The math can seem baffling: Many car shows take place at beautiful, park-like locations, yet oddly, the photos don’t always come out attractive.
We’ve likely seen the issues–or at least I notice them: poor lighting, stuff in the way, awkward composition, cut-off heads, people half in the frame.
Despite those potential hazards, how can you come home with some photos …
Trial and error is a big part of photography. I look back at photos from when I first started out and think, "Oh goodness, what was I thinking?" But hey, I was learning. It may take a bit to find your style, but these tips definitely make it easier.
Junk:
Lotta stuff on the showfield, right? In addition to cars and people, you have signs, golf carts and portable toilets. Before clicking that shutter, can you adjust your composition to eliminate those distractions?
Is there a light pole growing out of the car's roof? A folding chair or drink cooler that’s not helping? Maybe taking a step to the left–or the right–will help hide the junk behind the car.
My usual reality: I try to place as much stuff behind the car while working to make the subject dominant enough that you don’t notice any remaining distractions.
With all due respect, if the point is highlighting the car, the bike on the roof and the plane in the background are distractions I think you could go without.
In reply to stuart in mn :
Good feedback–thanks. To me, at least, the bike and the plane tell part of the story–and, personally, I love photos that tell a story.
But, as always, it’s totally up to the photographer.
So, stories. Personally, I love photos that tell a story. That story might not be evident, however.
This is a personal fave. Even though I made the photo and know the people in the shot, I still don’t know the story. First date gone awkward? Does she want to kill again, and he’s trying to talk her out of it? Who knows?
So, a PS to this.
A little while back, a friend who does some modeling pinged me: Can you take photos of me with the 911?
Sure. Love working with her. Plus she’s also into cars.
The assignment, so to speak: I wanted it look like she owned the car. Nothing cheesecake.
We shot color, too. Still not sold on this film stock as it’s very black or white. (Kinda looks like it’s from an old issue of R&T, maybe.)
I do like the composition, though.
The location is in downtown Sanford, Florida. I have made photos here before–plus been to concerts across the street. I knew that the brick road and old warehouse would look cool. Plus I knew there wasn’t a curb at the end of the road. I just like the no-curb look.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
Ha. I knew exactly where that photo was taken before you even said it.
FYI, Magnolia Street has a few sections of brick roads, plus beautiful old houses and big arching trees. Could make for a neat background.
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