Car Photography Is Natural At The Local Car Show

There are cars everywhere and there is car photography everywhere. At any local antique or hot rod or Chevy or Mustang show, every photographer turns into a car photographer. It is just too hard to resist. And there is always a car club or group of enthusiasts in or near every locale.

My personal favorites are Lincolns and Buicks from the late 1930's and mid 60's Dodges. Of course, I am always happy to shoot whatever is available, keeping an eye peeled as I drive to the store or walk across the parking lot. You never know when a vintage Saab or just-off-the-boat Lamborghini might show up!

The biggest problem I usually encounter is unruly reflection in the metal-work. Lots of space around the car, parked on neutral-colord concrete or asphalt and either unbroken blue sky or solid overcast are great, even light with large highlights and smooth transitions. This situation allows great photos of the entire automobile as long as you keep yourself out of any reflections.

Worst case scenario is partly cloudy, a few overhanging tree branches, brightly colored wall paint on one side and a lot of people close to the vehicle. This will make the best body work on the planet look mottled and rough. Not to mention strangers staring out of the paint finish into your camera lens. These are the times I go for the detail shots with a portrait lens or short-telephoto zoom. Get close and pick the shooting angle carefully to minimize unwanted reflections. Or use all those crazy reflections as an integral part of a more abstract composition.

But most of all have fun. The owners of all those great cars do. That is why they own them and show them.

Chrysler automobile photograph