Mastering close-up shots in automotive photography

Detail shots are the heart of automobile photography. They give you the opportunity to highlight the beauty and unique features of a vehicle. When you capture the small details correctly, you tell a visual story that conveys enthusiasm for the automobile. In this guide, you will learn how to take effective detail shots while making the right decisions regarding light, positioning, and settings.

Key insights

• Take your time to closely examine the vehicle and its details.
• Use multiple perspectives to capture interesting details.
• Consider the lighting conditions and reduce natural light to achieve optimal results.
• Experiment with camera settings and flash for the best outcomes.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Walk around the vehicle and identify details

Before you start photographing, walk around the vehicle. Look at the different details you want to capture. Sports cars offer many interesting elements, such as large perforated brake discs or unique logos. Pay attention to very prominent details like lettering, which are particularly suitable for detail shots.

2. Choose the perspective

After identifying your details, choose an appropriate perspective for your shot. For detail shots, such as the AMG grille, position the camera at eye level to capture the lettering well while getting more of the grille in the frame.

3. Define camera settings

Before taking the shot, you should set your camera settings. Reduce natural light by adjusting the aperture and ISO. In this case, 1/60 seconds, f-stop 8, and ISO 100 would be a good starting point. Focus precisely on the detail to get a sharp picture.

4. Check exposure and prepare flash

Your initial shots may be too dark, especially when the sun is shining on the car. In this case, you might adjust the ISO to 200 to capture more details. Position the camera at a 45° angle to the detail you want to photograph, while the flash points in the opposite direction.

5. Take a test shot

Take a test shot to check the lighting conditions and focus. Ensure that the focus is on the desired detail.

6. Explore a second perspective

After getting your first shot, look for a second interesting perspective. For example, the other side of the vehicle is ideal for capturing images of the brake disc and the AMG lettering. Again, position the camera at a 45° angle and ensure no existing light is getting in before activating the flash.

7. Capture the lettering in detail

For a detail shot of lettering like “Biturbo Formatic,” place the camera at the height of the lettering. Make sure to set the focal length so that the lettering stands out well. An f-stop of 8 could be appropriate here, but pay attention to the depth of field.

8. Final adjustments and final shot

Start with a shot without flash to ensure that the “available light” does not interfere with the image. After that, activate the flash and take the final shot. Remember that the camera and the flash should always be at a 90° angle to each other to effectively utilize the light.

Summary – Mastering Detail Shots in Automobile Photography

Detail shots offer you an excellent opportunity to capture the aesthetics and uniqueness of a vehicle. With the right approach, suitable camera settings, and different perspectives, you can create impressive images that showcase the details of an automobile in the best light.