#1 // Preparing the Vehicle for the Shoot

Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly

  • The last thing you want is to touch up dust, dirt, scratches, or blemishes on your beautiful vehicle. While you might not notice them, your camera sensor picks up a lot of detail.
  • Clean the entire vehicle with a waterless automotive cleaner that includes a polish, using a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
  • For interiors, use a detailer solution + polish to give everything a clean, glossy shine.

Keep Detailing During the Shoot

  • Do a quick detail of the vehicle every time you move locations. Don’t forget to clean the tires.
  • Remove the front license plate and license plate holder, so the grille looks clean, and the shot is commercial-ready. Bring appropriate tools in advance, as some plates require specialized screwdrivers.

#2 // Choosing the Perfect Location

Importance of Location

  • One of the most important factors in vehicle photography, aside from the car, is the location. It sets the tone and creates an emotional image.

How to Scout Locations

  • Scout locations ahead of time and save them using apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps, where you can upload images, save GPS coordinates, and leave notes for your self.
  • Ask fellow photographers for location tips and check Instagram location tags to scout remotely.
  • Visit the location at the time of day you’ll be shooting to ensure the light matches.

Location Tips for Car Photography

  • Avoid graffiti or street art in the foreground if shooting for a brand, as you may need to license these elements.
  • Consider locations that contrast or complement your vehicle, like a grunge factory setting for a luxury car or a forest scene for an off-road SUV.
  • Secure location permits for bigger shoots, or shoot first and apologize later.

#3 // Positioning the Car for the Perfect Shot

Key Car Angles

  • Certain angles make cars look powerful, like a low quarter angle stance. A chest-height quarter angle offers a neutral yet slightly aggressive look, while a side profile gives a painterly feel.
  • Avoid shooting with wide angles at close range, as this will distort the car's features.

Positioning and Testing the Look

  • Most shots should be taken at chest/eye level to capture the car’s organic shape without distortion.
  • Test different stances at the location before settling on the final shot.

#4 // Shooting the Car

Use a Circular Polarizer

  • A circular polarizer is essential for minimizing reflections on the car’s glass and body. Rotate it to adjust the reflection levels.

Lens and Camera Settings

  • Avoid shooting with lenses wider than 24mm unless going for an artistic shot.
  • Use a 50mm or tighter lens for frame compression and a cinematic look.
  • Keep ISO as low as possible (ISO 100 during the day).
  • Always shoot in RAW for flexibility in post-processing.

Night Shooting Techniques

  • Use a tripod for night shoots, keeping your ISO low by using a slow shutter speed (1-3 seconds).
  • Light paint the car with a handheld LED to add dynamic lighting effects.

Capture Different Perspectives

  • Capture a range of wide-angle, medium-angle, and close-up shots to create a story about the car.

#5 // Editing and Color Grading Your Images

Base Grade and Fixes

  • Start with a base grade using Camera Raw, adjusting highlights, shadows, and clarity.
  • Create new layers to fix bad reflections, dirt, and unwanted objects.

Final Grade and Exporting

  • Group your layers into a smart object and apply Camera Raw for the final grade.
  • Save the image as a JPG with sRGB color space, ensuring it looks the same on both your computer and phone.

#6 // Pro Tips to Set Yourself Apart

Practice and Build a Portfolio

  • If you’re not working with big brands yet, rent a luxury car from Turo or borrow one from a friend to set up a mock shoot. The possibilities are really endless, and it leaves a huge space for creativity.

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