Terrific traffic
Richard P Walton shares some top tips for awesome automotive photography
1 Keep your setup simple
Shoot with just one camera and one lens – anything else will just complicate things when there is no need to do so. I use a Fujifilm X-T4 coupled with the Fujinon XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Lens for everything. Not having to carry a big bag around helps with productivity and the final photo yield.
2 Work with golden light
Time of day is everything. Aim to shoot first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening – the softer the light, the better. In this example I shot at night, using a long exposure and a torch to paint light on the car. Keep your ISO low to avoid noise in the darker areas, then give yourself enough time to run in and light the car.
3 Use a polariser
The secret weapon in automotive photography is the circular polariser. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but you should definitely use one. The polarised glass blocks random light waves from passing through, creating a clearer image. Rotate it and watch the magic happen.
4 Create your own puddles
Everyone loves a good reflection. I always look for puddles or have some water at hand to make a reflective floor for the car. It’s a great way to add depth and impact to the image. If you want to shoot in a puddle, you could take a couple of five-litre water bottles with you, which will be plenty.
5 Shoot on a solid platform
A lightweight and robust tripod is pretty vital if you’re shooting long exposures, but I find them too cumbersome. I often just support the camera on the ground – it’s quicker and works well with cars, as lower angles have far more impact. To eliminate camera shake, you can use a 10-20 second self-timer or a cable release if you have one.