Tips for Car Photography: A Guide to Capturing Stunning Automotive Images

Car photography is an exciting field that blends creativity with technical expertise. Whether you're shooting for a client, a car dealership, or just capturing beautiful images for an enthusiast, there are key steps to follow to ensure your photos stand out. In this post, I’ll share some practical tips that will help you plan and execute a successful car photography session.

1. Understand Your Client’s Needs

The first step in any car photography session is to understand what your client wants. Ask specific questions like:

• What car needs to be photographed? Knowing the make, model, year, and color of the car is crucial. For example, dark-colored cars can be more challenging to shoot during sunrise or in dimly lit areas, whereas lighter-colored cars are more forgiving.

• What’s the purpose of the photos? Is this a personal project, a keepsake for a proud owner, or are the photos meant to sell the car on platforms like Bring a Trailer? Knowing the purpose will help shape your approach.

2. Choose the Right Location

The location can make or break a car photography session. Match the setting to the car’s style and the purpose of the shoot:

• Vintage Cars: A countryside backdrop or a quiet, rustic area often enhances the nostalgic feel of classic cars.

• Sports Cars: Urban environments with sleek architecture or modern cityscapes create the perfect vibe for fast and stylish vehicles.

• General Sale Photos: A neutral, distraction-free environment works best. Wide open areas like empty parking lots, church grounds, or industrial spaces can be great options. Look for places with minimal traffic and clean, natural or neutral backgrounds to keep the focus on the car.

3. Pay Attention to Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in car photography, and the approach depends on the type of photoshoot:

• Sunrise and Sunset: These times are perfect for high-end or artistic car photoshoots. However, be cautious of the warm tones, as they can alter the perceived color of the car. For example, a silver car may appear golden in warm light. To maintain accurate colors, aim to shoot shortly after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is softer and more neutral.

• Cloudy Days: Overcast skies act like a giant softbox, diffusing light evenly and reducing harsh shadows and reflections. This makes cloudy days ideal for regular car sale photoshoots, as they produce clean, professional results.

• Sunny Days: While cloudy days have their advantages, sunny days can also work well, especially for vivid-colored sports cars. Bright sunlight can highlight bold, aggressive colors and make them pop, creating a more striking image. The choice ultimately depends on the photographer's style and the desired visual impact.

• Shooting Interiors: Avoid partial shade for interior shots—it creates uneven lighting and distracting sunspots. Instead, park the car in full shade, such as under a tree or a large structure. This provides even lighting across the cabin, making it easier to capture details without harsh contrasts.

To see how lighting affects different types of car photography, check out my car photography portfolio here. You'll notice how light influences the mood and appeal of each image!

This was a for sale photoshoot, but we decided to find some cool location and ended up at Mount St. Helens in Washington.

4. Gear and Equipment Recommendations

The right gear can elevate your car photography. Here’s what I personally use:

• Canon 100-400mm II Zoom Lens: This lens is perfect for capturing exterior shots with a beautiful depth of field. I often use a tripod and shoot close to ground level for an eye-catching perspective.

• Canon 24-70mm II Lens: This versatile lens is my go-to for medium-range shots and detailed close-ups of features like headlights, wheels, and badges.

• Canon 16-35mm II Lens: For interior shots, this wide-angle lens helps capture the car's cabin without distortion.

No matter the lens, always carry a sturdy tripod, especially for zoom shots or low-light conditions.

The car owner was kindly assisting by holding the strobe light for nicer results!

5. Plan for High-End Photoshoots

If you’re photographing a brand-new model or shooting for a car company, the process can be more complex. High-end photoshoots might involve:

• Advanced Planning: Scouting the perfect location, selecting the ideal time of day, and preparing backup locations for weather changes.

• Controlled Lighting: Using portable lights or reflectors to highlight the car’s exterior and interior features.

• Teamwork: Larger projects may require assistants, stylists, or even additional equipment like car-mounted rigs for action shots.

6. Practical Tips for the Shoot

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind during the session:

• Keep the Car Clean: A spotless car is essential. Ask your client to ensure the car is washed, waxed, and detailed before the shoot.

• Shoot from Multiple Angles: Capture a variety of perspectives—front, rear, side, and 3/4 angles. Don’t forget interior shots and close-ups of unique details.

• Use Reflections Wisely: Reflections can either enhance or detract from your shot. Position the car carefully to avoid distracting reflections of you or the surroundings.

• Experiment with Depth: Play with aperture settings to create shallow depth of field for a sharp car against a soft, blurred background.

• Consider a Circular Polarizing (CPL) Filter: A CPL filter can be a game-changer in car photography. For instance, it allows you to control reflections, such as making the windshield appear darker and sleeker. (I use the Hoya CPL for my shoots.) However, be cautious when adjusting reflections on the car’s sides. Overusing the CPL can flatten the car’s reflections too much, potentially losing some of the elegant curves and design details, especially on sports or luxury cars. Use the CPL thoughtfully to enhance the car's features without diminishing its design.

  
  

  

  Without CPL filter (pay attention to the windshield)

  

  With CPL filter (no reflections on windshield!)

7. Post-Processing

Editing is where your photos truly come to life. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and white balance to make the car pop. Be mindful not to over-edit; keep the colors and tones natural to preserve the car’s true appearance.

By following these tips and tailoring your approach to the specific car and purpose of the shoot, you’ll be able to capture stunning automotive photos that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re shooting a vintage beauty in the countryside or a sleek sports car in the city, preparation and attention to detail will set your work apart. Happy shooting!