Photography 101 - The low down front grill shot

M

Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.

Active member
Joined
Dec 5, 2022
Messages
51,004
Reaction score
7
Photography 101 - The low down front grill shot


I've never taken any photography lessons nor read any photography magazines, books or website, just try to hold the camera still and level.

I'm not sure what to call this style of shot except the low down, front grill shot as some cars have very beautiful designs to the front clip and grill area. I try to get this type of shot for all the cars we work on here at the Autogeek's Show Car Garage. Another favorite of mine is the overhead hood shot...


Project34010.jpg


1939LincolnZephyr080.jpg


1957BelairExtremeMakeover102.jpg


ChevySSR086.jpg


DoubleTrouble035.jpg


DoubleTrouble040.jpg


1959ElCamino081.jpg


1969CamaroIndyPC088.jpg


54Ford105.jpg


1970Camaro060.jpg


I could have been a little lower for this shot...
CobraPackard009.jpg


I could have been a little lower for this shot...
CobraPackard003.jpg


1965Plymouth077.jpg


56StarCheif078.jpg




Feel free to tag-on with your best low down, front grill shots...


:)
 
Great shots Mike. I'm glad you nailed the Shelby Cobra like you did. If you shoot it any lower it looks like a gasping fish. I would say it is one of the most difficult cars to nail when it comes to photography.

I don't think you needed to be any lower. The lowest you ever want to get with this car is level with the hood scoop.
 
I've always considered that the 'dog's perspective' or baby's, whatever.
Always enjoy taking pictures with the camera on or near the ground. Gives good bokeh of the floor surface and focus on the subject if you keep your aperture big.
 
brentech said:
I've always considered that the 'dog's perspective' or baby's, whatever.
Always enjoy taking pictures with the camera on or near the ground. Gives good bokeh of the floor surface and focus on the subject if you keep your aperture big.
Click to expand...

Which for you ametures means that the f-stop markings on your camera need to be the smallest number on the dial.....ie: 1.8. 2.8, 3.5 etc....

My idea for a good shot is one that is not an agle that you see from everyone. Anyone can take a "snapshot" but a photograph has to have some thought behind it.
 
07gtcs said:
Which for you ametures means that the f-stop markings on your camera need to be the smallest number on the dial.....ie: 1.8. 2.8, 3.5 etc....

My idea for a good shot is one that is not an agle that you see from everyone. Anyone can take a "snapshot" but a photograph has to have some thought behind it.
Click to expand...

Good advice. But keep in mind with those large apertures, you should use a tripod. The focus is so precise at those numbers that the smallest movement forward or back can throw off the focus and lead to a soft image.
 
wgilles said:
Good advice. But keep in mind with those large apertures, you should use a tripod. The focus is so precise at those numbers that the smallest movement forward or back can throw off the focus and lead to a soft image.
Click to expand...

Also depends on Shutter speed, ISO, inside lighting, outside lighting...etc...etc. I don't use a tripod or monopod unless Im shooting at 2.8 with a shutter speed under 1/60th. You should be able to hand hold a camera and get a sharp image with a 1/60th and faster shutter speed.
 
Keeping with the low theme

Here's the low down and in front...
Challenger_12.jpg


A couple other shots from REALLY low..
Challenger_14.jpg


Challenger_17.jpg


And surprising what low can do from even further away for perspective.
That's me on the left.
Challenger_22.jpg
 
Mike glad to see some of my knowledge is rubbing off on you, lol.



AG1_9041.JPG
























 
Awesome pics guys, keep 'em coming :) I'll see if I can find some similar pics of my old 350Z later and add them.

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
I'm not sure what to call this style of shot except the low down, front grill shot as some cars have very beautiful designs to the front clip and grill area. I try to get this type of shot for all the cars we work on here at the Autogeek's Show Car Garage. Another favorite of mine is the overhead hood shot...
Click to expand...

Yep it's a great way to show a different view. It's a big part of being creative with your photography. We all know what a car looks like from the standing up and just looking at it position (like taking a snapshot). The key to a creating great photos is to show an angle that people don't see every day. That's when the real art happens with your photos and a "snapshot" becomes something amazing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top