Reflections When Shooting Cars

[Franklyfocused]

I recently did my very first shoot of a car, we waited specifically for night to arrive because we wanted to reduce the amount of light bouncing off the car making reflections.

I'm going to another session to take some more shots later on this week, I was wondering if there were some tips to help reduce the reflections off the car, either pre or post processing.

Here is the final product of the car I shot.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/3659809098_541ddbdb44.jpg?v=0

[BooostedAWD]

You should try out a circular polarizing filter. When you twist it, you can actually move the glare and reflections around or even off of the car.

[Franklyfocused]

BoostedAWD
Wow,thank you so much, I don't know why I didn't think of using a polarizing filter!

[kidfiji]

You should try out a circular polarizing filter. When you twist it, you can actually move the glare and reflections around or even off of the car.

There it is.

[PhotosGuy]

I think you're looking at the reflection problem the wrong way. Good reflections are what define the body & make the car look good. Read the "Move" link in my Sig, & find a better location in the right light.

[Franklyfocused]

PhotosGuy
Thanks, it's funny how something that seems so obvious and based on common sense completely slipped my mind. The location for the shoot was not very good, there was clutter everywhere no matter where we moved. Just need to find better locations next time.

[DC Fan]

Here's a vote in favor of strong reflections that define the shape of an automobile.

http://www.fansview.com/racing/20090516a1879.jpg

Strong reflections on an Allard.

[northpointphoto]

I would use a circular polarizer to get rid of the reflections. "Moving your feet" only works to an extent. Why nix an angle or certain composition you want and like just because of the reflections?

One problem I see that is bigger than the reflections problem is the entire passenger side of the car is under exposed. You cant tell the tires from the body. Try using a longer shutter speed to bring up the exposure or if you're using lights move one over to the passenger side to light that area up.

[PhotosGuy]

Here's a vote in favor of strong reflections that define the shape of an automobile. The concept of "Minimal reflections" would be something to think more about.

Malibu in the snow. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=620283)


375772

375773

[Franklyfocused]

I would use a circular polarizer to get rid of the reflections. "Moving your feet" only works to an extent. Why nix an angle or certain composition you want and like just because of the reflections?

One problem I see that is bigger than the reflections problem is the entire passenger side of the car is under exposed. You cant tell the tires from the body. Try using a longer shutter speed to bring up the exposure or if you're using lights move one over to the passenger side to light that area up.

This was an HDR shot, the +2 EV bracket was already at 30" exposure time which is the max on my camera. This shot was at night, in an underground parking structure, I wish the left side of the car was exposed more, but i'm pretty content with the outcome considering how dark it was.