In part one of the series, we covered the equipment needed to do automotive glamour photography, and part two covered the planning of your shoot. This week we’ll cover things you’re going to want to keep in mind the day of your shoot to increase the likelihood of success.
On the day of your automotive glamour photography shoot, it is crucial to follow a series of important steps to ensure a successful and seamless experience. And as a side note, having a good breakfast! Below are some guides that will help you maximize your photoshoot day. Having systems and processes in place for your shoot will help you be more confident when it comes time to do your shoot.
1. Scout the location:
As you know by now, it’s essential to scout the location where and when the shoot will take place prior to your shoot. On the day of your photoshoot, you’re going to want to do a quick scout of your primary and secondary locations just to make sure they’re available to you. Take note of interesting backgrounds, architectural elements, or natural landscapes that may be inspired by and can complement the car and add depth to your images.
By also making sure that you scout the location around the time your shoot will be also allows you to get an idea of what the area traffic might be like, and what kind of lighting challenges you might face. Scouting will help you avoid potential problems on the day of the shoot. Plus, it will help you be more prepared and confident on the day of the shoot that you have a better idea of what challenges you may face in the area.
Of course, when you arrive do a quick scout of the area to see if anything has changed in the area. It sucks to show up the day of your shoot only to find a farmers’ market has sprouted up. Or as can happen in places like Los Angeles, you show up only to find the area blocked off due to a movie, music video or commercial shoot going on.
And yes. That has happened to me. Trust me you want to have several locations scouted out as alternates in case something like this happens on the day of your shoot. Since you can’t plan out everything and it’s double as important to do this if you don’t have permits in public areas since you have no idea what can happen at any time.
Note: Always ensure that you have obtained all necessary permissions and permits for the shoot, especially if it takes place on public or private property.
2. Communicate with your team:
Effective communication is key to a successful photoshoot. Coordinate with your team, including the car owner, stylist, and any assistants or models involved. Confirm the time, location, and any specific requests or ideas they may have.
This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and helps avoid any misunderstandings that may arise during the shoot. Additionally, discussing everyone’s roles and responsibilities beforehand will help streamline the process and ensure a smooth workflow on the day of the shoot.
My glam squad and assistants all know what I am going for and what I expect before we arrive on set so they can get right to work, and we don’t waste any time.
Also, it is a great idea to make sure you and everyone on your set knows where the nearest hospital is as accidents can and sometimes do happen on the set of an automotive glamour shoot as there are numerous moving pieces that have to be accounted for and accidents can happen.
3. Plan your shots in advance:
Planning is crucial for any photoshoot. It’s essential to have an unclouded vision for the images you want to capture. Consider different angles, poses, and compositions that will highlight the glamour and beauty of the car. Creating a shot list or mood board can be incredibly helpful in guiding you throughout the day. Visualize the outcome and try to capture images that tell a story about the car, its features, and its overall aesthetic.
As well as knowing the kinds of poses you want for your model as well. This will help the flow of the shoot and keep things moving in the right direction. This is especially important if you only have whatever available light there is to use as the light will change every seven minutes. At golden hour you’re really racing against the sun, so having a shot list is a great idea.
You can also print up or have some images of models with cars on your phone or tablet so that you can show the model what ideas you have for her poses with the vehicles. Once you get them into a general position you can tweak it to suit your specific vision for that shoot!
4. Arrive early and set up:
Arriving at the location early allows you to set up your equipment, check the lighting conditions, and make any necessary adjustments. Setting up early also provides a buffer time in case of any unexpected challenges or delays. Make sure you have all the necessary gear, such as cameras, lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment, ready to go.
Taking some test shots before the shoot begins can help you ensure that everything is working as desired and allows you to make necessary tweaks or changes to achieve the desired results. It’s also a clever idea to set up while your model is getting their hair and makeup done or before they arrive so they’re not standing around waiting on you to be ready to start shooting. Workflow is an important part of shooting and being ready to go shows respect to your models.
5. Consider the lighting:
Lighting is one of the most critical factors in automotive photography. Assess the natural lighting conditions at the location and determine if additional lighting, such as reflectors or diffusers, is needed to enhance the car’s features.
Depending on the time of the day, you may want to plan the shoot during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is soft, warm, and creates a captivating atmosphere. But know that at this time of day you will not have a lot of time to get the shots you might want or need, so it’s a good idea to bring some strobes or other off-camera flash.
Experiment with different lighting techniques to achieve the desired results and make the car and models shine in your images.
6. Pay attention to details:
Before starting the official shoot, take a few minutes to clean and polish the car. It is best to use a feather type duster and microfiber cloths to wipe down the car. Also make sure the tires are glossy and the rims are clean and polished where applicable. It is good to have a waterless wash with you just in case some touch ups need done. Think of the car as yet another model in your shot, and make sure that it is well styled.
Pay careful attention to minute details such as removing dust, smudges, or any unsightly reflections on the car’s surface. These little touches can make a significant difference in the final photos, ensuring that the car looks its absolute best. Additionally, inspect the background of your shots to ensure there are no distracting elements that might take away from the car’s impact. Remember, the devil is in the details, so strive for perfection.
Also, pay attention to the details when it comes to your model. Pay special attention to her hair, makeup, and nails. You want to make sure her nails are well manicured and that the nail polish isn’t chipped, but fully painted or glossed. The same goes for her toes if she’s wearing open-toe shoes. You also want to make sure her makeup is well-blended, and her hair is in place. Also, make sure that her outfit and all its accessories are in order.
7. Direct your model and car placement:
The first thing you’re going to want to do once you’ve arrived on set is to figure out where you want to place your camera. Once you know where your camera is going to be all the rest will fall into place. This will inform you where your car will be and where your model will be located.
If there are models involved in the shoot, communicate clearly with them to achieve the desired poses and expressions. Guide them on how to interact with the car, emphasizing elegance, sophistication, and glamour. Work together to find poses and gestures that enhance the overall composition and narrative of the images.
Experiment with different angles and compositions to highlight the vehicle’s design, features, and the connection between the model and the car. When it comes to car placement, consider the lines, curves, and overall balance of the frame to create visually pleasing and dynamic compositions.
There should be a lot of standing poses as well as sitting on the hood of the car and of course in the car. Those are some of the most basic car poses for models. But build on those basic poses and create some unique poses; like having your model laying on the hood or roof of the vehicle if possible. Be extremely cautious doing poses like those as you could damage the vehicle.
As an especially important side note, ensure the model isn’t wearing anything sharp or metallic or even hard if she is to be on the vehicle at all. Things like zippers, buckles, high heels etc. can seriously damage an expensive custom paint job and you certainly do not want to be responsible for that. It is a very costly mistake.
Make sure double check what the model’s wardrobe is and instruct her/him to be mindful of how they interact with the vehicle while wearing certain things.
8. Capture a variety of shots:
To create a compelling collection of images, aim to capture a variety of shots. Start with wide-angle shots to highlight the car’s beauty, capturing it from different perspectives, highlighting its strong and graceful features. Then, zoom in to capture close-up shots of specific details such as the headlights, grille, or interior elements that make the car unique.
These close-up shots can add a sense of intimacy and help the viewer appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and design. Variation in framing, perspectives, and focal lengths will add depth and interest to the final collection of photographs.
The same goes for shots with the model and the car. You will want to get a variety of shots, starting at a wide angle to show the entire car and the whole model. Then begin to move in for closer shots. You can also have the model move further away from the car as well for different depth of field shots. By further I mean she can be closer to the camera or further from the camera and car. Experiment and see what you end up getting.
9. Review and backup your photos:
As you go along, periodically review the images you’ve captured. This will help you identify any adjustments or improvements that can be made, ensuring that you’re getting the desired results. Take note of any shots that stand out and any areas where you may need to make changes to achieve your vision. Additionally, backing up your photos throughout the shoot is crucial to ensure their safety and avoid any potential loss or damage. Consider using multiple storage devices or cloud services to ensure that your valuable images are protected.
I cannot stress this enough. If you can’t back them up immediately do so at your first opportunity. I have lost a memory card or two on set and it was a horrible experience which would have been avoided had I just backed the photos up right on set so don’t let that be your mistake.
10. Post-production and presentation:
After the shoot concludes, the work doesn’t stop. Post-production is a part of the process. You can use photo editing software to enhance the images, adjusting color balance, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. This allows you to bring out the car’s true essence and emphasize its beauty. Experiment with different editing styles to create a cohesive look and feel across the collection.
Once your post-production process is complete, consider creating an online gallery or portfolio to highlight your work. This allows you to share your stunning images with others and potentially attract future clients or opportunities.
I like printing my work as that is when you can really see just how well you did with your captures. The printed image is unforgiving and will without a doubt reveal where you can make improvements in your photography. Every photo looks great backlit on a computer screen. Plus, it gives you something to display on your walls.
Remember, practice makes perfect progress. Keep experimenting, learning, and refining your skills. With time, dedication, and a passion for capturing the beauty of automobiles, you can create impressive automotive photography that truly captivates and inspires.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your automotive glamour photography shoot. Remember to enjoy the experience and let your creativity shine through. Happy shooting!
11. Collaboration is Important!
Collaborate with automotive enthusiasts, designers, and other photographers to learn from their experiences and gain inspiration. Attend car shows, exhibitions, and meetups to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for automotive glamour photography. Remember, sharing knowledge and experiences can elevate your skills and help you master this art form.
Automotive glamour photography is a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a deep appreciation for both automobiles and photography. With practice, patience, and a keen eye for detail, you can master this captivating genre and create stunning images that will leave an everlasting impression. So grab your camera, find the perfect car, and embark on this exciting journey to capture the beauty of automotive glamour. Happy shooting!
I hope you found this information useful. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions, I can help answer about this or any other photographic topics.
