I tried shooting cars but really need some help on either editing, framing, or anything else. What can I do to change this photo or if I did it again, could have done differently? I'm currently using an entry-level nikon with its kit lens. Thanks!
This would be a fair image but for one thing that is really hurting it in my opinion. Too much flare. People use flare for artistic reasons, you see it on TV and movies frequently. But this flare is more than artistic and is is fogging the entire image. It looks like the cause is a sun at your right that was probably hitting the front element of your lens. A hood might have helped or even just placing your hand at the side to block it.
I like the shooting angle of the car, but the fence bothers me. It seems sharp and well exposed.
Welcome, Priscilla.
Tough image as shot.
As Ben indicated, the flare, placing diagonal stripes across the image from different angles, hurts the image and is hard to fix in post-processing.
The background is a bit busy and cluttered, including the fence.
Like Ben, I like the angle you chose. I would shoot less into the light, use a lens hood if you have one to reduce light entering the lens from an angle and causing flare. Choose a less busy background such as a field, a simple brick wall, some trees. And shoot fairly wide open (low f stop) to throw the background out of focus and highlight the subject.
Scott
ben egbert wrote:
This would be a fair image but for one thing that is really hurting it in my opinion. Too much flare. People use flare for artistic reasons, you see it on TV and movies frequently. But this flare is more than artistic and is is fogging the entire image. It looks like the cause is a sun at your right that was probably hitting the front element of your lens. A hood might have helped or even just placing your hand at the side to block it.
I like the shooting angle of the car, but the fence bothers me. It seems sharp and well exposed....Show more →
Awesome, thanks for the feedback! I definitely agree having a different background and a hood would have been better.
sbeme wrote:
Welcome, Priscilla.
Tough image as shot.
As Ben indicated, the flare, placing diagonal stripes across the image from different angles, hurts the image and is hard to fix in post-processing.
The background is a bit busy and cluttered, including the fence.
Like Ben, I like the angle you chose. I would shoot less into the light, use a lens hood if you have one to reduce light entering the lens from an angle and causing flare. Choose a less busy background such as a field, a simple brick wall, some trees. And shoot fairly wide open (low f stop) to throw the background out of focus and highlight the subject.
Scott...Show more →
Thanks, Scott! I agree and see the background and flares take away from the subject. Thanks for the tips on the low f stop setting as well!
I think that your "eye" for the character of the car shows promise as you learn to mitigate the technical detractors that are impeding the presentation of your envisioned image.
They've given you a lot (same things I was thinking), but don't be daunted by it. Ours is a labor of love ... i.e. it is the definition of "continuous improvement" as we aspire to help ... welcome to the Forum.
I think that your "eye" for the character of the car shows promise as you learn to mitigate the technical detractors that are impeding the presentation of your envisioned image.
They've given you a lot (same things I was thinking), but don't be daunted by it. Ours is a labor of love ... i.e. it is the definition of "continuous improvement" as we aspire to help ... welcome to the Forum.
Thank you for the encouragement! I definitely need to get out and practice more.
The perspective and the background are more problematic. The perspective because while the car is taking up most of the frame, it's difficult to tell what it looks like. The background because it's distracting. You might be able to do something with the fence by itself. I've seen similar backgrounds used successfully before. But with that, plus the trees, plus the house, it doesn't seem like it was intentionally chosen, and doesn't add to the photo.
Have you spent any time looking at auto photography to see what's done in the more successful photos?
The perspective and the background are more problematic. The perspective because while the car is taking up most of the frame, it's difficult to tell what it looks like. The background because it's distracting. You might be able to do something with the fence by itself. I've seen similar backgrounds used successfully before. But with that, plus the trees, plus the house, it doesn't seem like it was intentionally chosen, and doesn't add to the photo.
Have you spent any time looking at auto photography to see what's done in the more successful photos? ...Show more →
Thanks for the feedback! I haven't had an opportunity to look at auto photography besides shots taken from a track haha. Do you have an recommendations?
I think the position of the sun is a bit unfortunate in this case because the car is back/side lit and the subject is in the shadow. The background isn't anything exciting. Finally as others have mentioned, you have a bit of flare in the photo.
