Car show etiquette and lens choice

[pdccameras]

HI all,

There's an antique car show rolling into town tomorrow. Having never shot one before I have two questions:

1) What is the proper etiquette for shooting at these events? Do you ask the owner's permission to shoot the vehicle? Are you expected to offer prints?

2) What is the consensus for lens selection?

Thanks much,

Paul

[SkedAddled]

If it's a public event, I can't imagine there being a need to ask owners/stewards for permission. I just attended a Concours d'Elegance show on Sunday, and there were no funny looks or untoward remarks made.

As for a lens, I suppose that'd depend on how close you're able to be to the subjects. I was rather close to most of the Concours entrants, and my 28-105 did especially well.

[DanteCaspian]

Owners love to show off the cars-- that is why they are there. Taking a photo, is an honor I find.
I have done several events such as this, your best method is just get in there and shoot! Don't be afraid to get close, just don't scratch the paint!
Use your mouth too! If you want inside, just ask, worst case they say no.

[RaymondXTi]

1. Bring camera
2. Take pics

It's up to you to spark conversation and set up future photoshoots if that's what you're after. I just go to have fun, check out the cars, meet people with similar interests, and take some nice pics.

[lambocars]

Hello,

as it's a public event you shouldn't have to ask to shoot their cars, however an engine shot or the interior could be nice, so be polite and ask the owner (if he's around) if he could open the door (and hold it, as they tend to close on their own ;))

If you want some more info read my tutorial on this : Outdoor car show - best practice (http://www.carphototutorials.com/outdoor_car_show_best_practice.php) I list the equipment used and how to go about getting the best shots of the day.

Mark

[DC Fan]

1) What is the proper etiquette for shooting at these events?

Don't touch the cars.

2) What is the consensus for lens selection?

Wide angle lens. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS in these images.

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/200906130628a.jpg

Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 18.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.0031 s (1/320)
Aperture: f/10.0
ISO equiv: 400
White Balance: Auto
Exposure: program (Auto)



http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20090516a1896.jpg

Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 18.0mm
Exposure Time: 0.010 s (1/100)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv: 800
White Balance: Auto
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: program (Auto)

[wickerprints]

Love those white sidewalls...so classy. Somehow, I doubt that 70 years from now, we'll be seeing a Hyundai Elantra in one of these shows.

[PhotosGuy]

Don't touch the cars. Some of those paint jobs start at $8,000!
It helps to talk to the owners & find something out about them. then you don't have to start a thread titled, "Buncha' cars I can't identify"? ;)
Generally, if the sun is out, I prefer to shoot later. If it's overcast, it doesn't matter as much.
A few Car Lighting Tips (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70290)

[pdccameras]

Hi all,

Thanks for the great suggestions, tips and examples. Lambo - your tutorial was very helpful.

Here are my first attempts. I tried to get beyond just snapshots. Your comments and criticisms are very welcome!

I shot today with a 17-55mm f/2.8 EF-S IS (with polarizer) on a 40D and a 17mm f/4 Pentax Fisheye Takumar on a 5d MII.

Here are a few samples:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x162/pdccameras/car%20show/blue.jpg


http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x162/pdccameras/car%20show/austinhealy.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x162/pdccameras/car%20show/lincolnbw.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x162/pdccameras/car%20show/mggrill.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x162/pdccameras/car%20show/selfportrait.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x162/pdccameras/car%20show/karmannghia.jpg


I got a self portrait in there, and I've lusted after a Karmann Ghia for 32 years!

The whole album is here: http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x162/pdccameras/car%20show/

Thank you - and sorry if I overdid the number of posts.

Best,

paul

[SkedAddled]

Some nice shots you obtained, Paul. Well done.

I'm not much an admirer of fisheye shots, though I have to admit
that you've done the Peleng some good justice in your set.

I look forward to seeing some more of your work from this show.

[pdccameras]

Some nice shots you obtained, Paul. Well done.

I'm not much an admirer of fisheye shots, though I have to admit
that you've done the Peleng some good justice in your set.

I look forward to seeing some more of your work from this show.

Thanks for the kind words, Craig.

Actually I just sold the Peleng to a person on the forum. Some of these shots were taken with a 17mm f/4 MF Pentax Fisheye Takumar on a 5D Mii . The rectilinear shots were taken with the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS on the 40D. I am saving up for the 16-35L for the 5D. That body is hungry for something wider than the 24-105.

It was tough to find a good vantage point for nice full length of 3/4 shots as the vehicles were sandwiched in along the streets of downtown Putnam, CT. This was the annual summer event that drew about 1500+ automobiles. The same group has regular Saturday night car criuses, so you will see more!

Thanks again for the tips and encouragement.

Paul