Inspiration required...

[kybo]

I seem to spend all my time shooting moving cars (and thoroughly enjoy it) but now I want to get up close and personal and do some car detailing - proper close ups but find myself lacking - when I've tried it my shots seem lacking, dull and boring. I do seem to be over critical of my pics but my close ups really are 'naff'

It would be appreciated if you could show me your best close ups - any makes and models as I love all things vehicular (doesn't have to be motorsport).

Many thanks,
Scott

[JDRoest]

How close up is close up? I've never managed single component pictures (eg a hotrod's indicator), so I tend to give a bit of perspective instead.

For instance, this was Saturday at a car show and I found an SLR and SL65 Black Series. Very nice owner.

[kybo]

I didn't appear to be specific enough in my initial post - sorry bout that.

I don't really mind - full car or part thereof. My initial thought was for just single part of the car but interest shots of a full car can be achieved, when given different perspectives.

I would also be interested on seeing shots taken with a fisheye lens - I've always wanted to give one a try (can't afford to buy one) but never had the oppo, yet.

Thanks for the first post JDRoest - very nice cars.

Scott

[mattdaniels]

How about thinking of a theme and then taking appropriate pics of that theme from lots of different cars? For example, I went to Beaulieu Motor Museum a few weeks ago and didn't want to come back with a load of record shots of cars so set a theme of "Textures of Beaulieu" where I tried to capture the detail of different textures, and came back with this sort of thing:


Radiation by Matt_Daniels, on Flickr


Type 49 Tyre by Matt_Daniels, on Flickr

So maybe come up with a theme and a plan for a set of 8-10 shots for it?

[toasty]

A few of mine from Goodwood.


Chrome Veyron by jcross70, on Flickr


It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine. ... by jcross70, on Flickr


Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale by jcross70, on Flickr


Jaguar and Union Flag by jcross70, on Flickr


Valley Gas Blue Ford Mustang by jcross70, on Flickr

[Pixel Pusher]

Here's a few slightly non conventional angles. Misc 'Togs, but all retouched here.

[kybo]

@Matt,

'Themes' - that's a great idea and one which I'll be employing the next time I'm out and about, that's for sure!!

@toasty
@pixelpusher

Greats shots, my fave is the Lambo. Also, many different angles and perspectives in use; I especially like the shot from above.

Although I'm after static shots/close ups I must admit I do love all those rig shots - when I was new to photography (somewhat younger) I always wanted to get motion shots like that but never fancied hanging out of the back window of a friends car, lol

Thanks,
Scott

[Nick Grant]

Here's some details from me...


Hot-Rod-Hayride-2011-(122) by NickGrant.co.uk, on Flickr


Hot-Rod-Hayride-2011-(433) by NickGrant.co.uk, on Flickr


Hot-Rod-Hayride-2011-(460) by NickGrant.co.uk, on Flickr


Classic Motor Show 2009 004 by NickGrant.co.uk, on Flickr


Custom Car February 2010 - Tri Chevys (20) by NickGrant.co.uk, on Flickr

[kybo]

Sorry for the late reply and thanks for the pics, Nick. I'm glad you've posted as I've always been amazed by your images and it has reminded me to peruse your site again, for oundles more ideas and inspiration.

How do you all initially 'see' a car? Do you see the whole thing, the 'lines' and 'curves', individual parts or the minutest of detail? What draws you to take the photos you do?

Thanks again,
Scott