By Jorge Sosa
So you love classic cars, but there's one small problem: you're not Jay Leno.
You can't afford to just go out and buy every cool set of wheels that catches your fancy. No problem. Just remember to bring your camera to your local car shows and soon you'll have a nice collection of the classics.
Here's how to capture those beauties in the best light.
Tip #1: The three-quarter view
You can't go wrong when you photograph cars from the front or rear three-quarter view. Basically, this means going to one corner of the car and framing your shot so the vehicle fills your frame. This captures a lot of detail, and with a wider-angle lens, really emphasizes those nicely sculpted lights and grilles.
Figure A shows how you can add a unique perspective by crouching down at one of the corners.
FIGURE A
Sweet 'n low: crouching down to the ground helps show off this Oldsmobile's sculpted details. (click for larger image)
In Figure B, you'll see how shooting a little bit higher off the ground gives your subject a less "caricatured" perspective.
FIGURE B
Position your camera a bit higher off the ground for a less forced perspective. (click for larger image)
Figure C shows the three-quarter view works when you shoot from eye level, also. This is a great way to capture flowing bodywork, tail fins and fenders.
FIGURE C
From eye-level, the three-quarter angle helps capture this Buick's flowing fenders. (click for larger image)
Tip #2: It's in the details
One of the great things about classic cars is the way their designers poured so much attention into artistic flourishes.
The stunning cars of yesteryear were not designed by committees and wind tunnels. Let's face it, there's nothing aerodynamic or efficient about a grille designed like a Roman temple. But, as Figure D shows, it still looks pretty wicked on a Rolls-Royce.
FIGURE D
Check the reflections. They can add new dimension to your chrome close-ups. (click for larger image)
Of course, when photographing a vast expanse of mirror-like chome, it pays to heed what you're picking up in the reflections. The building fagade's reflection harmonizes with the monumental feel of the Rolls much more nicely than, say, some guy walking by chugging a beer.
Figures E and F show how a slick-looking wheel or just a shiny badge can stand alone as a compelling visual statement
FIGURE E
The wheels on this street rod deserve extra attention. Get up nice and close to show them off. (click for larger image) FIGURE F
Gleaming nameplates and badges can be works of art in themselves. (click for larger image)
Tip #3: Tilt! Tilt! Tilt!
This is a somewhat controversial technique. I've met a couple of shutterbugs who prefer to keep their horizon lines nice and level.
If there's anything I've learned after poring over way too many car magazines, it's that cocking your camera off-kilter can yield dynamic results. Check out Figure G. That Cobra looks like it's ready to rocket into orbit. Once they get that hood closed, that is!
FIGURE G
Skewin' around: tilt your camera to add instant drama to any car photo. (click for larger image)
Figure H shows a combination of tilting and Tip 2, focusing on details. Of course, once you start tilting your camera like that, you are creating a photo that's less a literal-minded documentary of what you saw. You're venturing into the world of composition for composition's sake. How adventurous are you feeling?
FIGURE H
Tilting a shot can make an artistic statement. (click for larger image)
Don't think that this sort of effect must only be done when you're shooting the picture. If you've got a high-resolution shot of a relatively plain scene, you can sometimes crop and rotate it in your photo editing program to accomplish wondrous results.
Tip #4: Interior design
Classic car interiors are just exciting as the exteriors. In the days before everything got rounded out and padded for your protection, you'd find all kinds of sharp creases and gleaming edges.
The challenge to shooting interiors, however, is that you have to find a way to make dials, knobs and gauges look interesting. Most classic car owners are pretty protective and don't want you hopping into their pride-and-joy for some close-up shots.
So cheat. Take the picture from outside the car, and use it as an element in the overall photo. Figure I shows how you can incorporate the interior of a car into your photo, yet still capture some of its fluid exterior lines.
FIGURE I
The inside scoop: don't forget about shooting the interiors. They'll add a unique element to your car shots. (click for larger image)
Figure J hardly shows any interior detail at all, but the foreground car frames a second car in the background. Hey, have fun with it!
FIGURE J
Here's one way to shoot through a car window without getting arrested. (click for larger image)
Those are all the tips I've got at the moment. A few other rules of thumb include the fairly obvious. Hit as many car shows as you can. You'll soon have hundreds of slick cars in your collection. Also, watch where you're going. If you scratch one of these babies, you'll be crusin' for a brusin'.
Jorge Sosa is writer/photographer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached via e-mail at jsosa1234@yahoo.com.