Scrolling through Instagram you’ll come across some creative and unique shoot concepts and locations, but if there is anything 2020 taught us… we’ve got to work with what we’ve got. Instead of heading out to a fancy location to film our YouTube video this week, we opted for something more convenient. This week, we’re going to do a complete portrait session in a car and give you some fun and fancy car photoshoot ideas to try out.
Car Photoshoot Ideas: Video
I’ve been wanting to do a portrait shoot with just a car because of how available of a prop it is to most people (you can even rent vintage or brand new cars for shoots if you choose). We’re not going to move the car, we’re not going to introduce flashes…we’re just using natural light and some basic lenses (and our lovely model Alyssa) to give you some car photography ideas.
To start, we’re shooting just before sunset and have placed the car so it is completely backlit. I am shooting on the EOS R with a Rokinon 85mm and Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 shooting anywhere between 1.4-2.0. This allows me to maintain a wide aperture and shoot without increasing my ISO and avoiding grain. For most of these shots I am shooting at a shallow depth of field so that I don’t make it too commercialized (which is great for automotive photography) and showcase the branding, but you can definitely make the artistic choice to do the opposite and bump up your aperture accordingly. Let’s dive into some of my favorite car photoshoot ideas!
Car Photoshoot Idea #1: Open the Door
Alyssa opened the door to start modeling inside the car and that’s when the first idea came into play. When you think of using such a big prop like a car you want to split the parts into separate props, that way it seems like you’re making the most out of one prop. Similar to how if you shot in a house, you would move around to make it seem like you’re in multiple locations. There are a couple of ways to use a door for car photoshoots:
- Place the model in front of the door and lean up against the car.
- Place the model inside the driver’s seat and shoot through the door window.
- Place the model inside and open the driver’s side window and use it as a frame.
- Open the door halfway and have the model step out of the car.
- Open the door fully and have the model sit inside.
- Open the door halfway and shoot through the crack of the door and the car.
As you watch the video you’ll notice I move Alyssa from position to position with ease because it’s all revolving around the door and moving the subject around it. Play around and see what poses work with door. You’ll find that action based poses tend to look more natural than catching the gaze of your model so test out a few where you direct your subject to open the door, step in, step out, etc.
Car Photoshoot Idea #2: Find Reflections
The beautiful thing about cars is the opportunity to see and find unique compositions that we know exist because we happen upon them while driving. For example, we use our rear view and side view mirrors daily while driving (I hope you do). Direct your model to look at the mirror and shoot from the backseat or outside the car to get more of a voyeristic portrait of your subject.
Car Photoshoot Idea #3: Car Exterior
One of the easiest ways to showcase the entire car and the subject is to use a wide lens and get down low. This gives the car more presence in the frame and let’s you see it in its entirety. This is also a great change to highlight some specific features that are unique to the car like rims, any additions to the back, or the logo in the front. This is also a great opportunity to grab portraits of your model where the car is just a backdrop or background prop and not a secondary subject.
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FAQs
The most challenging things are arranging for hair, make-up and model to all be at the same place at the same time…and taking photographs that don't look more or less like every other photographer's portraits (in other words developing one's own style and techniques).
What is the most challenging type of photography? ›
Toughest photography subjects: Astrophotography
The challenge is to deal with the earth's rotation. Exposures need to last several seconds to capture enough light from distant celestial objects.
What are the 2 main problems in photography? ›
Overexposed photos are too bright, have very little detail in their highlights, and appear washed out. What Is Underexposure? Underexposure is the result not enough light hitting camera sensor. Underexposed photos are too dark, have very little detail in their shadows, and appear murky.
What is one common mistake photographers make when shooting portraits? ›
Choosing the wrong background is one of the most common portrait photography mistakes. Many photographers who are new to portrait photography tend to focus on the subject of the portrait and don't consider how the background they have chosen is impacting the overall look and feel of the portrait.
How to overcome challenges in photography? ›
How can you overcome common challenges and risks in your photography career?
- Finding your niche. Be the first to add your personal experience.
- Building your portfolio. ...
- Managing your finances. ...
- Dealing with clients. ...
- Protecting your work. ...
- Staying motivated and creative. ...
- Here's what else to consider.
Listed below are some of the common mistakes to avoid:
- Overexposure and Underexposure. ...
- Blurry Images. ...
- 3.Incorrect White Balance. ...
- Poor Composition. ...
- 5.Lack of Focus. ...
- Harsh Lighting. ...
- Unintentional Camera Shake. ...
- Failure to Engage with the Subject.
Photographers had to bring along the darkroom and developing chemicals as well. Early cameras also had a very slow shutter speed, meaning that the shutter remained open exposing the plate to light for a longer period of time.
Is photography a hard skill to learn? ›
The added skill is also what can make photography challenging to learn. As an artist, you are telling a story with your photos, and in its simplest terms, taking a photo is the art of capturing light to create an image. While it might sound simple, many things need to go right to capture a photo's details.
How stressful is photography? ›
Photography is a rewarding and creative pursuit, but it can also be demanding and stressful. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, you may face challenges such as deadlines, competition, criticism, or creative blocks.
What are three negative aspects of photography? ›
CONS
- Good cameras and gear don't come cheap. A good camera won't define your photography skills, but it sure will enhance them. ...
- Loneliness. ...
- No guaranteed income. ...
- You have to do everything.
Also known as car photography or vehicle photography, automotive photography is a deceptively challenging field. Photographers in this niche are specialists in capturing the best features of every vehicle they work with and help to build stunning photographs that speak to the emotions of the viewer.
What are the best adjustments for car photography? ›
Best camera settings for daytime car photography
1) If you want to keep the car and the background in focus, narrow down the aperture to f/8 and up. 2) If you want to blur the background, opt for a wide aperture of f/2.8 to f/5. 3) Keep the ISO above 100, adjusting it to your shutter speed and aperture.
What are the settings for car photography? ›
You should generally use a low ISO setting — perhaps around ISO 100 — and a quick shutter speed for stationary car pictures. Try setting the camera to a wide aperture size, such as f/5 or lower, to get that bokeh effect. You can go with a narrow aperture size (f/8 or higher) for images without bokeh.
Why is portrait painting difficult? ›
If you've overcome the fear of actually starting, painting a portrait comes with different challenges to other subjects. First, there is the technical challenge of creating a three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface. Then, the colour mixing challenge of expressing realistic skin tones, hair and features.
What is the challenge of a group portrait? ›
There are frequent challenges that stem from group portrait photo sessions. Sometimes one subject in the photo is striking their best post and expression, while another is blinking or smiling awkwardly. Consequently, this image is useless.
Is portrait photography hard? ›
Portrait photography isn't easy, and in fact, there are many elements that go into a great portrait. You have to think about the technical stuff like exposure and focus, as well as the non-technical stuff like composition and working with a live subject.
What are the challenges that you face as a beginner photographer? ›
Five Challenges Facing Beginner Photographers – And How to Beat Them
- Introduction. ...
- Editing Photos – It Takes Too Long and is Expensive. ...
- Landscape Photos Lack Impact. ...
- Pitch a Story Idea that Captures the Attention of the Audience. ...
- Making Your Work Stand Out. ...
- Protecting Mental Health.
As you watch the video you’ll notice I move Alyssa from position to position with ease because it’s all revolving around the door and moving the subject around it. Play around and see what poses work with door. You’ll find that action based poses tend to look more natural than catching the gaze of your model so test out a few where you direct your subject to open the door, step in, step out, etc.
The beautiful thing about cars is the opportunity to see and find unique compositions that we know exist because we happen upon them while driving. For example, we use our rear view and side view mirrors daily while driving (I hope you do). Direct your model to look at the mirror and shoot from the backseat or outside the car to get more of a voyeristic portrait of your subject.
One of the easiest ways to showcase the entire car and the subject is to use a wide lens and get down low. This gives the car more presence in the frame and let’s you see it in its entirety. This is also a great change to highlight some specific features that are unique to the car like rims, any additions to the back, or the logo in the front. This is also a great opportunity to grab portraits of your model where the car is just a backdrop or background prop and not a secondary subject.