9 easy tips for capturing better photos of your car

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 half in the frame.

Despite those potential hazards, how can you come home with some photos you’ll be proud to share? I have a few easy photo tips–and don’t worry, this isn’t really going to cost you anything.

Timing:

What does that mean? Avoid the harsh noon sun. Keep the sun at your back. A little cloud cover can be your friend.

People:

For the record, I like having people in my event photos. It creates a story. Who are they? What are they doing? Are they having fun? (They are having fun, right?)

So, how can you make people help your event photos? First, people looking at the car will direct the audience to do the same. A person not facing the way you’d like? Wait a minute or two until they do so or wander off. I have never done this, but a cough or two has been known to move along the random straggler.

Natural people look more natural. Know what doesn’t look natural? A thumbs-up while grinning at the camera. Catch people being people.

This photo here: People in the shot? Wait until they look at the car so they guide the viewer to the subject.

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.

This photo here: Too much junk in the background? Maybe. To minimize distractions, I waited until the guy on the right at least wasn’t standing awkwardly.

Composition:

The rule of thirds is your friend here. What’s that? Picture the frame broken up into thirds both vertically and horizontally–yes, like a tic-tac-toe board. Now place your dominating elements along those lines. (You can find countless articles and videos on this subject.)

Another composition tip: Do not cut off an end of the car. Sadly, I see this often. Get those bumpers in there–all the way in. Not sure? Step back and take another photo. Film is cheap, as we used to say.

This photo here: The tops of the tires as well as the headlights fall on the lower third, while the front of the car nicely borders the right third. The top third perfectly bisects the bike’s top tube.

Camera:

You can use your phone to take a picture–I hear that many people do–but personally, I find a real camera simply more enjoyable to use. It puts me in the zone, so to speak. My digital work is often done with a Canon 7D Mark II or Fujifilm’s X-Pro3, X-T3 or X100V; for film, I tend to favor my Canon A-1 and Canon F-1. Lenses carried at events are usually in the 35mm to 75mm range. (With the crop sensor cameras, those numbers are the 35mm equivalent.)

BTS:

What does that mean? Behind the scenes. Take a few to capture the entire experience, including setup and meal stops.

This photo here: I admit, I’d rather not drive on the highway with the bike on the roof. Before Radwood at the Lake Mirror Concours, I ducked into a nearby parking garage to set up everything.

Angle:

A lower angle, meaning you might have to crouch down a bit, can deliver a more dramatic view than an image taken at eye level. Likewise, zooming in will also look more dramatic–the goal is to eliminate something that looks like a quick snapshot. (“Zooming in” can simply mean clicking the 2x button on your phone’s screen.)

Details:

Don’t forget the little things that make our cars and events so special. Photograph the badges, the wheels, the shift knobs. My super-secret tip to you: After you photograph a car, take a picture of any signage, too, so later you know what’s what.

This photo here: Capture the entire event, including the interiors. The skateboard pops against the Porsche’s black interior.

Patience:

How’d I get these photos of our 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera project car all alone in an airport hangar? Did I rent the place? Call in a special favor?

No. I was at a Hagerty hangar party and simply waited for everyone else to leave. Boom, my own photo studio. Someone left out a cheese plate, so I was totally set.

This photo here: I had been to this event before and knew that it could make a unique photo setting. I came prepared, packing my film gear as well as my usual digital cameras. Once everyone else left, I got to work.

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Comments

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 MegaDork
2/26/25 10:33 a.m.

Junk:

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

In reply to stuart in mn :

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 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?