The automotive strobist setup pic thread

[t-shot]

I've seen some strobist flash lighting setup photos in different threads. It'll be great to build a thread with some setup photos and maybe share tips and discuss the setups. Post as much info you can as well as the resulting image.

I'll start:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/3944407554_5dff99cb0c.jpg

Result:

1 x Cactus KF36 camera left - full power, lighting the side of the car
1 x Cactus KF36 camera right - full power, lighting the front of the car

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3936137561_72d8d3940d.jpg

Post yours!

[PhotosGuy]

Good idea. Be sure to show how you'd shoot a black car. ;)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/Forum%20Junk/Welcome-ChargerRT_020.gif

[TW0R]

Subscribed.

[GoRk]

love this thread...i realy need some tips on lighting a black car with two strobes...because i have a shooting with 2 black cars soon...

btw nice result on the civic...i always try to softne the flashes with umbrellas but i think i'll try a few bare strobes next time...cheers...

[t-shot]

Yeah if someone could help with black cars that would be great. Black is super hard to shoot at night and with strobes.

Let's get some more setup shots and discussion!

[GoRk]

black cars!!! anyone? :D

[t-shot]

Let's give this bump :)

[GoRk]

I FAIL-ed my "lighting a black car" test the other day :D

[Swaffs]

Great idea, unfortunately I don't have anything to add... yet.
Subscribing.

[jsnow]

Next time I take my [black] car out for some low-light shots, I'll post a set up pic. Unless the end result is too embarrassing:lol:

[lostinthe619]

Subscribed!

[Boily]

black car = lightpainting lol

[VorteC]

Need tips for black car too! Shooting a black R8 tmrw!

[SamHunter]

I've yet to practice strobing my black car, but when I do I'll let you guys know how it goes

[brandon9585]

Subscribed. Loved to see some great flash jobs.

[JustinL]

Nice idea for a thread! The lightpainting should be a seperate thread I think. I'll throw some up tonight after I dig through some of mine.

[DonJuanMair]

great thread!

i dont have set up shot unfortunately but ill share how it was done;

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/4064799950_1afddb73d7_o.jpg

camera on tripod, on 12ft ladder, manual settings and remote used
Its a composite of 7 images, actually a lot easier than it sounds, fire the 1 flash at each part you want lit, ie front headlights, front tire, mid car, back tire, anywhere visibly basically, then combine them all on photoshop using layers and changing the blending mode to lighten. also tack a shot with no lights used for the background

[GoRk]

can u ipload those 7 images...only smaller...just to see how it looked...thnx

[DonJuanMair]

yeah ill do that tonight!

[JustinL]

http://libanophotos.com/bpul/_MG_5242_800_1.jpg

set-up (4 flashes was overkill i think):
http://libanophotos.com/bpul/_MG_5244_800_1.jpg

[JustinL]

Another...

http://libanophotos.com/Home/yeay/IMG_3889_Dave.jpg

Set-up: (Lit by the sun on the right of the car, filled the left side with 2 flashes)
http://libanophotos.com/Home/yeay/IMG_3886_Davehow.jpg

[Boily]

http://i35.tinypic.com/2ivcztc.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/23ker1i.jpg

[GtiKyle]

excellent idea, also subscribing. Keep them coming.

[SamHunter]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4074548067_11283b9088.jpg
Setup details -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/samhunter/4074548067/

[F-117HWK]

Very interesting thread. Awaiting more setups!

[kookie]

Subscribed.
x2:cool:

[Cole_Schmitt]

SamHunter: LOVE it!

[SamHunter]

Thanks! Sadly I didn't have the cord for my 580exII or else I would have been able to light the top of the car so that the roof/pillars wouldn't be so dark

[Danimal_inc]

JustinL, nice location. i've shot there before, its creepy at night

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3756957664_f480aa2e51.jpg

and on topic for the thread:

set-up
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/crobergster/IMG_0361.jpg

result
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3722696974_65d84ddc7b_b.jpg

set-up
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/4059048046_35c9eb00e0_b.jpg

one result
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/4072728127_a827438740_b.jpg

[GoRk]

good stuff :D

[Radders]

Cool :)

[avarela86]

Subbing

[stu46]

Setup:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3881104524_6c7c56488b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3881104524/in/set-72157622089735605)

Result:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/3880289793_b39be18d1e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3880289793/)

[stu46]

Setup:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3870478786_1e29aa438a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3870478786/in/set-72157622089735605)

Result:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2593/3869678811_c6f5a32128_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3869678811/)

[stu46]

Click image for link to the setup picture since I forgot to take the setup this time.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3899187751_3613f154ec_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu46/3899187751/in/set-72157621845412625/)

[PhotosGuy]

I FAIL-ed my "lighting a black car" test the other day :D Don't feel bad. JustinL does, too! set-up (4 flashes was overkill i think): It's not the # of strobes. It's where they're aimed & what is reflecting into the body & making defining highlights in it.
Silver cars are easy, so you had a chance to make 1/2 of the body look good. But in that location, the black part will never look good, & the building will always kill the good highlights in the windshield & hood.
So we're going to have to hold you back a grade! ;)

EDIT: Here's an example of a black 300 posted by spot9 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=9285903&postcount=100) in post #100 of this thread.

[JustinL]

JustinL, nice location. i've shot there before, its creepy at night



I was there in the day time and I was all set (we heard gunshots from the woods too) Musta been a hike from Naug...we're about 10 min down the road from it.

[Holster]

totally subscribed! more info for external lighting newbs like me!!!! please and thankyou

[sumyungviet]

leme dig up a couple of a black car .. not strobist but probably same concept will apply.

[EDIT]

setup ..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/sumyungviet/potn/XM0S2103sm.jpg

result .. after some cloning
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/sumyungviet/potn/XM0S2063sm.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/sumyungviet/potn/XM0S2066sm.jpg

[sethmo]

Only time I tried shooting my bike :/
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f39/sethmo38/Motorcycles/2000%20Ducati%20748/IMG_3947-2.jpg

Setup:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f39/sethmo38/Motorcycles/2000%20Ducati%20748/IMG_3946.jpg

I don't remember the flash settings, but used the Walmart 16-channel triggers, a Sunpak 383, and a Sigma 500DG Super. I need help on placing the flashes, what angles, power, ect.

[HastyPhoto]

Does anyone think its best to shoot at night for cars like this to avoid reflections?

[GoRk]

good job with the black porsche...

[kauffman v36]

i tried my first time last night with my uber dirty silver car and it was epic failure IMO. im using 2 540ez because the lack of outlets for my strobes on location. the bottom half of the car is fine, top half non-existent. big slap in the face. this thread is really giving me some ideas i might use tonight.

[d.tek]

ill contribute:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/4075156920_469846619c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/4041426530_47eed3a89a.jpg

[GoRk]

@d.tek...can u send an original picture...with no PP...thnx...nice work btw

[Mossman6]

I'll give this a shot tonite on my black car.

[lambocars]

ill contribute:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/4041426530_47eed3a89a.jpg

That's really nice, a bit of HDR for the sky or pseudo-HDR I guess, but still an amazing shot !

Mark

[d.tek]

That's really nice, a bit of HDR for the sky or pseudo-HDR I guess, but still an amazing shot !

Mark

shadow highlight, high pass, layer masking etc. i guess you could call it pseudo-HDR.

thank you :)

[sebmour]

subscribed

[t-shot]

ill contribute:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/4075156920_469846619c.jpg


Hmm interesting you don't point the strobes directly at the car but rather at the ground a few feet from the car. I must try next time!

[d.tek]

well i figure, when there is enough ambient light to somewhat light the car, you don't need the full power of the strobes, also, when i point them down like this i seem to get less hot spots and more even light spread cuz i shoot without modifiers.

[sumyungviet]

well i figure, when there is enough ambient light to somewhat light the car, you don't need the full power of the strobes, also, when i point them down like this i seem to get less hot spots and more even light spread cuz i shoot without modifiers.

I noticed that too when shooting the black porsche. It was easier to light the ground and have it reflected by the car, versus trying to light the car itself. Now that also means you need to have a clean area to shoot in.;)

[jdm425215]

subscribed! awesome thread...my next step is to get into strobing

[unlimited6986]

I dont know if this would work but what if you fire the strobes into a reflector? That would divide the light pretty good and no real hot spots?

[kauffman v36]

this is my second attempt ever at using OCF for cars. first time was epic failure. this time i found a publix with an outlet out back and used my strobes along with a generic small flash. the first pic is incredibly noisy because i wanted to show you guys exactly what i did and in the original its mostly black. these were Impact strobes 300 w/s used at power level 30 (ranges from 20-60)

any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[GtiKyle]

Seems a bit underexposed to me... Seems you could have gone with a bit higher of a power level...

[mlav]

Seems a bit underexposed to me... Seems you could have gone with a bit higher of a power level...

Or higher ISO, bigger aperture...

Not too fond of the BG.

[NaturalMystic]

Yeah that's what I was wondering about too. Really nice car but why did you pick that BG? What look were you going for? I''m not trying to be a d*ck, just curious?
Thanks for the set-up shot too.

[John Photography]

lookin' to get a set of alienbee b800's and need all the help i can get! this thread will be a good starting point.

[NaturalMystic]

lookin' to get a set of alienbee b800's and need all the help i can get! this thread will be a good starting point.

If you can swing it I'd recommend getting maybe one AB800 and one White Lightning X1600. The X1600 has a switch that allows you to operate it as either a 400 or 800 series strobe. This allows for more consistency/better operation when working in reduced power compared to using the AB800 at lower power. Something to do with the capacitors in the strobes charging/discharging more efficiently in the X1600 since it has 2 capacitors. Basically for the cost of the X1600 you get a 400 and 800 built into one. End result is you get better control over your light.

[John Photography]

If you can swing it I'd recommend getting maybe one AB800 and one White Lightning X1600. The X1600 has a switch that allows you to operate it as either a 400 or 800 series strobe. This allows for more consistency/better operation when working in reduced power compared to using the AB800 at lower power. Something to do with the capacitors in the strobes charging/discharging more efficiently in the X1600 since it has 2 capacitors. Basically for the cost of the X1600 you get a 400 and 800 built into one. End result is you get better control over your light.
i'm not familiar with the x1600. can you elaborate?

or are you referring to the b1600 (http://alienbees.com/b1600.html)?

[NaturalMystic]

Sure, the X1600 is made by White Lightning which is one of the sister companies to Alien Bees...both are owned by Paul C Buff. They WLs are the next level up from the ABs and the X1600 differs from the AB1600 because, like I was saying before, it has the ability to operate as a 400 or 1600 (correction because I said 800 in my previous post). They cost $479US compared to the AB800 at $279 or the AB1600 at $359.
It all depends on your budget of course, I just threw it out there because you mentioned your interest in getting all the help you could from this thread. I figured if you could get as much versatility as possible out of an AB/WL light go for the WL1600. That or for $79 more than the WL X1600 you could just get 2 AB800s instead.
Hope this helps!

[kauffman v36]

to be honest, i was trying to find somewhere around my area with electricity that i could plug into since i will not have my generator for a while. there are better bg's but they rerquire i use my speedlites and i wanted to test the strobes. guess my attempt at dirty alley like mood did not succeed, lol.

[JuSlaughter]

subscribed :)

Some awesome shots in here, great inspiration.

[NaturalMystic]

to be honest, i was trying to find somewhere around my area with electricity that i could plug into since i will not have my generator for a while. there are better bg's but they rerquire i use my speedlites and i wanted to test the strobes. guess my attempt at dirty alley like mood did not succeed, lol.

Ahh! OK, makes sense. The problem is that area is too clean to pull off the "dirty alley" shot, but I guess that's a compliment to you guys who work there if it's in such good shape. :)

[kauffman v36]

lmao. i dont work there myself but i have friends that do, and yes, out of the 6 publix's within a 3 mile radius of my house that one is def. the cleanest one.

anybody have any suggestions on my setup? im happy with it for now but im wondering is bringing out the softboxes will improve the results? 24x32 softboxes btw.

[NaturalMystic]

Yeah the Soft boxes should improve the shots by increasing the size of the light source. It'll convert the hotspots from the bulbs of the strobes into a larger, softer, more even light source. The challenge is dealing with any wind that could possibly knock over your strobes so spread the base/legs as wide as possible and consider some weighted bags or something (if required) to keep at the base to help anchor them down.

[SamHunter]

I don't like softboxes for automotive strobing. You can still get hotspots, only with softboxes they're 5 times bigger

[NaturalMystic]

To be honest I don't have that much experience with lighting cars at night. I'm just going off tutorials I've read/seen in the past.
One of the challenges with car lighting is the size of the softboxes/light banks required. I've seen set-ups costing hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars.

[nugent]

subscribed. Looking for all the info I can get using strobes for cars

[kauffman v36]

lmao speaking of wind. last night one of my lights fell over from 9 ft high. i was about to cry when i saw it fall in slow motion. luckily the bulb was intact and the light functions perfectly

[NaturalMystic]

Yeah I've had a few close calls myself.

[notfastenuf]

subscribed. Looking for all the info I can get using strobes for cars

same. great thread.

[g3ck0]

Hi guys, kinda new here. Really great shots! Is there a difference between a strobe and a normal flash like the 430EXII?

[int2str]

http://photos.ironcreek.net/img/v8/p835799155-4.jpg

Setup:
2x Canon 430 EX II on stands
1st camera left 45 degrees pointed at front wheel
2nd camera right 45 degrees pointed at rear wheel

Both flashes full power triggered via RF-602 triggers.

[Danimal_inc]

set up: (had to use the 580EXII as an optical slave for the one B800. that shoot was a pain, my first one with the strobes
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/crobergster/behind-1.jpg

result:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3697084598_26674e3ac1_o.jpg

set up:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3914262208_ae6b772236_b.jpg

result:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/3914259978_10852ea151_b.jpg

[Vovka]

ill contribute:





Great Shot!

[Mossman6]

Man, shooting a black car is a lot harder than I thought. This was the best pic I could get. I'm not thrilled with it, but I thought I'd share anyways. My first attempt at night at least.

http://www.joshuadeeportraits.com/Personal/Photos/IMG1817/716171186_gCCmZ-XL.jpg

[Danimal_inc]

Man, shooting a black car is a lot harder than I thought.

yeah they are so difficult:mad: i shot this down in Ocean City, MD at a show, the owner loves it, i hate it haha!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3963332063_73b44840f4_b.jpg

black with black wheels, dark tints, black taillights, darkened headlights = horrible

[SamHunter]

I'd probably try to lightpaint a black car... just so i could fire off dozens of flashes aha

[joeyboy]

^bump up.

i'm a noob and am gathering ideas for a car shoot as well...

[avarela86]

What's the issue with lighting lack cars?

[ManiZ]

Has anyone tried long exposure (at dawn or dusk) with multiple flashes from a single strobe? I am planning that for a calendar shoot of my 350Z and will try it this weekend. A 20 second AV exposure with no greater than 600 ISO and F2.4 should create a good effect (incl. bokeh) if I handhold my 580EXII and fire it from 3 different spots onto the car. This would be done shortly after dusk (when sky still has a tiny amount of light left).

What do you guys think? I am very new to OCF but theoretically, this should work.

[ChunkyDA]

Of course it would work. That would be the same time of day as this, the Blue Hour. Just use a single strobe and move it around.
I posted from this shoot before but it answers the question of taking advantage of the sky and only a single flash handhald with camera on tripod.

[ManiZ]

Thanks for the validation! If the weather here in Denver co-operated, I would've tried that trick this past weekend but next weekend is looking promising so far. I have noticed that a 30 second exposure in near total darkness gives a nice deep blue tint to the sky. Creative introduction of the flash in the final 10 seconds should do the trick. I will post results here when done.

Great thread. Looking forward to more pics.

[RaymondXTi]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4107746903_ed8e00278c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2780/4150141327_e3aa23fb28_o.jpg

Single Vivitar 285hv on full power, bare, mounted on a tripod. Took multiple exposures with the flash in different locations. woot woot

[dubbr]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/4130879341_e25d3721b9_b.jpg

2 ab800's, cybersyncs

[thepepperman]

Nice work dubbr! But where's the set-up shot? :p

[F-117HWK]

Whats the suspension deal? Especially the rear wheel haha

[F-117HWK]

Raymond, great color scheme and location. Was the sky edited into the windows or just a lot of time difference between the pic of the setup and the actual shot?

Also I would like a little more light on the tire areas cause with the white lips it almost looks as if the car is floating haha.

[dubbr]

Nice work dubbr! But where's the set-up shot? :p

best i can do for ya:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/4131642402_5da5a287b1.jpg

the second AB is just off camera right

Whats the suspension deal? Especially the rear wheel haha

air suspension and lens distortion. I didn't have my camera, borrowed d.tek's...

[vr6pwns_me]

Actually had 5 on this one. 3 B800's 2 ABR800's. Over kill but it was pitch black and wanted to blast it lol

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4169882169_d1f973ba86_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/4134318126_18a14615b4_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/4151000388_45230b1de4_o.jpg

[RaymondXTi]

Raymond, great color scheme and location. Was the sky edited into the windows or just a lot of time difference between the pic of the setup and the actual shot?

Also I would like a little more light on the tire areas cause with the white lips it almost looks as if the car is floating haha.

Thanks, the sky was edited in from a shot I took on my cruise, somewhere near Mexico in the middle of the ocean lol. =P

Good tip on the tires, I didn't even think of that but now I see it.

[F-117HWK]

air suspension and lens distortion. I didn't have my camera, borrowed d.tek's...

Gotcha. Its just caught my eye with the rear wheel looking so canted. Very nice.

Thanks, the sky was edited in from a shot I took on my cruise, somewhere near Mexico in the middle of the ocean lol. =P

Good tip on the tires, I didn't even think of that but now I see it.

Ha seems to work nicely in the picture.

Good deal.

[jcolman]

I didn't shoot any "behind the scenes" pics but you guys can easily figure out where the lights were set.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x148/jcolman_photo/nightzsmall.jpg

Not really "strobist" since no strobes were used but I thought I'd post it anyway.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x148/jcolman_photo/350Zsecondshoot-36.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x148/jcolman_photo/350Z-2rigshot-3.jpg

[raklyiz]

So i'm getting into automotive photography, and I'm thinking about a set up. I currently only have one flash, a 430EX II.

All I would need would be another flash (Probably vivitar 285), two stands, and transmitter/recievers (probably cactus)? Correct?

[SamHunter]

That would be alright... but I'd recommend having at least three flashes

[dubbr]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/4219699341_8ca8124836_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4219698085_3d705f1e94_b.jpg

[MRzoom]

Subbing. I was hoping there was a thread on strobist setups. Love the way photos come out with strobes.

[spot9]

the secret to shooting a black car is to not throw light at it. Instead you light the surrounding. The reason is that black absorbs light. but with most clear coats, or glossy finish, it also acts as a mirror at some angles. So the trick is to accent the edges and show contour to give the impression that it has dimension. im not sure if that makes any sense but here's an example from a buddy of mine. I was there to assist.
Setup:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4204083629_44678463c6.jpg

the final image:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4207367871_509b804713.jpg

[PhotosGuy]

He did a nice job with the 300! the secret to shooting a black car is to not throw light at it. Instead you light the surrounding. I keep telling these guys... maybe now they'll listen to someone else! ;)

[anmoldagreat]

subscribing.
a lot of good info in here.

[spot9]

He did a nice job with the 300! I keep telling these guys... maybe now they'll listen to someone else! ;)
thanks, ill let him know!
oops, sorry about stating the obvious. i didnt notice your post when i skimmed over this thread. :o but yeah, shooting cars is like shooting products. its all about technique and composition.

[PhotosGuy]

its all about technique and composition. And light. Don't forget the light! ;)
thanks, ill let him know! I put a link to this in "Tips". Ask him for permission to post the shots there.

[VincentPeete]

Why haven't I seen this thread?? When I get back to Kentucky I'm going to get my gear together and work on my car strobist shots.

[KJEphoto]

This is a great thread, i've learned a ton already. Cant wait to get my triggers/receivers so i can go out and try some of this! BTW where are you guys finding all these gorgeous cars to shoot? Friends? car clubs??

[lambocars]

the final image:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4207367871_509b804713.jpg

That's an amazing shot, do you work with white cloth ? It looks like you have it suspended on lamp tripods in the setup shot ... is that right ?

Plain and simple setup ... but with a stunning result, this is the way to go with dark cars !

Mark

[MRXPhotography]

this is a really great thread... but i was wondering... for someone like me who usually uses the natural lighting provided by nature or the enviroment surrounding him does anyone have any suggestions on equipment... because honistly im completely clueless to lighting equipment...

what should i look for?
where is the best place to find it?
and what all do i need lol?

[spot9]

Mark, the set up for that shot is:
2 x king size 400 count Egyptian cotton bed sheets sewed together.
4 x friends. Each holding a corner
2 x AB800 fired by PWII
1 x Canon 5D Classic
That shot is actually a combination of 4 or 5 shots. We went over each panel of the car to get the best possible angle on the curvatures of the car's body.

for shooting ambient, the idea is the same; control the light that hits your subject. How you go about doing that is up to you. For me, (depending on the car and the color of the car) i typically prefer to shoot at high noon because i use the sun as my main light and i either use reflectors, strobes, or other type of light modifiers to add light to the areas that are in shadow. Take for instance, this Mitsubishi Evo..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3938967643_5ceb00e3dc_b.jpg
I shot this about 2pm during the summer. The sun was hot and caused the car to really pop (remember the old saying "small light source = harsher shadows/ large light source = softer shadows"?) same thing applies here. The small light source, albeit, a really bright one, caused the sparkles in the silver paint to really pop, thereby causing the car to be half a stop brighter than the surrounding scene. So i metered for the brightest areas, then used a 46" reflector (silver side) to reflect some light onto the front nose, and used a ABR800 to illuminate the right fender/A pillar/passenger seat. You dont need a flash to do the same thing. You can use another reflector. Since i did not have a reflector large enough, i was not able to evenly light the nose, but sometimes those are the cards you are dealt. If i had to do it again, id break out a ginormous reflector for the front and sides and drop the ambient by a full stop to get better subject/bg seperation and a more evenly lit car. I hope that made some sense.

PS: aside from the clouds, resizing, and a touch of sharpening, this is how it came out of the camera.

[SamHunter]

That's a nice shot man I really like it

[fotomast]

Guys, a fantastic thread and a great insight into how you all achieve these amazing shots.. Between this and the threads on Rig Shots, I am truly inspired!

Couple of questions now: firstly, and forgive me if it's right in front of me, but I read on here somewhere lately of a link to ''a top Australian Automotive Photographer'', I can't find it now or remember the guys name, but his work is top dollar!

Secondly, has anyone got any shots of or experience of strobing up a really large vehicle like a truck (an Artic in UK speak, or an 18 wheeler in the US!) or maybe some military hardware, aircraft etc.

[NeoTokyo]

WOW! Freakin Awesome!

Now I've got to try this, put my AB800's to good use. :D

Mark,
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3938967643_5ceb00e3dc_b.jpg

[PhotosGuy]

I missed this earlier: dubbr has a nice example in Post #98 of using a strobe along with "late light". Notice that the strobes are NOT pointed directly at the car?
Good work!

[x0SiN0x]

recently picked up a gig with a company that does shop/classroom manuals (automotive tech), a few shots require similar to whats been posted here. Nothing to share at the moment but wanted to say thanks to all that have posted their setups, very helpful!

[spot9]

Guys, a fantastic thread and a great insight into how you all achieve these amazing shots.. Between this and the threads on Rig Shots, I am truly inspired!

Couple of questions now: firstly, and forgive me if it's right in front of me, but I read on here somewhere lately of a link to ''a top Australian Automotive Photographer'', I can't find it now or remember the guys name, but his work is top dollar!

Secondly, has anyone got any shots of or experience of strobing up a really large vehicle like a truck (an Artic in UK speak, or an 18 wheeler in the US!) or maybe some military hardware, aircraft etc.
Easton Chang aka the Automotive GodFather.

shooting a car is just like shooting any other product. The rule of thumb that ive found that works for me is that if you want soft light, the light source should be about as large if not twice as large as the subject. you just need a really large stage for 18 wheelers if you want to get the entire thing.

[fotomast]

Thanks for this info..not the guy I was thinking of, but he is certainly on the same level and I have had a good look at his website..

Cheers!

[dubbr]

I missed this earlier: dubbr has a nice example in Post #98 of using a strobe along with "late light". Notice that the strobes are NOT pointed directly at the car?
Good work!

thanks!

[SnowManZ]

Thanks for this info..not the guy I was thinking of, but he is certainly on the same level and I have had a good look at his website..

Cheers!

You asked for military tech, I can't but share my shots.

Click the photo for a link to more shots.
http://www.photodump.org/stored19/KG9Z5480.jpg (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=441908)

These were all long exposure shots while I jumped around with a hot shoe flash. Simple.

[fotomast]

You asked for military tech, I can't but share my shots.

These were all long exposure shots while I jumped around with a hot shoe flash. Simple.


...I had seen these already when looking for something else.. These are really good, do you have any others, especially British Army or RAF vehicles?

Cheers.

[TW0R]

All my shots with my ab800s so far have been with one making the other flash because one of my cybersyncs broke. Still some good stuff though.

[Pinto]

All my shots with my ab800s so far have been with one making the other flash because one of my cybersyncs broke. Still some good stuff though.

First I've heard of a problem with Cybersyncs. Did they just fail, or were they dropped?

[NaturalMystic]

All my shots with my ab800s so far have been with one making the other flash because one of my cybersyncs broke. Still some good stuff though.

Happy New Year bud! Have you contacted AB to see about getting your CyberSync fixed? Is it one of the old Hong Kong models or the newly redesigned models released last year? I upgraded to the new model (1 CST and 2 CSRB+) when they were released and they're a BIG improvement. Don't know if you're aware you can return your original old-style models and get full credit for them towards the upgrade to these new ones.

[TW0R]

It just failed. I had never used it before. Theyre replacing it though, so its all good.

[Danimal_inc]

thanks!

phpp! come on Dan, everyone knows it was luck!:D

[izthistaken]

Subscribe. :)

[izthistaken]

I've done some light painting with a few cars. Just long exposure with a lot of my 580ex firing. I am still having issues with reflections and a few dont look that good because of lost detail in editing.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/4040841943_bbd295b804_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/4040728913_4af5bd3ce8_b.jpg

[izthistaken]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/4013685989_3193c4b695_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/4014502304_3abc0097ff_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/4156377161_09b388aed6_b.jpg

[Tbirder]

Nice pics matt, do you have a shot of the set-up, and/or settings? Thanks!

[izthistaken]

Thanks! I usually just set up the tripod and run my wired remote on bulb mode since it's way easier to control my shutter. Then I walk around with my 580ex just flashing away. Then go check the picture, then shoot again and try to 'fix' the problems. The only thing is it's not consistant and the shoots take WAY too long. I am still experimenting though and like I said I get too many hot spots and some editing takes over an hour, others 15 minutes or so, depending on edges on the car etc. I also noticed the low aperture made it easier to light the car, but next time I'm going to bring it up some and maybe reduce some hot spots? I also want to try and set up some steps of flash here flash there, flash there and there, and that should make it close to what I want.

Rear shot with G8, Kit lens 18-55 IS


Exposure: 39
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Front shot G8, Kit lens 18-55 IS


Exposure: 23
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 29 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV


Here is for the Ram rear shot. Kit lens 18-55 IS

Exposure: 13
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

Ram front shot, 70-300 IS

Exposure: 20
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 70 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[darkknight1999]

Wow there is a lot of great infomation in this thread. Thanks for all the info and great pics

[Tbirder]

Thanks a lot Matt, Ive been photographing cars for years, and have never tried this kind of shot so your detailed info really helps - cheers! I like those Ram pics, I'm going to have a go at shooting my Tbird that way and see how it goes.

[izthistaken]

Not a problem, I know my way isn't the best but it's the only way I could think of how to do it. Hope it works for you and anyone that can give me some tips is greatly appreciated!

[magello]

Hey lads, i need help on picking the right strobe. Ive been lurking around for one and one of my friends told me that 380W would be to weak and won't give me enough light from it and told me to go straight to 600w.

Any thoughts or tips? Thanks :)

[Joshyouwah]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3625840811_01c852f1c8_b.jpg

Set up: Three 580 EX II's

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3626672212_6ee5a96eed_b.jpg

[JayCee Images]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3625840811_01c852f1c8_b.jpg

Set up: Three 580 EX II's

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3626672212_6ee5a96eed_b.jpg

Not bad...couple suggestions for you though...

Find a less cluttered background....

I cant view your EXIF data but shoot closer to your sync speed(probably 1/250), dial in some more aperture, turn your lights up and youll get a darker, more dramatic sky...which, IMO, would have really helped out with your background.

[n30nz]

subscribed!!!
great thread with tons of information..
i actually learns a lot from this ...

[Joshyouwah]

Those shots were from May of 09. I've learned alot more since then, I just remember reading they wanted to see some shots with a black car.

[Joshyouwah]

Heres one where I burned the sky some

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3626686624_333a40bfb7_b.jpg

[Joshyouwah]

Another old shot (Feb '09)

6 Second exposure at f/22. Had two strobes at full power right outside the frame left and right. I was in the car holding the brake pedal to get the glow on the wall.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3303396390_8b814f0682_b.jpg

[GoRk]

clean...nice...

[alexanderGARDNER]

Heres one where I burned the sky some




Hey Josh,

You did more than that. Post up your lighting setup as well please. ;)

[Joshyouwah]

Hey Josh,

You did more than that. Post up your lighting setup as well please. ;)

Lighting set up is on the previous page.

[alexanderGARDNER]

Lighting set up is on the previous page.


No worries Josh. I missed that entire page!

[Joshyouwah]

No worries Josh. I missed that entire page!

Haha, it happens.

[F-117HWK]

Hey Josh looking good! Personally I would clone out the things hanging from the mirror and the window sticker and that pic would be golden man. :cool:

[Joshyouwah]

Thanks, and like I mentioned before, those are VERY old photos. Basically right when I started playing with OFC. I haven't done a car shoot in about 4 or 5 months. And in those 4 or 5 months is when I got really into flash, but with people haha :D

[Joshyouwah]

Another shot from Feb '09

Pretty obvious where the lights are positioned. And I did a terrible job on cloning the hot spots because I was terrible at PS back in the day.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4313319907_f2501f0877_b.jpg

[F-117HWK]

Thanks, and like I mentioned before, those are VERY old photos. Basically right when I started playing with OFC. I haven't done a car shoot in about 4 or 5 months. And in those 4 or 5 months is when I got really into flash, but with people haha :D

Ah missed the old photos part I guess. Looking good on the Dodge.

[Dan-o]

AB 1600 with bare PLM (you can see it in the front bumper) and 580 through umbrella.

http://dmunson.smugmug.com/photos/784230512_nVUCj-X3.jpg

[dabert07]

Hello guys. I am a noob when it comes to flash photography. I recently bought a Vivitar 285 hv and I was looking into buying 3 more. I went to my local camera store and they told me the only way I would be able to trigger the vivitar 285 hv would be with a pocket wizard. Is that true?