What makes a good setting for a car photograph?

[jimmy156]

On the verge of a potential new car purchase, I got to thinking what makes a good setting for photographing a car.

Dropping a car into an amazing landscape shot works well, but unlike GetCarter we don't all have the Scottish highlands round the corner (or his talent for an amazing landscape shot!)

So is there are key to what works, simple backdrops, limited colour/lots of colour etc etc. What works?

[jimmy156]

I like the vectra shots, as backdrop goes that's relatively simple but with tunnel leading away it does add an element of interest that wouldn't be there if it was against a similarly coloured/lit wall.

I guess simple is the key unless you really know what to look for. I am sure I have seen some shots by nick grant on here using Industrial/barn doors as a backdrop that work very nicely.

Interesting what you say about mirroring the character of the car. Sounds like a good idea! May be quite tricky in practice?

[jimmy156]

andy-xr said:

I prefer simple. I had a yellow car on ebay, so I used a green backdrop (easy enough to find). Use colours, avoid graffitti and remember that the world probably doesnt need another moody underground car park shot

The car i a going to see is a deep metallic grey (boring I know, when I think about it every car I have owned is silver or grey!) so would lots of colour to contrast work or keep it relatively monotone.

Understanding colours and what compliments what is something I have never got to grips with in photography. My passion is wildlife photography and you don't get a lot of choice in that!

[jimmy156]

Well haven't had a chance to put any real effort into shots of the new car yet, but i was quite pleases with this of my friends 130i



Please ignore the naff p'shop blending, i was in a bit of a rush and will re-do it when i get a sec.

10 PH points if you can guess the location, near a place of petrol head interest...