Photography / Scrapbook

Glastonbury Vintage Car Rally

I caught wind that a vintage car rally was being held in Glastonbury. That sounded like a perfect excuse to get outdoors with the camera.

I’m a massive petrol head! I may not know how a car works necessarily but I’m through and through a car enthusiast.

This is the first time I’d gone out to photograph cars so I had literally no idea what to do or where to start. Sometimes that’s the best way though. Reading books and studying always helps but sometimes “real-life” experience is a better way of learning.

The photos

The first thing that caught my eyes was this Corvette Stingray C3. The Corvette C3 Stingray was made between 1968 and 1982 and remains a well-respected american muscle car amongst collectors and petrol heads alike.

Corvette Stingray - Back
Corvette Stingray
Corvette Stingray - Front Side
Corvette Stingray looking aggressive from down low
Classic Mini - White
Side profile of a classic Mini in white
MK2 Volkswagen Gold GTI
MK2 Volkswagen Gold GTI
MK2 Volkswagen Gold GTI - Black & White
Again, the MK2 Volkswagen Gold GTI but in black and white
Convertible Red TVR
Convertible Red TVR
Flaming Hot Rod
This flaming hot rod was epic!
Ford Escort Mexico White - Back Side
Ford Escort Mexico White – Back Side
Ford Escort Mexico White - Back
White Ford Escort Mexico – Back
White Ford Escort Mexico - Front Side
White Ford Escort Mexico – Front Side
MG GT - Back
MG GT – Back
MG GT - Side Profile
MG GT – Side Profile

Here are a few that I have for anybody thinking of photographing cars. These tips and ideas are based on my experiences and after reviewing these photos.

Recommendations

These are some recommendations based on my experiences with taking these photographs.

Firstly, a polariser is a must (especially on a sunny day)

Why? The cars are really reflective and the Polariser will cut down on some of the reflections if you use it correctly.

Choose a different time to shoot

Cars have a shiny reflective surface, especially new ones. They’re like a mirror. This can be problematic when you are trying to capture the essence of the car when all you’re getting is a mirror image of what’s behind the camera. Remember to choose the setting you are shooting as the background will most likely appear in a reflection. One nice idea is to shoot in a nice landscape that will compliment the lines and curves of the car .

Also, try shooting at lower light times such as before sunrise and after sunset. The light isn’t as harsh and will complement the subject.

Try loads of different angles

A car completely changes depending on the angle you look at it from. Look at a car from low down and close it can look quite aggressive as if it’s looking down upon you. Try shooting from up high and capture more of the car’s overall details. Also, remember to look at the smaller details. Macro shots are great for capturing the smaller details of a car i.e. wheels, badges, grills, nuts and bolts etc…

Photograph the car in its natural habitat

Just like you would photograph an animal in its natural habitat, you can snap a car in its natural habitat. Cars are built to be driven so moving shots capture the car doing what it does best whether it be normal driving, racing (on a track) or sideways drifting round a track. Alternatively, a 4×4 would look great being thrown around a muddy field or climbing difficult terrain.

You can check out more of my photos on my flickr profile.

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I'm constantly working on new and exciting projects. Check out my web design and development portfolio with write-ups on how each project was conducted. Looking for some great photography? Check out my latest photography articles or browse the whole colection. Finally, I love to write. I write about everything from the web and photography to many other subjects that interest me.