Professional automotive photography goes beyond simply capturing photos of cool cars. In this article, I’ll share expert tips and techniques on mastering automotive photography, focusing on gear, lighting, and attention to detail. Plus, we’ll explore The Race of Gentlemen and gain exclusive insights through a Q&A with experienced automotive photographer Gil Stunner.
Types of Automotive Photography
Automotive photography can include various styles, each demanding unique skills:
- Commercial Photography: Focuses on promoting cars, showcasing the car’s features, design, and branding.
- Glamour Shoots: Highlights the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal with creative and dynamic angles.
- Event & Race Track Photography: Captures high-speed action and fast-paced moments during automotive events. This requires patience and precision.
Gear and Essential Tips for Automotive Photography
To excel, a photographer needs a good eye, but also the following:
- Cameras: Full-frame DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with excellent low-light performance.
- Lenses: Wide-angle for expansive shots, telephoto for isolating details, and prime lenses for cinematic, premium images.
- Lighting Tools: LED panels, softboxes, diffusers, and polarizing filters to control reflections.
- Natural Light: Choose golden hours for soft, dramatic shadows.
- Light Painting: Create stunning effects by “painting” cars with light during long exposures.
- Backgrounds: Select clean or complementary settings to highlight the car without too many distractions.
Behind The Lens with Gil Stunner
Now that we’ve covered various automotive photography styles and highlighted essential guidelines for achieving professional results, let’s explore further by asking Gil three important questions about this photographic genre to gain valuable insights.
Sal: What drew you to automotive photography, and how does it reflect your personality as an artist?
Gil: Automotive photography perfectly reflects who I am; a mix of grit, elegance, and storytelling. Growing up in Lebanon, where things weren’t always clean or neat due to recurring conflict, I developed a deep appreciation for finding beauty in the rough. That perspective carries into my automotive work, where I aim to highlight both the raw power and the delicate craftsmanship of machines. My early years in digital design within the fashion industry taught me to use editorial angles and dynamic compositions to evoke emotion. Combine that with my time in the scouts, hiking and camping in nature, and you’ll find that my automotive photography bridges rugged adventure with cinematic sophistication. Every car has a story, and my work is about bringing that story to life.
Sal: What’s the biggest challenge in photographing vehicles, and how do you overcome it?
Gil: One of the biggest challenges in automotive photography is managing reflections and lighting. Cars are essentially mirrors on wheels, and capturing them without distractions or distortions requires meticulous attention to detail. To overcome this, I rely on a quality polarizer lens; my go-to is B+W to reduce unwanted reflections and highlight the car’s details. Another challenge is finding the right balance of shadow and light to create depth and drama. I often work with the bend of shadows, letting them contour the car’s design to bring out its personality. Understanding light is everything; it can turn a static image into a work of art.
Sal: Any advice for beginners in automotive photography?
Gil: Invest in quality tools from the start; specifically, a good polarizer lens. Learn to use it effectively to bring out the car’s best features while managing reflections. Study the interplay of light and shadow, as it can make or break your shot. Shadows aren’t something to avoid; they’re something to embrace, they add drama, depth, and mood. Beyond the technical side, spend time understanding your subject. Learn the history and character of the car you’re shooting; it’s not just a machine, it’s a story waiting to be told. And finally, patience is key. The perfect shot often comes when you take a step back, wait for the right light, and let the car speak for itself.
Capturing The Spirit of Vintage Speed
The Race of Gentlemen truly encapsulates the raw, unfiltered beauty of automotive culture that Gil just mentioned in our Q&A. TROG is an annual event celebrating American automotive and motorcycle heritage. Gil Stunner’s art prints showcase the authenticity, excitement, and vintage charm of hot rods racing on sandy beaches, primarily in Wildwood, New Jersey. The photographs featured in Gil’s collection are about the culture behind this living tribute. But here, let’s find out what makes The Race of Gentlemen unique:
- Historical Roots: Inspired by the Oilers Car Club, founded in 1947, TROG revives the traditions of early drag racing and hot rod culture.
- Authenticity: Races are conducted on an eighth-mile beach strip, with racers donning period-correct attire and competing for the sheer thrill, not monetary prizes.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The event’s vintage vibe, complete with old-school signage, classic vehicles, and retro fashion, provides a rich visual tapestry for photographers.
- Cultural Impact: It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, camaraderie, and timeless style.
Stay Inspired
To explore more of Gil Stunner’s original photography and experience his unique approach, visit his collection at Gallery Canyons. His work is a clear example of blending storytelling with technical skill. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories behind the photographs, along with expert tips and insights. Keep snapping and let the cars tell their stories.
Photo courtesy of Gil Stunner
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