Free photoshoot
Discussion
Hi everyone 
I already have this opportunity in the Porsche section of PH, and have just posted it on the Porsche owners Club. I had hoped to post it independantly on owners clubs of other prestige marks, only to find myself linked back here!
Anyway, Im beginning to develop a long-time hobby of mine into a professional, part-time business (which will hopefully then venture into a full-time business), which is photography, or rather more accurately, automotive photography. This is something I have done unofficially for a while now, capturing people's pride and joy on camera, which is then often used as a keepsake, or to sell on a car. Just to clarify at this point, I class myself as a professional in that I get paid for the work, and have been doing it for a number of years. However, it is NOT my full-time occupation.
A work-colleague of mine is studying an ICT degree, and as a result is making me a website to advertise my venture. While I have photographed some previously very interesting cars (from an 800bhp Toyota Supra to a 500bhp Plymouth Roadrunner), none of them have that cliche 'X-Factor' that I want for my website. I want something a bit more revered, which is why I have come to this forum and shortly will be copying this opportunity onto other owners clubs of prestige marques.
Potentially, there will be 5 sections to the website which will be represented by different cars (or different colours, depending on my options). What Im here for is basically to find if anyone has something a bit special that they wouldnt mind me photographing for use on my site, free of charge, of course. The owner of the car will receive my ''basic package'', which is 8 pictures of their choice, both edited and unedited in RAW format in the original size, plus a forum signature and a PC desktop wallpaper. I usually charge upwards of £100 for this depending on location, so if you are interested in ever having this type of thing done, this could be good for you. The only thing I wont be providing is actual prints of the images, purely because the whole thing will end up costing me quite a lot after actually travelling to people etc.
I can understand at this point that many people are thinking ''as if Im going to let him near my car?!'', so heres just a few examples of previous work which hopefully put your mind at rest that Im not some student who just wants to come and look at fancy cars for the day. For reference sake, these are pictures of my own car. If anyone would like, I can put up pictures of other peoples cars too, I just thought these might be a good comparison point for varying styles.
So far Ive had four very kind offers from people on here, but the more the merrier! (If I havent got back to you yet, I will do shortly)
If you dont like what you see or simply arent interested in this, thats fine, and thanks for reading anyway. If you are interested, the best place to contact me until the site goes up will be at Boost_Addict@hotmail.com, or post in here along with an approximate location (I dont want your postcode and alarm password!), and a few details about your car, maybe even a picture if you have one.
Thanks for reading.
Im hoping the admin/mods wont have a problem with this, as although I can see the merits of it being classed as advertising, Im not charging anything. Just to make the point of this post clear.
I already have this opportunity in the Porsche section of PH, and have just posted it on the Porsche owners Club. I had hoped to post it independantly on owners clubs of other prestige marks, only to find myself linked back here!
Anyway, Im beginning to develop a long-time hobby of mine into a professional, part-time business (which will hopefully then venture into a full-time business), which is photography, or rather more accurately, automotive photography. This is something I have done unofficially for a while now, capturing people's pride and joy on camera, which is then often used as a keepsake, or to sell on a car. Just to clarify at this point, I class myself as a professional in that I get paid for the work, and have been doing it for a number of years. However, it is NOT my full-time occupation.
A work-colleague of mine is studying an ICT degree, and as a result is making me a website to advertise my venture. While I have photographed some previously very interesting cars (from an 800bhp Toyota Supra to a 500bhp Plymouth Roadrunner), none of them have that cliche 'X-Factor' that I want for my website. I want something a bit more revered, which is why I have come to this forum and shortly will be copying this opportunity onto other owners clubs of prestige marques.
Potentially, there will be 5 sections to the website which will be represented by different cars (or different colours, depending on my options). What Im here for is basically to find if anyone has something a bit special that they wouldnt mind me photographing for use on my site, free of charge, of course. The owner of the car will receive my ''basic package'', which is 8 pictures of their choice, both edited and unedited in RAW format in the original size, plus a forum signature and a PC desktop wallpaper. I usually charge upwards of £100 for this depending on location, so if you are interested in ever having this type of thing done, this could be good for you. The only thing I wont be providing is actual prints of the images, purely because the whole thing will end up costing me quite a lot after actually travelling to people etc.
I can understand at this point that many people are thinking ''as if Im going to let him near my car?!'', so heres just a few examples of previous work which hopefully put your mind at rest that Im not some student who just wants to come and look at fancy cars for the day.
For reference sake, these are pictures of my own car. If anyone would like, I can put up pictures of other peoples cars too, I just thought these might be a good comparison point for varying styles.So far Ive had four very kind offers from people on here, but the more the merrier! (If I havent got back to you yet, I will do shortly)
If you dont like what you see or simply arent interested in this, thats fine, and thanks for reading anyway.
If you are interested, the best place to contact me until the site goes up will be at Boost_Addict@hotmail.com, or post in here along with an approximate location (I dont want your postcode and alarm password!), and a few details about your car, maybe even a picture if you have one.Thanks for reading.
Im hoping the admin/mods wont have a problem with this, as although I can see the merits of it being classed as advertising, Im not charging anything. Just to make the point of this post clear.
You might want to re-think some of those photos as they would put me off rather than encourage me to use your services.
Specifically #2 I'd clone out the rubbish in the foreground. From the background I'm assuming you wanted a dilapidated type feeling in which to set the car, but I find the rubbish distracting and draws my attention away from the car.
Photo #5 looks like it could have been take by anyone with a point and shoot. Don't know what it is, but that thing protruding in to the top left corner adds nothing to the picture, and the overall setting isn't conducive to a great photo.
In photo #6 I'd be inclined to clone out the telegraph pole and associated wires as I find them distracting, particularly the wire that cuts horizontally across the frame. The two 'white' wires that appear to be coming out of the car bonnet takes your interest away from the car as well.
Please don't think I'm being picky for the sake of it. You've got some really good photos there, and I wish you well in your endeavours.
Specifically #2 I'd clone out the rubbish in the foreground. From the background I'm assuming you wanted a dilapidated type feeling in which to set the car, but I find the rubbish distracting and draws my attention away from the car.
Photo #5 looks like it could have been take by anyone with a point and shoot. Don't know what it is, but that thing protruding in to the top left corner adds nothing to the picture, and the overall setting isn't conducive to a great photo.
In photo #6 I'd be inclined to clone out the telegraph pole and associated wires as I find them distracting, particularly the wire that cuts horizontally across the frame. The two 'white' wires that appear to be coming out of the car bonnet takes your interest away from the car as well.
Please don't think I'm being picky for the sake of it. You've got some really good photos there, and I wish you well in your endeavours.
Edited by DIW35 on Thursday 21st February 11:37
Sorry to be somewhat blunt, but hopefully you'll appreciate some honesty.
I read your post and was really quite interested. Partly because I would like some great pics taken of the Ferrari, but equally because I would learn from you when you took your shots.
Then I saw your pictures, and was frankly underwhelmed. Some are "quite good", but not one single shot is impressive or outstanding. Some are fairly poor.
I would suggest posting a better portfolio, or "learning more" and taking more impressive shots.
I read your post and was really quite interested. Partly because I would like some great pics taken of the Ferrari, but equally because I would learn from you when you took your shots.
Then I saw your pictures, and was frankly underwhelmed. Some are "quite good", but not one single shot is impressive or outstanding. Some are fairly poor.
I would suggest posting a better portfolio, or "learning more" and taking more impressive shots.
LotusJas said:
Sorry to be somewhat blunt, but hopefully you'll appreciate some honesty.
I read your post and was really quite interested. Partly because I would like some great pics taken of the Ferrari, but equally because I would learn from you when you took your shots.
Then I saw your pictures, and was frankly underwhelmed. Some are "quite good", but not one single shot is impressive or outstanding. Some are fairly poor.
I would suggest posting a better portfolio, or "learning more" and taking more impressive shots.
I think he is trying to expand his portfolio, just that it'll be done on FLM & Porsche's..... TBH I'd practice a lot more on the MX5 to get some really strong images before moving onto asking FLM owners for their time.I read your post and was really quite interested. Partly because I would like some great pics taken of the Ferrari, but equally because I would learn from you when you took your shots.
Then I saw your pictures, and was frankly underwhelmed. Some are "quite good", but not one single shot is impressive or outstanding. Some are fairly poor.
I would suggest posting a better portfolio, or "learning more" and taking more impressive shots.
Its quite alright, no offence taken. As has been said, this is an opportunity to develop my portfolio, but frankly Im after something with a bit of reverence about it, hence the post.
What you can see from my pictures is my own personal style, suited to my own personal tastes. The problem with this is that art is subjective, and Im well aware that my darker style is odd to some people. However, what I was hoping you might procure from the photos was not the subject themselves, or even necessarily the style to an extent, but moreso the techniques. What the pictures reflect is an amalgamation of HDR, exposure variation and post-processing forms. Generally when Im with a client, I make them talk me through what theyre hoping to achieve, what style THEY want, and not necessarily the type of image I would capture for myself. This is the main reason I give a customer both the edited JPEGs, and unedited RAW files.
Admittedly, as these images are for my site, and theyre free, they are likely to be done to my tastes. But the client will obviously have a say in the location and again their aims. Hopefully that may clear some things up for people.
What you can see from my pictures is my own personal style, suited to my own personal tastes. The problem with this is that art is subjective, and Im well aware that my darker style is odd to some people. However, what I was hoping you might procure from the photos was not the subject themselves, or even necessarily the style to an extent, but moreso the techniques. What the pictures reflect is an amalgamation of HDR, exposure variation and post-processing forms. Generally when Im with a client, I make them talk me through what theyre hoping to achieve, what style THEY want, and not necessarily the type of image I would capture for myself. This is the main reason I give a customer both the edited JPEGs, and unedited RAW files.
Admittedly, as these images are for my site, and theyre free, they are likely to be done to my tastes. But the client will obviously have a say in the location and again their aims. Hopefully that may clear some things up for people.
I think you'll need better shots than that if you're going to pay for your MOT http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Changing your login name doesn't inspire confidence does it?
Changing your login name doesn't inspire confidence does it?
Free is free, if you're a supercar owner who can't work a camera and wants some reasonable shots of your car what he is offering isn't awful.
You get what you pay for after all.
Here's the rest of his flickr FWIW http://www.flickr.com/photos/22797421@N04/?saved=1... no, I don't know the guy, just highlighting what he is offering is free.
You get what you pay for after all.
Here's the rest of his flickr FWIW http://www.flickr.com/photos/22797421@N04/?saved=1... no, I don't know the guy, just highlighting what he is offering is free.
That reminds me, I really must try and get that m-way bridge shot before the nigts start drawing out. So if any one with a Lambo or Fezza in the M25 jct 6 - 8 area wants to lend me their car for a few pics it's be much appreciated 
I don't claim to be a pro, just someone who enjoys cars and photography
I don't claim to be a pro, just someone who enjoys cars and photography
I got a good camera, and Ive a pretty damn good idea how to use it, and I have a fair few female models at hand too to pose next to, or on cars.
Just waiting for summer to get them stripped off for examples on the Ferrari (only bought it in December).
Its purely as a hobby though, so if anyone does want some doing with their car then let me know. Not bothered about money by the way, unless you actually want prints.
Just waiting for summer to get them stripped off for examples on the Ferrari (only bought it in December).
Its purely as a hobby though, so if anyone does want some doing with their car then let me know. Not bothered about money by the way, unless you actually want prints.
With respect, you need to develop your art and technique more.
I wonder if you realise how much effort goes into the development of those amazing shots you see in the glossies. Your shots exhibit a good general eye, and are pretty good when compared to an average joe with a P&S camera, but these guys here want quality with a capital F.
Perhaps spend a littie more time finding better locations (some folks drive for hours just to get to a great photo spot). Invest in good filters, mounts and lighting. Develop your craft more.
It's not really a question of your style - to be honest, it is hardly unique, though it is a good start. The problem is your execution and is in the details - it just isn't that great.
PH has been spoiled by some excellent "amateur" photography, so for you to post these pics as examples of your professional work doesn't inspire much confidence. Others have come on here offering the same thing, but with far better photos as examples of their portfolio. You only need a few outstanding shots to demonstrate credibility. I don't see a single one in your bunch above, which presumably are your best.
Check out this site. Matt was am amateur and then did a couple of shoots for magazines AFAIK. His pictures BLEED quality. And as I said, it's not a question of style when you compare photos.
Keep it up and develop your craft more. Photographers these days are dime a dozen (no) thanks to digital, so you really have to move your game on to stand out.
Tip - watch your exposures. Every shot above has distracting and unartistic (in my opinion) blackouts and whiteouts.
I wonder if you realise how much effort goes into the development of those amazing shots you see in the glossies. Your shots exhibit a good general eye, and are pretty good when compared to an average joe with a P&S camera, but these guys here want quality with a capital F.
Perhaps spend a littie more time finding better locations (some folks drive for hours just to get to a great photo spot). Invest in good filters, mounts and lighting. Develop your craft more.
It's not really a question of your style - to be honest, it is hardly unique, though it is a good start. The problem is your execution and is in the details - it just isn't that great.
PH has been spoiled by some excellent "amateur" photography, so for you to post these pics as examples of your professional work doesn't inspire much confidence. Others have come on here offering the same thing, but with far better photos as examples of their portfolio. You only need a few outstanding shots to demonstrate credibility. I don't see a single one in your bunch above, which presumably are your best.
Check out this site. Matt was am amateur and then did a couple of shoots for magazines AFAIK. His pictures BLEED quality. And as I said, it's not a question of style when you compare photos.
Keep it up and develop your craft more. Photographers these days are dime a dozen (no) thanks to digital, so you really have to move your game on to stand out.
Tip - watch your exposures. Every shot above has distracting and unartistic (in my opinion) blackouts and whiteouts.
Edited by -DeaDLocK- on Friday 22 February 07:38
Agree with all of the above, and never offer free photograph sessions, don't under-sell yourself, I've learnt this the hardway!! www.deanphoto.co.uk
Edited by Deanphoto on Friday 22 February 08:26
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
I think you'll need better shots than that if you're going to pay for your MOT http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Changing your login name doesn't inspire confidence does it?
How am I going to pay the MOT with a FREE photoshoot? Aside from that, the change in login name hasnt changed the profile, and whats the point in being seen as ''Touge-SX'' when I got rid of the SX over 6 months ago?Changing your login name doesn't inspire confidence does it?
Yes, I offered a paid 'group buy' style shoot, which a few people contacted me about (although not the 7 I needed). This one is free, and is solely for use on my own website. It is not a paid shoot, and Im not forcing you to be there. Just let me reiterate again, this is FREE. Im almost positive that means you dont have to pay anything, or perhaps my english fails me. A few owners have jumped at this, others have expressed basic interest.
If youre not interested, thats fair enough. But for christs sake, will some of you stop whining about it?! I really appreciate the constructive criticism, Im only 21 and although Ive been doing this a few years, Im obviously still learning. The odd thing is I have some of these photos on some professeional photography forums, and theyve rarely received anything but praise...
Deanphoto said:
Agree with all of the above, and never offer free photograph sessions, don't under-sell yourself, I've learnt this the hardway!! www.deanphoto.co.uk
That's qualitystuff there.Nocturnal said:
..whats the point in being seen as ''Touge-SX'' when I got rid of the SX over 6 months ago?
I don't know, but you seem to still use it and late as Monday this week.Look, the main issue is saying FREE a lot doesn't hide the fact that this is for your benefit. You're trying to advertise your services with pictures of expensive bits of metal, thinking that will command higher commissions. You'll certainly get praise. For example look at this thread :-
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Those pictures attracted a 'great pictures' comment. Obviously they're not. They'll truly have nothing to recommend them apart from the cars themselves. It's a common effect, people like the car so wrongly attaching the class of the car on to that of the picture.
As others have suggested, get practising on the cars you have, compare your results with publications, then maybe use the photography forum on PH to discuss the results?
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
I don't know, but you seem to still use it and late as Monday this week.
Im not quite sure why I feel the need to explain myself here, but the simple fact is most forums dont let you change your username without contacting admin. I noticed that you could do it without on here, and did so. As Ive already said, my profile remains unchanged from when I joined 18 months ago. So far, the reasons Ive had that my photography is s
t:1. I temporarily use a hotmail address
2. Ive changed my username
3. Im offering a service that benefits the owner as well as myself. But because it benefits me, its s
t.4. Somehow, a Ferrari is too important for me to photograph. Not quite sure how, Ive photographed faster cars, and houses, which are more expensive. Funny how the house owner didnt mind, or get all superior because their house is worth more than mine.
I have to say, out of around 15 other forums, this is the only one with negative reactions. Maybe some of you need to get out more? I enjoy constructive criticism, just not snobs looking down their monitors saying what I do is a waste of time because theyre better than me. You probably are, so make your own thread if it bothers you that much. Im not getting any further into petty arguments. If you genuinely want to give me constructive criticism on how I can improve, email me. If you want ''s
tty'' photos taking, email me. Otherwise, get off my back.Ouch, I'm sure it wasn't all meant like you took it.
If you want to snap cars you just need a pretty high standard for the car-owners to get interested . . .
In my own experience folk do like snaps of their cars as long it is free.
For me it's a hobby and I snap exactly like I like to, take it or leave it:
http://www.chevronheritage.co.uk/news/002/002.htm
http://www.lolaheritage.co.uk/scrapbook/064/064.ht...
For commission there is so much more involved. I'm pretty sure constructive comments were sincere.
Good luck.
If you want to snap cars you just need a pretty high standard for the car-owners to get interested . . .
In my own experience folk do like snaps of their cars as long it is free.
For me it's a hobby and I snap exactly like I like to, take it or leave it:
http://www.chevronheritage.co.uk/news/002/002.htm
http://www.lolaheritage.co.uk/scrapbook/064/064.ht...
For commission there is so much more involved. I'm pretty sure constructive comments were sincere.
Good luck.
In my opinion, it's all been constructive. None of the above has been personal or snobby matey.
The acid test is asking what full-time pros think, and ensuring you get honest rather than diplomatic answers. Have you? Another test is in making a boring or mundane car look great in a photo. Try taking shots with an old dilapidated Polo or something to see what you can do! An outstanding shot with a rustbucket would REALLY impress me (bit like this: http://tinyurl.com/2w7gu4). Not that I have any exotica to lend you anyway!!
Nothing wrong with a free shoot. But rather than the folks here just saying no, they offer some advice with it on how you would actually get them to say yes. Surely that can only be a good thing? And with the quality of vehicles on here, trust me, you do want to get them to try and say yes. Many have, if the standard of photography makes the cut, which in their opinion, yours doesn't. Take it for what it is, and not personally. The folks on here are reasonable people.
Criticism is usually constructive around here (notwithstanding the username bks - ignore that): just step back and don't take it personally if you are.
Good luck dude!
The acid test is asking what full-time pros think, and ensuring you get honest rather than diplomatic answers. Have you? Another test is in making a boring or mundane car look great in a photo. Try taking shots with an old dilapidated Polo or something to see what you can do! An outstanding shot with a rustbucket would REALLY impress me (bit like this: http://tinyurl.com/2w7gu4). Not that I have any exotica to lend you anyway!!
Nothing wrong with a free shoot. But rather than the folks here just saying no, they offer some advice with it on how you would actually get them to say yes. Surely that can only be a good thing? And with the quality of vehicles on here, trust me, you do want to get them to try and say yes. Many have, if the standard of photography makes the cut, which in their opinion, yours doesn't. Take it for what it is, and not personally. The folks on here are reasonable people.
Criticism is usually constructive around here (notwithstanding the username b
ks - ignore that): just step back and don't take it personally if you are.Good luck dude!
Edited by -DeaDLocK- on Friday 22 February 11:16
Yeah, I changed my user name the other day, so dont worry about that. Unless I'm going to be accused of being a fraud now?
But basically I think what people were getting it is that its going to be a bit of a waste coming out to you with their car to park it up in some dodgy looking places for snap of their car that they could quite easily do theirselves anywhere. You need to have a distinct style thats unique, or just very high quality. Better backgrounds, better use of effects in photoshop maybe.
But basically I think what people were getting it is that its going to be a bit of a waste coming out to you with their car to park it up in some dodgy looking places for snap of their car that they could quite easily do theirselves anywhere. You need to have a distinct style thats unique, or just very high quality. Better backgrounds, better use of effects in photoshop maybe.
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