David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
2/26/25 8:34 a.m.
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The math can seem baffling: Many car shows take place at beautiful, park-like locations, yet oddly, the photos don’t always come out attractive.

We’ve likely seen the issues–or at least I notice them: poor lighting, stuff in the way, awkward composition, cut-off heads, people ha…

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Paris Van Gorder
Paris Van Gorder Associate editor
2/26/25 9:45 a.m.

Trial and error is a big part of photography. I look back at photos from when I first started out and think, "Oh goodness, what was I thinking?" But hey, I was learning. It may take a bit to find your style, but these tips definitely make it easier. 

stuart in mn
stuart in mn MegaDork
2/26/25 10:33 a.m.

Junk:

Lotta stuff on the showfield, right? In addition to cars and people, you have signs, golf carts and portable toilets. Before clicking that shutter, can you adjust your composition to eliminate those distractions? 

Is there a light pole growing out of the car's roof? A folding chair or drink cooler that’s not helping? Maybe taking a step to the left–or the right–will help hide the junk behind the car.

My usual reality: I try to place as much stuff behind the car while working to make the subject dominant enough that you don’t notice any remaining distractions.

With all due respect, if the point is highlighting the car, the bike on the roof and the plane in the background are distractions I think you could go without.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
2/26/25 11:36 a.m.

In reply to stuart in mn :

Good feedback–thanks. To me, at least, the bike and the plane tell part of the story–and, personally, I love photos that tell a story. 

But, as always, it’s totally up to the photographer. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
2/26/25 11:43 a.m.

So, stories. Personally, I love photos that tell a story. That story might not be evident, however. 

This is a personal fave. Even though I made the photo and know the people in the shot, I still don’t know the story. First date gone awkward? Does she want to kill again, and he’s trying to talk her out of it? Who knows?

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