Three Car Show Renderings

[ImageMogul]

Experimental/pseudo-normal shots from a recent car show. I'm still not sure whether to put these in the experimental forum or here, but I thought they might be more appropriate for car-guy viewing and critique.

1. b&w of a local lead sled
http://imagemogul.smugmug.com/photos/629560472_VT87i-L.jpg


2. '40 Ford V8 Coupe
http://imagemogul.smugmug.com/photos/627387375_zYEvb-L-1.jpg


3. Deuce Pipes
http://imagemogul.smugmug.com/photos/629640933_zqE8P-L.jpg

C&C appreciated. Thanks for viewing.

Regards,
Mark

[mlav]

#2 - a little more smoothing of the front paint reflections, which are just a little too sharp, would really help. Nice work.

#1 - the camera is a little too high? If you dropped 12-18", the details would be a little stronger. Bust out a CPL to reduce the reflections.

#3 - nice shot, I hate when people park on lines or other distractions (letters). And, wow, another side exhaust with no relief on the exhaust? I see these and wonder how many vibrations will result in a fatigue failure of the header mount/bolts/studs! (the engineer in me...)

[PhotosGuy]

The background for the Ford looks like there's a light source at the top-right, so I'd expect the shadow under the left tire to extend out farther on the floor. The background above the left fender could be darker, too.
Good job cutting it out. Look for a better subject next time? exhaust? I see these and wonder how many vibrations will result in a fatigue failure of the header mount/bolts/studs! That was my first thought, too! Nice shot, but watch the halo around the headlight & tire.

[ImageMogul]

#2 - a little more smoothing of the front paint reflections...

#1 - the camera is a little too high? Bust out a CPL...

#3 - ... wow, another side exhaust with no relief on the exhaust? I see these and wonder how many vibrations will result in a fatigue failure of the header mount/bolts/studs! (the engineer in me...)

Thanks for the critique mlav. I did take the "lead sled" photo at a bit higher an angle to give it the appearance of being very low to the ground. I did use a circular polarizer for the shot (although I didn't think of "busting it out"- which is probably why there are more reflections than one might find desirable) - and I guess it (polarizer) did all it could do under the circumstances... Yep, I think those headers will shake themselves apart in short order - that's a lot of stress at the flange. I appreciate the time you took to size up the images. Oh, with regard to the reflections in #2, were you referring to the reflection of the jagged tree line across the front or were you thinking that the front reflections in general are over-sharpened?

...light source at the top-right ... shadow ... watch the halo around the headlight & tire.

I think I will play with the shadow a bit - you're right about the position of the light source - I've got to train myself to think in proper perspective. Good call. Dang - I've got terrible halos on the Deuce shot - I worked on that one too late at night and posted prematurely, I think. Is there a way to prevent these (halos) from happening or do you always just have to touch it up later in cases like this? And, thanks for assigning me to "do not ignore" status (previous post). I am truly stoked! Thanks much for the critique.

Regards,
Mark

[PhotosGuy]

Is there a way to prevent these (halos) from happening or do you always just have to touch it up later in cases like this? Was that HDR? I would have used this, Selecting areas in PS. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39994), & then done the PP which is faster for me than trying to touch up with a brush.

[ImageMogul]

Was that HDR? I would have used this, Selecting areas in PS. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39994), & then done the PP which is faster for me than trying to touch up with a brush.

No, it wasn't really an attempt at HDR (not consciously anyhow) - it was this originally:

http://imagemogul.smugmug.com/photos/632346213_7MTrx-M.jpg

I had never tried to remove large objects from the background before, but tried to in this photo because I liked what was in the foreground. I have a lot to learn concerning this, obviously, but I am already getting an idea of "what not to do" (learning by making mistakes). So, it seems that I am not yet selecting objects cleanly enough - I'll work with your tutorial and see if I can improve. The technique you outline seems no more tedious than trying to fix it one click at a time after the fact!

Thanks for more rock star advice. Much appreciated.

Regards,
Mark

[KenVP]

While I really like #1 the best , I can see you in it. so for that reason i will go with #2 as my top pick. Nice work on all of them.....

[ImageMogul]

While I really like #1 the best , I can see you in it. so for that reason i will go with #2 as my top pick. Nice work on all of them.....

Ha! I'll do a little touch up on #1 for ya (no charge). Thanks for the comments, KenVP.

Regards,
Mark