Road Test Photo Tips
Want to take great photographs of your ride? Here are some tips to help you get the shots that will get your car noticed.
Beautiful car, great photo! The background in this shot complements the vehicle without distracting the eye.
Glare from a flash detracts from an otherwise well-framed shot. If you're using a flash, shoot from a slight angle.
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1. Use a good camera.
Forget the disposable types and find a 35mm single lens reflex or high-quality digital camera. Disposable and "point-and-shoots" use a wide-angle view, so your subject will appear smaller than your eye sees it. With a good camera, you can get closeup shots of decks, amps, and components.
2. Buy the proper film.
The general rule is that high-speed film (the 400-800 stuff) works best for low-light shooting, like outdoor photos at night. The lower speeds (100-200) work best with a lot of light. Experiment with different F-stop settings (those numbers on the lens labeled F8, F11, etc.) — the higher the number, the smaller the opening and the less light allowed. Try taking one shot at each F-stop (usually F2.8 through F22) and make notes linking the exposure number to the F-stop. Once you get the prints back, you'll see which F-stop worked best. (Remember to note the weather, light conditions, and sun position.)
3. Clean your car.
Really.
4. Check the sky.
Shoot your photos in the early morning or early evening, when the sun is low in the sky. You want the sun to complement your car and its equipment, and not wash it out. Cloudy or overcast skies are often the best: plenty of ambient light, but no direct rays.
5. Location, location, location.
Find a spot that enhances your ride and doesn't distract from it. Park at least 15 feet from the background to create depth (this will also throw the background slightly out of focus, bringing more attention to your car).
6. Interior Shots.
Take dash photos from outside the car, using the tripod and shooting through an open window. Also try shots from the rear seats. (Shots taken from driver and front passenger seats usually suffer from lack of clarity.) Watch for any shadows from the sun coming through the windows. If it's too much, throw a dark blanket over the windshield. If you're using a flash, take your shots from an angle (rather than head-on) to avoid hot spots. Also, take one of each shot without flash. If you've got a wall of subs, show them all — pull your seats out for the shot. (And remember — if you can see fingerprints or grime on your gear, so will the camera.)
7. Developing your photos.
Most chain drug/grocery stores do a decent job on development. If you get serious, check the Yellow Pages or Internet for a reputable photo lab.
Remember your goal: grab someone's attention. Take your time, experiment with unique shots, and have fun.
 back to Road Test
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If you've installed any Crutchfield car audio/video gear — from a simple in-dash CD player to a multi-amplifier system with subwoofers and DVD — we want to know about it. You could end up showing off your system in your own Car Showroom Profile here on CrutchfieldAdvisor.com.
Use our new online Car Showroom Form to submit the details of your installation, along with up to 5 of your photos that help tell the story, to our Car Showroom Editors.
Our editors may select you to be our next Car Showroom Team Member!
Please note: Submitting a profile does not guarantee publication.
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