Tips for photographing not so photographic car.

[ni$mo350]

A buddy of mine called me up to do a shoot which wouldn't normally be a problem but he drives a stock black Chevy Aveo. I usually rely on the car itself to make it look pretty but this is going to test my skills thus far as a photographer. I think the mark of a great photographer is to take a pic of something that wouldn't normally warrant a second look but for some reason you have to go back and look at it again and appreciate it. You might not understand why you have to check it out again because you don't particularly like the subject but you respect it as a picture.

To make matters worse he wants to shoot in a parking garage and I don't have any lighting equipment yet. I haven't had the chance to shoot a black car yet and have heard the troubles associated with it. My main question is, how do you take a "not so photogenic" subject and make the best of it? Examples would be great too! Thanks in advance!

[PhotosGuy]

I haven't had the chance to shoot a black car yet and have heard the troubles associated with it The main trouble with them is that most people don't take the time to find the right location & light for them. The HHR (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=227752) is pretty plain, & so is my Malibu. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=536323)

Black/Red/white car links: Post #52. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=6129597&postcount=52) To make matters worse he wants to shoot in a parking garage and I don't have any lighting equipment yet. That's two strikes against you. The third would be if you listened to him a tried to do it? ;)
It may be his car, but it's your shoot. My best advice in your situation is to take control of it.


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[DC Fan]

I haven't had the chance to shoot a black car yet and have heard the troubles associated with it.

What troubles?

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20090712a0025.jpg

http://www.kevinlillard.com/racing/20090712a0033.jpg

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

The only trouble is if there there isn't enough light. Go outdoors on a day with lots of light. Use the reflections from the bodywork to emphasize the car's shape. Don't shoot from an angle that makes it seem as if you're standing and looking at the car from an ordinary position. Work on angles and reflections.

[ni$mo350]

Thanks for the help! I let him know that we'll hold off on the parking garage until I have the proper equipment and we found another place to shoot that has plenty of light to work with.