You don't need great glass for great automotive shots, so no worries on that .

 

but it does help though. lol

 

So I just found my new favorite thread and one definitely worth reading!

That being said, can you please explain what you meant in the quoted paragraph? I have zero photography experience, mostly because I always thought it was too cumbersome to learn and the few people I know with cameras are too cool/busy/secretive to want to share. Honestly, you're one in a million with sharing this info.

I'm guessing there is heavy processing in that BMW image... And by processing, you mean fiddling with the image(s) on your computer, correct? What do you use to process them and where can I get such software? Is it expensive?

How do you "combine" images to make one? Were all ten images taken in the exact same location (camera/tripod didn't move at all), or were you snapping away all over the place and then worked them all in to one image?

Was the car actually moving? I've heard of people taking such shots, but apparently the car was stationary... Was it just processing to make the wheels look like they are spinning, etc?

I'm not looking for exact specifics you did/use, but more along the lines of a high level brief of creating such an image. I think I will be buying a camera this summer

 

This might be easier:

I get told that all the time, but I don't care, I don't do it for a living, so I don't have any reason to keep secrets. The only thing I don't share is my processing technique, as it's what makes me, me, so no one should want that anyway.

Yes, heavy processing/editing, fiddling with the bits of the image with regards to sharpness, contrast, light, etc. The Program is called Photoshop .

 

I really need to make a rig...that's awesome.

 

No need to make one.

www.facebook.com/automotiveirigpro

 

well damn...
thanks again Andrew.

 

i can't see FB at work, but I forwarded the link and it says facebook can't find the page. I even searched IN facebook for it and also google searched the address and nothing. Dammit.

 

What? Search Rig-Pro

https://www.facebook.com/AutomotiveRigPro

 

you originally put i rig pro...
I was like, oh cool, clever name! WHERE THE FUCK IS IT!

 

Yeah, typo lol

My name is Andrew.
I am Rig-Pro
The name started out as Automotive Rig Pro, but got shortened
I also go by UltimateLurker, and VisualEchos

Anything else? lol

 

Duh, I know you and like you. Even if we don't agree about hubcentric rings!
Actually, we do...I was just being a dick.

Okay, I'll look into it, Andrew...awesome, man.
I guess my biggest thing is that I'm not good enough in photoshop to remove the rig from the image.

 

Haha, we don't have to agree on everything to be friends. I don't even drink and I'd buy you a brew.

Removing the rig in Photoshop is easy, if time consuming, it's just a lot of clone tool. I have had many guys in the past worry about it, but after they do it a few times it's no big deal. It's almost like cleaning your floors, bit by bit until they are perfectly clean, you're just removing the rig spot by spot. Sometimes you can use Content Aware Fill, and things like that, but it's mostly clone-tool.

I'm happy to help anyone that wants to rig, I keep no secrets, even if they don't buy my product. My prices are such that sales literally only keep the business afloat. I like it that way . I push all my customer's shots as hard as I can because my goal is to make sure they get enough rig work to make the rig free.

Free gear for everyone! lol

 

Since I can't edit my post, if anyone has any questions about a rig (not only to buy, but just general questions), please contact the page listed above and I'd be happy to answer your questions. I will not be able to answer them here because just about any response could get me banned from the board (since I own the Rig-Pro business).

Now, back to regularly scheduled programming .


Heaven *Explored* by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

 

got it,
and again, thank you!

 

In your "Hills have Eyes" and "Cocked" shots in the original post, how did you make the image look black and white without it actually being black and white? Those are awesome shots and I think when it comes to automotive photography, those pictures really stands out for me.

 

Hey Andrew - i feel like I am getting close to getting away from the kit lens. Been working in manual mode and trying to get comfortable with adjusting the settings..etc. Here are a couple of my favorites for you?

DSC_0059 by Matt Werson, on Flickr

DSC_0070 by Matt Werson, on Flickr

So my last question would be - aside from the kit lens, what are some good lenses to upgrade to? thanks man!

 

Hey man, lens choice always depends on your photo goals, and budget. I tell guys to collect 10 images they they want to be able to make, but can't make with their current lens, and we assess from there. It looks like you're shooting with an 18-55, so you'll probably want something under 18mm, which is very wide angle, or longer than 55mm to get the cool long-shots. So, which do you want?

 

thanks for reply sir. So i did a bit a stalking - lol - here are a couple shots I like of yours - i feel like I just can't capture the same - i like wide, but i like being able to have the distance as well. Yes the current lens I am using is the 18-55 - and to get the bokeh with my current set up i have zoom out, but keep my focused object close to get the best looking blur in the background...i want it all dammit

Test by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

To the Batcave, Robin. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

And When the Darkness Came. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

 

OK, so the first two shots were taken with my 200 ƒ2. It's the lens I go to most often, and the lens associated with 90% of my work. In fact, there are only a handful of guys using it for automotive (damn copy cats lol), not just because of the price, but because it's a difficult lens to use (heavy, and very particular). Most choose the 70-200 ƒ2.8 and it works perfect for them, but you're still looking at near $2,000, even used. My recommendation for a long lens that will give you a soft background is always the same; the old 180mm ƒ2.8 manual focus prime. There is no possible way to beat this lens for focal length and aperture for this money.

?AB- Exc?Nikon Ai-S NIKKOR 180mm F2.8 ED MF Lens w/Caps 180/2.8 from JAPAN #1037

Because you're shooting cars you can manually focus the lens without issue, portraits, not so much. If you want to spend more you can get the auto-focus version, but I honestly don't think there is a need with cars...they stand still, so you can take all the time in the world to get the focus right. Using this lens you will need to back up a half a city block, like I do, to get a wide shot, but your background will be soft, and the car thin and sharp.

The last shot of mine you posted was shot at 35mm, and I believe ƒ8, which you can do with your current lens.

 

thanks for the advice brotha! I appreciate it! Enjoy your weekend

 

I take it that you shoot mostly primes visual?

 

I don't own a single zoom, and won't.

 

Top 9 of 2016.



Top 9 of 2016. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

 

Hey guys, today RGG EDU released the trailer for the upcoming Automotive Photography tutorial headed up by Easton Chang. Easton called me and asked if I would like to participate in the tutorial, and I did what any self-respecting automotive photographer would do...I jumped up and down and screamed HELL YES, anything you want, you're The Chang! Anyway, we had a fantastic time, and now the trailer is here, featuring (among other cars), my Lotus Exige. The tutorial will be out in early February, and it's sure to please. Hope you all enjoy!

Oh, and if you like the video, please give Rig-Pro a like as well, thank you!

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqjuObIH1nY&feature=youtu.be

 

Haven't purchased my camera yet, but will be reading through this thread. Love your pics and I'm sure I'll need help as I'm learning to come off of full auto!

 

Happy to help man!

 

Congrats Andrew.

 

Congrats! I'll probably be tuning in for that tutorial! Car photography is something I really want to get into.

 

Finally able to take the wraps off of this shot. This was done in collaboration with Easton Chang, Rig-Pro, and RGG EDU. If you are serious about learning car photography, you NEED this tutorial.

https://www.facebook.com/rggedu/videos/1168999939885740/
And don't forget about the rig giveaway!

https://www.facebook.com/rggedu/app/152351391599356/ — with Easton Chang Photography, RGG EDU and Rig-Pro.


Green With Envy. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

 

Did this one for fun last night.


Epic Sky III by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

 

Lookin good, Andrew.

 

Happy Halloween everyone.


Happy Halloween. by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

 

dang...
still got it (go tit)