How would I go about something like this?

[stuart b]

I'm interested to try to learn more about lighting a static car shot. I have the most basic of gear at the moment and have only really used natural light, but would like to understand more about what I need and how to start practising.

Here's an example of what I mean. I'm sure there are lots of examples from photographers on here, this was just the most recent one I saw.


What creates the light on the floor and car - just the striplight?

Here's another example:-


Would this be one light of some sort behind the car plus an on-camera flash to light the front??

or one from someone closer to home :-)


Is that creative use of the existing striplight?

Not looking for anyone to spoonfeed me, but if there are any links, books, etc that would be terrific.

I also can't quite work out on this type of shot how much 'shopping goes on.

Thanks
Stuart

[poah]

not sure how easton did that one but its looks like its using the available light plus photoshop.

the second one anthony used flashes to light the car and the background

matt's is avalable lighting I guess

[cy88]

I wonder whether some of the striplamp bulbs on the first one were strategically removed beforehand, or photoshopped out afterwards. The one over the back of the car doesn't appear to be on. Same with one to our left of the picture?

Edited by cy88 on Monday 8th January 14:02

[_dobbo_]

I suspect the first one uses a fair bit of dodging and burning to accentuate the lighting effects, both on the car and the floor around the car.

Edited by _dobbo_ on Monday 8th January 16:34

[gregorio!]

stuart b said:

or one from someone closer to home :-)

Is it just me or is the right wing mirror missing?
[not trying to take anything away from this cracking photograph!]

[speedychrissie]

gregorio! said:

Is it just me or is the right wing mirror missing?
[not trying to take anything away from this cracking photograph!]

no, it is there, its just black thats all.

[stuart b]

Cool - thanks for the info. everyone. Looks like I should practice a bit more careful placement of subject using existing light before progressing to additional flashes and stuff.

Stuart

[le gravy noire]

Dude I have just seen this after someone told me. Just striplights on the ceiling and no idea what you are doing ought to be fine...thats how i did that shot.

[VxDuncan]

Great photos - Might give something like this a go myself.

Once you've got the angle right it's probably worth backing the car out of shot and taking a couple of exposures of just the background, that way you can control it's exposure more easily. Might save a bit of time.

Plus, in the future if you change your car you can PS it in!

[stuart b]

le gravy noire said:

Dude I have just seen this after someone told me. Just striplights on the ceiling and no idea what you are doing ought to be fine...thats how i did that shot.

Er - yeah right. Will give it a go - the "no idea" bit seems to be coming along nicely at the moment.

Thanks
Stuart