I use a 28-70, so you should be OK. The Kit lens would work, too, but don't get too carried away at the low end. See the framing & angles in my Sig.

[Concretin Nik]

And of course I have to chime in with shooting from higher angles. Everyone has seen the head level shot and even the ground level shot... At the very least, hold your cam above your head a few times, but a monopod will help you get even higher. I think you'll like the results.

Lots of generic examples at www.mastpics.com

I've been lucky with sunny days, as I'm shooting with a simple A610. With better gear and the skills to use it, you can certainly get better photos than me and a view that most car owners haven't seen. And organizers like the overview shots.

Carry business cards because you will get a few inquiries as to where the photos will be available. Be prepared to chit chat a bit. Be patient and wait for the pedestrians to get out of the shot (and the reflections). But DCFan is right, people can help tell a story... I call mine "Participation Photos" for the owners. Basically showing their car at such and such show. (If you really dig shooting cars, use the show as opportunities to book individual shoots for "Pride Photos" at least for the local participants/clubs.)

HAVE FUN!

(And I'd love to see your results if they'll be publicly available!)

[HammerCope]

I will be shooting everyone in the show. They have a mural on a building. I will be the only one in that area shooting. Then I will have all afternoon to sell.

[HammerCope]

From what I see an read low and with the car showing the grill and drivers side is the best veiw. If I'm wrong let me know. Thanks for the help everyone.

[izthistaken]

I went to the Hot Rod Power Tour when it came to town. I set up my tripod and people would just stop or get out of the way, it was great. :lol: Most people think you are a pro or know what you're doing so they are respectable.

Here are my pictures from that for some ideas? Nothing too crazy since I didn't swap many lenses or anything. 99% of them are with my kit lens

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30705352@N04/sets/72157619467550041/

[PhotosGuy]

I set up my tripod and people would just stop or get out of the way, it was great. That's a plus. But usually they move so that their white t-shirt & bony knees are reflecting in the side! :D

[izthistaken]

I'll stab you in the face...with a soldering iron. :lol: :lol: What picture are you refering to? There are too many of them :lol:

[Joe_Gravelle]

Good luck keeping the spectators out of the photographs. This is one thing I've been trying to figure out how to accomplish everytime I'm at a show. :lol:
get there early

[HammerCope]

Ok one more thing. It will be aroud 8 am when we start. I will be on the north side of a building. Should I use strobes or just go with natural light?