June COTM Poll

[KahanaReef]

1



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[KahanaReef]

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[REVNORR82]

glad to see someone kept this going!!!

[JwMonE99]

Picture number 3 FTW!!!!

[10spokess]

Dang this was a hard one to pick

[Naaman]

There are about 5 that I think are worthy... this will be a tough call

[Mr. Luos]

Great cars!!!

But I think we really need to get an updated "How to photograph a Car" sticky in here.

[KahanaReef]

Great cars!!!

But I think we really need to get an updated "How to photograph a Car" sticky in here.

Write one up

[SSickLS1]

voted for 4, good shot

[Mr. Luos]

Write one up

I will see what I can do.
Been pretty freaking busy lately....

voted for 4, good shot

Kinda my point.
Great looking car....terrible shot. There are TWO poles growing out of the car. That would be Rule #1....trees (and the like) grow from the ground....not a car.

[Naaman]

Great cars!!!

But I think we really need to get an updated "How to photograph a Car" sticky in here.

Having a focal point helps a lot (a specific feature or element in the photo that pulls the viewer's attention in). Usually it's something that contrasts with the majority of the rest of the photo. A headlight, a hood ornament, a decal, a wheel, etc.

Perspective plays a very significant role in the quality of the shot, as well. If the perspective is boring, then the content must be especially impressive or otherwise engaging/intriguing. For instance, photographing a car from a 90 degree angle with nothing but a cloudless sky in the background is kinda boring. But if the viewer looks closely, he will find a detailed reflection of city lights in the paint of the car. If the perspective in interesting, the content may be boring but the image will still be engaging. Look at some car ads or just check out any manufacturer's website. They make even the Corollas, Neons, Cobalts look interesting using an engaging perspective.

Lighting. This can be hard to control for outdoor shots. Gotta take opportunities as they randomly appear. Mr. Luos's photo is a good example of opportunism... and perspective.

Colors are important because they help direct the viewer's attention throughout the image. They are crucial to establishing a focal point (if image is black and white, the viewer relies on contrast to determine the focal point). In most cases, the car should be of contrasting color to the rest of the photo. However, if a particular PART of the car is meant to be the primary object of interest, it can be effective to subdue the rest of the car by allowing it to blend into the background. Note that a viewer will still recognize the car right away with no problem. It's just the contrast that will allow certain features to stand out more.

Motion can make a photo very interesting. However, a photograph of a car in motion will not always deliver a sense of movement or speed. On the other hand, even a photo of a parked car can suggest motion depending upon the perspective from which it is shot.

There's my $0.09 to get things started... Maybe someone with skill behind a camera can chime in on the specifics of photography techniques.

Most of an artist's skill is developed through experimentation and trial and error. Even in art school, you have to forge your own path to a masterpiece. Learned techniques just help you get there with a little less frustration and agony (but it's a good frustration and agony... a labor of love).

[Frozen WS6]

You guys need to remember this is for FUN. Not everyone has a big dollar camera or do semi professional photography, or is a hobbiest.

Tips to help are always a good thing and I'm all for that info. Mr Luos definately knows alot in that department. I have a tips list somewhere too that I use and look back at to refresh my memory.

[KahanaReef]

What I am most concerned with, is having shots that are too tight to fit the calendar template.

But it's those that are not professional photographers that would benefit the most from a few helpful hints to get the best shots possible. It is for fun, but, it is also a contest.

[Frozen WS6]

What I am most concerned with, is having shots that are too tight to fit the calendar template.

But it's those that are not professional photographers that would benefit the most from a few helpful hints to get the best shots possible. It is for fun, but, it is also a contest.

True. Like I said before I'm all for tips and tricks. I do think that would be a great idea.
But this is car of the month. Not pic of the month. There has been a few threads posted before about this contest being about the cars not the pics.

[Mr. Luos]

Without debating this too much....as it takes away from the point of the COTM....
Most of the cars themselves are worthy. The picture is what sells me on voting for a particular vehicle.
Even a lower cost point/shoot can take great pictures. Just gotta pay attention to background and lighting.

[Y2KPewterSS]

My camera sucks, I suck as a photographer, but I don't give a crap either. Its an online contest and I know what my car is. I am not going to go out and buy some high dollar fancy smancy camera to try and get better pics. Someone said this contest is for fun, and it truly is, but yet some people go to great lengths to try and win by unethical tactics. Just try to do the best you can, if you don't win, enter again next month, simple as that.

[Z28Thunder]

My camera sucks, I suck as a photographer, but I don't give a crap either. Its an online contest and I know what my car is. I am not going to go out and buy some high dollar fancy smancy camera to try and get better pics. Someone said this contest is for fun, and it truly is, but yet some people go to great lengths to try and win by unethical tactics. Just try to do the best you can, if you don't win, enter again next month, simple as that.

I agree 1000 %... The COTM contest is meant to be fun. You're not trying to get into Hot Rod magazine here..

[Frozen WS6]

Now lets get back to voting!

[nichoLaS1]

my 3MP camera on my phone hasnt let me down yet it doesnt necessarily take a great camera to take a great picture, its the other elements that all add up to something that is pleasing to the eye.

[Naaman]

True. Like I said before I'm all for tips and tricks. I do think that would be a great idea.
But this is car of the month. Not pic of the month. There has been a few threads posted before about this contest being about the cars not the pics.

I think it's hard not to make it pic of the month, since that pic is going into the calendar. When it's hanging on my wall, I won't care what's under the hood as long as the picture looks nice.

Tips and tricks? Take 'em or leave 'em, although if we did have a tips and tricks sticky, I suppose people could submit their photos and receive critiques from members on the forum to help them to take a better picture, prior to entry into the contest.