Automotive photography is usually a commercial genre of photography that is concerned with photographing motorbikes, cars, trucks and other vehicles. Owners of classic through to modern high-powered muscle and luxury cars can be passionate about their vehicles, and vehicle manufacturers spend enormous sums of money each year on advertising the latest models.
We earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full Affiliate Disclosure.
Professional automotive photography
Professional automotive photography of new model vehicles is a niche genre where photos must convey not only the vehicle but the lifestyle and emotion of owning one.
Study in detail the auto photography of some of the major car brands such as Tesla, Toyota, Ford, Honda and Subaru. All of the car brands across the world spend a lot of time and money on photography and video to showcase their vehicles to potential purchasers.
Camera gear for automotive photography
When capturing images of cars, trucks and other vehicles it will be important to use high quality lenses and a quality professional camera. Photographs will need to capture the fine details and designs built into the vehicle, and a high megapixel camera will be advantageous.
When capturing images of a vehicle in motion a camera with fast auto focus and fast burst frame rate may be needed. Of course, we can capture similar auto photographs with lower quality gear but the difference between that and the higher quality and fast camera gear may be all it takes to win over new clients. Circular polarising filters will also assist in reducing glare from the vehicles polished paintwork.
Professional automotive photography of new model vehicles is a niche genre where photos must convey not only the vehicle but the lifestyle and emotion of owning one.
Auto photography lighting
Getting the lighting correct is a highly important feature of car and auto photography. Similar to other types of outdoor photography – early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times of the day for automotive photography.
These times of the day usually have a softer and warmer natural glow that can be ideal. Harsh midday summer sunlight can produce unwanted dark shadows that can be difficult to deal with when post-processing.
Another option is for full indoor studio lighting. The advantages of this include the elimination of all unwanted reflections from windows and shiny surfaces, and the photographer can fully control the light to produce a dramatic composition. The only downside is that indoor studio automotive photography doesn’t show movement as it could if photographing in an outdoor session, at least not without a lot of additional post-processing.
An indoor studio for automotive and car photography can be expensive to rent or hold as the studio needs to be large enough to accommodate the vehicle. A garage that is large enough may suffice for studio car photography if you have one, but when it comes to larger vehicles such as tractors and trucks a large warehouse may be required.
When first starting out it is good practice to experiment with flash and soft boxes, as well as natural light. This is so that the photographer can learn how to mould lighting to suit the situation. However, natural light may also be the better option as the photographer can learn how to compose each image and define the best lens and apertures to achieve pleasing results.
Gaining automotive photography clients
When starting out in auto photography you may find it difficult at first to find clients, but we have a few tips in how to attract clients. Look for auto clubs such as classic car clubs, 4×4 clubs and others specific to types of vehicles such as Mustang and Cobra car clubs. Visit car and truck shows and hand out your business card to everyone you possibly can. If you work is unique you will only need to have a few good successful sessions before word of mouth takes over and business starts to roll in. Also give those car and auto clubs a call and see if you can visit one of their meetings or rallies and take a few shots for free.
Aim for unique angles
Don’t just take photos of cars from eye level. Use your skills to choose unusual angles such as from down low or overhead. Get super wide shots inside and use wide aperture setting and zoom lenses to take detailed photographs of fine details of the vehicle. Anyone can take a shot of a car or other vehicle, but a real professional car and auto photographer will choose these different angles and will stand out amongst the other less-experienced photographers.
360 auto photos
Another suggestion is to provide 360-degree photos of the inside of vehicles. Having a pre-built website with 360-degree capability for auto photography may also give your photography business a higher standing in the professional photographer market. Companies such as CloudPano offer 360 virtual tour software and hosting options.
Choose the right setting for automotive photography
Consider the type of vehicle that you are photographing when choosing a background and outdoor setting. The setting for a small compact car may be better in a city-style environment to convey the city lifestyle and short driving distances. A SUV and 4×4 would be suited to a bush, mountain or beach setting, and a sports or high-end luxury vehicle would suit a setting on the open road or city highway showing movement and motion blur. Whatever the vehicle or setting it is up to you as the photographer to consider the setting in order to achieve your artistic vision.
Post-processing must also be of the finest quality, so the photographer must be at the top of their game in order to secure a contract to photograph new models for manufacturers.
Automotive photography portfolio
Create a website and online portfolio of your greatest automotive photography images. You can also display your images on your social accounts at TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
Have fun with automotive photography!
Showing movement in automotive photography can be important.