These car photoshoot ideas will come in handy if you need images for an ad in a car catalog, or you just want a beautiful post with your car for social networks. You don’t need to be a seasoned photographer or spend much money to bring these ideas to life.
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1. Shoot a Picture with Car Exterior
To capture a whole car, you should use a wide lens. Shoot from below for the best perspective. This position and angle allow you to showcase the entire object in the most advantageous way.
Focusing on some exterior details is one of the most popular car photoshoot ideas. This way, you can draw the viewer's attention to the logo on the front, rims, and other specific features. You can also use a car as a background prop or a background when taking a portrait of a model.
2. Choose an Unusual Pose for a Model
Don’t limit yourself to pictures of a person driving a car or simply sitting on the passenger seat. Experiment with different relaxed photography poses in and near a car. For example, a model may lie reclining on a seat or place the feet on the control panel.
Poses define the mood and character of the photoshoot. You can create anything from a car magazine advertisem*nt to a very personal travel album.
3. Seat on the Trunk or Hood
Standing in front of a car isn’t the only outside pose. Try to be closer to the vehicle to get interesting and diversified shots. For example, you can sit on the hood or trunk. Plus, you can add accessories to match the car color or wear sunglasses.
4. Capture the Shadows on the Face in the Car
While driving, you can see a beautiful play of light and shadows on the face. Stop from time to time to take more portraits of a driver and get unique photos with shadows in your car.
You should set the lowest ISO to implement these car photo ideas as accurately as possible. Pay attention to the light sensitivity. This setting should be raised if you photograph at sunset. However, don't use too high values, otherwise, your pictures acquire noise.
5. Shoot during Golden Hour
Many experienced photographers believe that the golden hour is the best time of day to take pictures and bring your car photography ideas to life. Take your camera and go for a photo session before sunset or just after sunrise. Don’t repeat the mistake of some newbies and avoid taking photos on a very bright day. Otherwise, your models' faces will have harsh shadows.
Keep in mind that using the right equipment is also very important. Experts recommend taking photos with Canon EOS 6D or any other camera capable of collecting soft sunlight in a car. Thus, you’ll get great detailed pictures. To know the right time to shoot for sure, you should use such apps as Photo Ephemeris or GoldenHour.One.
6. Photograph Models from the Car
You can treat a car not only as a shooting spot but also as a support for a camera. For example, you can shoot through the front glass or ask a model to look into the car through the window.
7. Find Reflections
You can come up with offbeat car picture ideas based on the things you see while driving. Think about objects that can add meaning and stories to your photos. For example, side view and rearview mirrors are common on the road. Why not use them as a part of a scene? Ask a model to look into one of the mirrors and capture the moment. You should take pictures from outside the car or from the backseat. As a result, you will get creative and eye-catching portraits.
8. Shoot a Picnic with a Car in the Background
A picnic trip allows realizing lots of car photography ideas. This is a great time to take hundreds of cool photos with friends, family, and of course, your car. During a picnic, you can take lots of inviting and warm images. In addition to a car, you will need some props like bedspreads, baskets, as well as camping food, dishes and flowers.
9. Capture a Trip with Friends
If you are planning a long trip with friends or family, you should grab a chance to take some photos in a car. Just look through some friend picture ideas to get inspired.
Adding accessories associated with a trip by car can result in numerous cool images. For example, it can be a heated blanket, travel bags, and disposable tableware. Also, try different camera angles to capture the mood.
10. Take a Photo of the Couple in a Car
A photoshoot in a car can be very romantic. Take photos of a couple in the front seats: from the front through the windshield, from behind, or ask the heroes to turn around.
To take arresting couple pictures, you need to choose the right aperture settings. By blurring or compressing the background, you will get a deeper and sharper foreground. The f/2.0 aperture value works well if you are photographing subjects in the same focal area. It's also worth experimenting with couple poses.
11. Arrange a Photoshoot at the Petrol Station
Don't miss the opportunity to take some atmospheric photos while stopping to fuel your car on the road. For example, you can pose in front of a gas station next to the vehicle. Alternatively, you can fill up the car or talk to an employee.
12. Turn on Headlights in Darkness
You can take beautiful shots with the headlights on if you are driving at night. Don’t use Auto camera settings in this case. To get the most out of such car picture ideas, you need to have maximum control over all elements of the exposure triangle.
Set higher ISO, lower shutter speed, and wider aperture when taking pictures in low light conditions. Also, you may encounter some difficulties while holding a camera in your hands. Using a tripod is a great way out.
13. Take a Picture of a Car Wash
You can take unusual shots with a car not only during a trip. For example, there are many interesting car photography ideas and poses to implement while washing a vehicle. Water and foam are good props. You can go to a car wash for this or have some fun with your family in the backyard. Later you can improve such photos in Spyne car image editor.
14. Involve Pets in the Photoshoot
Many dog owners love to take their pets on trips. You can also involve such a companion in a car photo session. For example, take a picture of a dog looking out of a car window or capture the animal in the reflection of a rearview mirror.
Besides, you can take some funny pictures. To do this, dress the animal in a cute suit and put it behind the wheel of the car and let people be passengers.
15. Capture Beautiful Scenery from a Car
During a long car trip, you will surely come across beautiful places and mesmerizing views. This is ideal for any photoshoot. Take some pics of a landscape from a car window or open the door.
Be attentive with aperture settings. Use the values from f/7.1 to f/13 for sharp images.
Bonus Tools
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Of course, you will want to make your car pictures perfect. This collection of presets will help you achieve the desired results in a few minutes. Apply these Lr filters to add some warm vibes associated with trips and adventures. This pack is a real treasure for those who are interested in streamlined image improving, as presets prepared by professionals can transform your pictures in one click. Make sure you know how to install Lightroom presets and highlight the mood of your photos.
