2011 Kia Optima

[biancakdm]

pictures i recently took of my husband's car...
any advice on how to get rid of the reflections in the paint while taking the picture?

Thanks

[thehatguy]

For starters you should position the car so undesirable background items don't show.

John

[groovyone]

Circular polarizer will help with the reflections off the paint. I have two black cars and it makes a difference. You do have to be careful though with black cars. Sometimes that reflection helps define the lines of the car.

Both with CPL but one set stronger. Notice how the lower trim along the side disappears:

[PhotoChicken]

Circular polarizers are not really needed just pick a better time of the day. The best time of the day is just after the sun has tipped below the horizon....then you will get that nice soft glow like a natural softbox. If you cant wait for the perfect light try adjusting your angles(ie shooting down at the car or using along zoom lens) In that photo you just had to many distractions in the background....try to get that black away from busy backgrounds

[groovyone]

This shot is more accurate for the lighting when I shot mine. I shot this before the other two. It was late evening and I barely finished washing it before the sun set. Black cars tend to reflect everything:


Not saying time of day doesn't help, but sometimes you need both.

[PhotoChicken]

I know a thing or two about shooting black cars, and why tell someone the only way they are going to make the picture work is to go out waste money on a 100 dollar piece of plastic to go over a glass lens thats optically superior.

Even in your shot it looks like you shot it in a neighborhood, and didnt get it away from everything....and its underexposed causing the black to look muddy. Try finding a really open area with the sun at a angle to the car, and you wont regret it. If you are not using extra lighting black cars are not the best to try, and shoot into the sunset with....work with the light.

[groovyone]

I didn't say it was the only way, I said it could help. Not all CPLs are crap either, but I am guessing that is your conclusion and nothing will change that.

I certainly do not disagree with your tips, but I offered a suggestion that worked for me. Yes, these were quick driveway grabs since I rarely have the time to wash it these days.

[PhotoChicken]

HaHaHa its all cool I have two 400.00 dollar polarizers that I use for clients when I have no choice,but to shoot them in the middle of downtown at noon....and my comment on muddy wasnt that it was dirty. Its the black just becomes a big black hole with no detail you car has great lines get it out, and have some fun with it.....give it the pictures it deserves. I was just trying to help out a newbie who already has a investment in equipment get the most out of what she has skill will always overcome equipment might as well learn to do it right first....polarizers are overused on cars these days. In my line of work some editors/art directors will not accept photos with a polarized feel to the paint.....I shoot cars, and try to help people take better pics of them

[groovyone]

Fair enough. I know some people are quick to dismiss polarizers because the cheap ones are so bad.

Yeah, I was trying to point out the major loss of detail if you push it to far. You really do risk losing the great lines of the car.

[PhotoChicken]

I just believe its better to do it right with what you have first, and if all else fails....then add something. Like your last posted pic you lost all the detail in a cute butt....but in a housing development what are you gonna do. A polarizer wouldnt have really helped the shot they posted....there where alot more problems...if you can see it the camera can also

[biancakdm]

Originally Posted by PhotoChicken

I know a thing or two about shooting black cars, and why tell someone the only way they are going to make the picture work is to go out waste money on a 100 dollar piece of plastic to go over a glass lens thats optically superior.

Even in your shot it looks like you shot it in a neighborhood, and didnt get it away from everything....and its underexposed causing the black to look muddy. Try finding a really open area with the sun at a angle to the car, and you wont regret it. If you are not using extra lighting black cars are not the best to try, and shoot into the sunset with....work with the light.

thanks for the tips, i will try this(if the sun ever comes out again lol) its my husband's car, he started a new car club here in Texas so I'm trying to get this car picture taking down since we have and will be going to so many shows. I'll take whatever advise you have! thanks again.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by PhotoChicken

try to get that black away from busy backgrounds

This.
And photoshop.

[PhotoChicken]

O.K I went out today, and found the slickest black car I could borrow from a friend, and tried to prove my point about black paint, time of day,and get away from the car......and you have no polarizer just sheer will power to take cool pics of your black car without reflections

Shot with my Iphone/no adjustments of any kind at 4:15pm while the sun was still up. I picked a location that was pretty open,but still wasnt perfect(30 yards open gravel to a raised road and some trees and telephone poles)

OK Iphone pic:



Now my second shot was shot with no processing either,but with a real camera(no post work except converting to Jpeg) This pic shows how great moving away from your black subject(I think this was about 100mm maybe 120mm) with killer natural light(around 4:45 by now)


Ok now this is just the stupid way, and how I usually do it....Two sb900's on boom stands,but the sun has set behind the trees so you still get a cool natural horizon line(again no photoshop trickery, and this time I was probably around 70mm)




Just remember when you park the car, and you look at the side of it what you see is what the camera will see. Try a slight angle to the sun to create nice horizon lines earlier than what I shot these, adn you can still pull it off in harsher light. Also dont forget even if you can get the black in the shade of a alley...across the street might not be in the shade causing some crazy reflections....always look before you shoot

[biancakdm]

thanks for sharing the pictures and details, i cant wait for the sun to come out here lol, and that is a super nice car.

[d4fotografix]

Originally Posted by PhotoChicken

......and you have no polarizer just sheer will power to take cool pics of your black car without reflections...


...Just remember when you park the car, and you look at the side of it what you see is what the camera will see. Try a slight angle to the sun to create nice horizon lines earlier than what I shot these, adn you can still pull it off in harsher light. Also dont forget even if you can get the black in the shade of a alley...across the street might not be in the shade causing some crazy reflections....always look before you shoot

Some great tips John!!!