Car Shoot Location Recommendations? Philly/Delaware/NJ Area

I got asked to do a photo shoot for a buddy's new car. Nothing formal. I get practice, beer and credit. He gets shots for his blog. Since I don't do car photography very often, I am unfamiliar with potential good locations to stage the car for couple hours that won't cause . Obviously Google Maps only gets you so far.

I am going to check out a few possibilities this weekend and was hoping for additional input from anywhere on locations or general tips. The owner gave me full creative rights, so it can be any backdrop (industrial, scenic, urban, etc). But he obviously wants something that stands outs. I will have the following equipment with me...

Canon 60D
Sigma 10-20 EX
Canon 24-70 f/4L IS
Canon 70-200L f/4 IS
Canon 50/1.8 II
Canon EF-S 18-200 IS
Flashes, remote triggers, tripods, etc.

Thanks in advance.

LexJLuthor wrote in post #17695004
..., so it can be any backdrop (industrial, scenic, urban, etc). But he obviously wants something that stands outs.

IMO, he's obviously wrong in what he thinks he wants. You don't make a subject "stand out" by putting it against a great background. You make a subject "stand out" by putting it in great light. Like this: http://img.photobucket​.com …ProStreet-Jim_TreeBKG.jpg

Note the location I used for that shot: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=536323

Locations are very much over-hyped. With cars/bikes you just need a backdrop that compliments the mood you are looking for and has as few distractions as possible. Avoid places with lots of streetlight poles in the background or other distracting elements that will "stick out" of the car (no massive graffiti murals!!!). You can literally use anywhere from warehouses, abandoned buildings, quiet backalleys to waterside venues, harbours, docks, to natural settings out on small twisty roads.

What's the car? That's usually a good place to start when determining the location/atmo.

Thanks guys. Like I said, I rarely do automotive stuff, so I was just going with what he wants. But I can see the point about background being TOO unique or distracting. Funny enough, we discussed graffiti as an urban/gritty option LOL

The car is 2016 370Z Nismo Edition. The shoot is not for another couple weeks. I will read up on the automotive threads before then.

LexJLuthor wrote in post #17698404
Thanks guys. Like I said, I rarely do automotive stuff, so I was just going with what he wants. But I can see the point about background being TOO unique or distracting. Funny enough, we discussed graffiti as an urban/gritty option LOL

The car is 2016 370Z Nismo Edition. The shoot is not for another couple weeks. I will read up on the automotive threads before then.

If you want a gritty, urban-look, find some alleys or an industrial area. Alleys especially are great as the walls act as leading lines into the car. Graffiti nearly always detracts from the final image and grows old quickly.

If you rarely do automotive stuff have a read of the links in Photoguy's sig. In a nutshell though; 1) Best light is around sunset, 2) use a CPL to reduce horrible reflections and 3) the subject is king; the environment needs to compliment the car, remove anything else that is a distraction (either by framing it out, or photoshop).

The Photographer's rides thread is quite good as an eclectic compilation of shots of all different styles, as is the Stationary car portraits thread.

98kellrs wrote in post #17699018
If you want a gritty, urban-look, find some alleys or an industrial area. Alleys especially are great as the walls act as leading lines into the car. Graffiti nearly always detracts from the final image and grows old quickly.

If you rarely do automotive stuff have a read of the links in Photoguy's sig. In a nutshell though; 1) Best light is around sunset, 2) use a CPL to reduce horrible reflections and 3) the subject is king; the environment needs to compliment the car, remove anything else that is a distraction (either by framing it out, or photoshop).

The Photographer's rides thread is quite good as an eclectic compilation of shots of all different styles, as is the Stationary car portraits thread.

I feel like this is a stupid question...but should I be using CPL even in the evening/night time for the reflections?

I was also reading on another forum that to get best results multiple CPL shots might be needed (and then combined in PS) to get rid of all the reflections. Is that true?

LexJLuthor wrote in post #17699356
I feel like this is a stupid question...but should I be using CPL even in the evening/night time for the reflections?
I was also reading on another forum that to get best results multiple CPL shots might be needed (and then combined in PS) to get rid of all the reflections. Is that true?

It's only a stupid question if you read the "Move..." link in my Sig, & then still asked the question?
So my answer is No. You don't need one if you put the effin' car where you have few bad ones & a lot of good ones!

Now maybe you are forced to shoot in less than ideal conditions. Then maybe the answers to the questions is Yes. But I see it as your own fault, as it's part of your job to educate the client as to what he needs, as opposed to what he might think he wants. ; )

PhotosGuy wrote in post #17699494
It's only a stupid question if you read the "Move..." link in my Sig, & then still asked the question?
So my answer is No. You don't need one if you put the effin' car where you have few bad ones & a lot of good ones!

Now maybe you are forced to shoot in less than ideal conditions. Then maybe the answers to the questions is Yes. But I see it as your own fault, as it's part of your job to educate the client as to what he needs, as opposed to what he might think he wants. ; )

I have not yet had a chance to read through that thread =X Looks like I need to before asking additional questions...

...and I have given enough disclaimers to my buddy that I might be learning just as much as he is and set his expectations and patience accordingly LOL

Locations in Philly will depend on if you want to shoot during the day, or night. There are plenty of locations along the river but they are all fenced off. If you're planning a static shoot in the city, it will be a challenge. If you plan on moving around you may find some areas in south Philly especially under the overpasses on 95. I've found Philly to be quite difficult to shoot cars, but then again, for me, I don't share in the opinion that you don't need a great location. I always strive for the best location because everything in the frame matters. I will agree that how it is lit is equally important, but they go hand in hand, FWIW.

South Jersey I have found to generally be a complete waste of time unless you can find a spot overlooking the water if that is what you want. If you are looking for more industrial run down locations, You'd be better off heading north to places like Trenton. I don't recommend Camden because you run the risk of being shanked. I'm not kidding when I say that BTW.

In Delaware, as soon as you get off of 95 in Wilmington, you'll be in an area that has some rough areas with plenty of old buildings. I'd suggest using Google earth as a starting point to scout locations.

As stated in another post, before you find a location it would perhaps help you to think about the car you're shooting and the mood you want to set. A Model T in front of a graffiti laden wall would be as out of place as a tuner car in front of a rustic old barn.

I like brick...

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