How to Film your Car - Photo Tips

Camera Basics
Print reproduction requires very high-resolution images, unlike the digital or film images you might get for emailing or snapshots for albums. Here are some basic guidelines.
Film Cameras
If you have existing prints they should be 4x6 minimum on gloss (not pebble finished) paper. Larger is better of course, so if you are getting prints from older shots, we would like 8x10 for scanning. If you are shooting new for submission, remember many camera shops will give you your photos on CD in addition to prints. If you do this, have them give you high-resolution copies on CD preferably in .tif format. Standard format is often .jpg, which are not a high resolution. If you take this route, just send us the CD and we will do the rest.
Digital Cameras
Most older digital cameras shoot at 3 mega pixels and save shots as .jpg. Set your camera to highest resolution allowed; the file size for each print will be about 1.5 MB in size. Copy these to a CD. If your camera allows you to shoot .tif format, use this. Most newer cameras are 5 to 6 mega pixel or larger. Shooting with these at maximum setting will allow very good resolution for our use.

Please do not send us images by email or from phone cameras, these images are very poor for reproduction and will not show off your vehicle well.

Shooting Basics
We will be expanding this section with examples, but for now we will mention some of the basics and problems to watch out for.
Background:
The best shots have a very simple background, outside with grass or trees. Watch for small objects you might not notice when focusing on the cars. Even a small scrap of paper on the ground in background can become a focal point in the shot. It is best not to include people in your shots. Remember this is about your car or truck.
Reflections
When shooting shiny cars watch for what is reflected in that beautiful paint job. Remember, what is behind or beside you while shooting may be reflected in the paint or chrome.
Lighting
Bright sun can take the detail out of your car, be it a light color or dark, so hazy-bright or even open shade is best. Make sure car is in even light too. Don't have part of it in sun and part in shade.
Shooting Angles
Since we would like many shots to choose from, shoot from all angles. Try to shoot some high (standing on a chair or ladder) and some low (on your knees). Give us good overviews and some close-ups of detail, we will try and incorporate those that show off both your car and the workmanship you put in it. Remember to shoot the interior and the engine compartment.

To see some sample images CLICK HERE