| In part one of this series we discussed how to create | | | | of body work. Also make sure that your reflection is |
| a show board that will be unique, and be an extension | | | | not visible. |
| of your personality. In this article we will provide you | | | | 2. Often there are small replica cars in the rear |
| with some tips on taking great photographs for display | | | | window or on display elsewhere in the car. If you have |
| on your show board, or for wall hangings. The | | | | tinted windows often the replica will not be clear. I |
| evolution of computer graphics has been carried into | | | | suggest that you take pictures both with the model |
| the automotive photography industry making car art | | | | showing, and with it removed. |
| explode. However, in order to get a high quality print, | | | | 3. Remove any window plaques, displays or show |
| the photographs which are the foundation must meet | | | | stickers or items hanging from your mirror that you do |
| minimum quality standards. Computer graphics can | | | | not want to be in the photograph. They look great at a |
| correct for some photography errors, but not all, and | | | | show, but could detract from the final photograph. |
| often these corrections take time, and time is money, | | | | 4. Background selection is key. Unless you want the |
| your money. | | | | background where you are taking the photographs to |
| This article will focus on photography tips that I have | | | | be included in the final work, it is best to park the |
| learned over the years which have been helpful. When | | | | vehicle in front of a plain background such as a building |
| displaying your vehicle at a show, enthusiasts like | | | | or where there are no cars in the background. This will |
| yourself pay close attention to every detail down to | | | | help with the editing for the fantasy graphics work. |
| the shine on the bolts to ensure that the car is perfect. | | | | 5. Take a series of photographs with all doors, hood, |
| The end quality of your display is dependent upon your | | | | trunk are completely closed. This series should include |
| attention to details. Whenever I take a photograph or | | | | the following shots. |
| create art I do exactly the same. Starting with the right | | | | - Straight on from the front |
| photographs is key. | | | | - Straight on from the back |
| Before taking your pictures keep in mind the following | | | | - Left front quarter to side panel shot |
| suggestions so you will get the best possible results. | | | | - Right front quarter to side panel shot |
| 1. So many of your vehicles shine like a mirror, so it is | | | | - Straight on left/right side |
| important not to have it directly in bright sun to minimize | | | | - Real quarter panel shot. |
| the glare. Graphic tools can remove some of this from | | | | Many of you will have areas that are special to you, |
| the picture, but often specific details such as emblems | | | | such as an emblem, gas cap, dash board, steering |
| will be washed out and can not be restored. Pay | | | | wheel, or even a specific body part. Take a |
| attention to any reflections and shadowing that could | | | | photograph of each of these areas and incorporate |
| make body panels look like a poor paint job or in need | | | | them into the art work. |