Car shows are celebrations of automotive artistry, engineering marvel, and the relationship between humans and machines. Attending these events offers a range of experiences; from admiring classic car curves to taking part in exciting conversations among passionate enthusiasts.
Recently I attended Ipswich’s Father’s Day Motor Rally and found it challenging at times to capture only cars without people or crowds in my shots. Photographers or enthusiasts face a distinct dilemma in deciding what they capture: crowds or intricate details.
Cars: the Stars of the Show
Attending a car show makes it impossible to ignore its star attraction: cars themselves. Each automobile on display represents art, human creativity and personal passion all in one package. In order to capture them effectively and capture all their beauty as images or video, here are a few tips:
Angles and Perspectives: Experiment with different angles and perspectives when photographing cars. Go low for dramatic shots that emphasize its power and presence; shoot from above to highlight design details.
Close-Ups: Focus in on specific features that define each car as unique. From vintage fender curves and shine of chrome accents to the intricate design of alloy wheels, close-ups show what sets each vehicle apart.
Lighting: Car shows often take place outdoors under direct sunlight. There’s no cover and this can make life challenging – natural light can produce breathtaking effects but can be harsh; artificial lighting may highlight specific details but isn’t suitable for all shows; using a polarizer to reduce glare and reflections could also prove useful (if remembered!).
Crowds: Capturing an Enthusiastic Community mes Car shows are more than merely displays of automobiles; they’re gatherings of passionate enthusiasts who come out in force. Chatting to car owners and spectators alike can be fun and fascinating; photographing the crowd can give an impression of its energy and camaraderie:
Candid Shots: Capturing candid photographs of people interacting with cars and fellow enthusiasts at a car show can capture genuine enthusiasm at such events.
Portraits: Approach attendees and request permission to take their portraits, which will allow you to capture the diversity of the crowd – young and old, families and single enthusiasts alike. While not for everyone, taking portraits should certainly be something worth considering.
Action Shots: Capture the essence of an event by photographing people moving about, admiring cars, discussing features or participating in activities like tire-changing contests or revving contests.
Details Are Everything
Car enthusiasts take great pleasure in photographing the intricate details of a vehicle. Doing so reveals its craftsmanship and artistry – this is something I often photograph, even using wide-angle!
Macro Photography: Use a macro lens or feature on your camera to capture minute details like leather seats with subtle textures, stitched dashboard panels and custom paint jobs that feature thin, intricate lines.
Abstract Shots: Experiment with abstract compositions by focusing on various features of a car’s design such as its side mirror or tailpipe – creating visually striking and thought-provoking photos in this manner.
Contrasts: Utilize contrast between various materials, colors, and textures within your vehicle. For instance, juxtapose cold, hard steel with warm wood paneling from an older car’s dashboard for maximum effect.
Gear: What Should Be Taken
Packing the essentials when leaving the house can often be an obstacle. In addition to necessities like hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and walking shoes, such as camera gear can often prove more of a burden than useful.
Travel light. I kept things simple by just taking one lens with me on my Sony A7RV: 16-35mm wide-angle (for up-close wide-angle shots) and Aperture Priority mode at roughly F/4 (to cover crowds and close-up details).
Keep things realistic. A wide-angle lens, macro (on two cameras), small ring light or speed light and CPL would all come in handy – provided that you’re willing to carry them all with you.
Be bold. If you are an enthusiast, bring all the equipment that might help: multiple cameras and lenses, speed lights, light boxes, tripods, triggers and triggers – but be wary: people I saw with such equipment were met with suspicion by most members of society.
Car shows offer photographers and enthusiasts alike a wealth of visual opportunities. Instead of becoming dissatisfied or being limited by only photographing one aspect (i.e. the cars), explore all that makes these events great by not only photographing cars themselves but also crowds, crowd dynamics and details – including people that will get in your way; just go with it – don’t sweat it if people get in your shots or walk into shots unknowingly – go with it all and go with what works!
By doing this, you’ll capture both the automotive splendor and vibrant culture and community spirit that makes car shows such an enjoyable experience for all involved. Above all else, don’t forget to enjoy yourself during this memorable event!