As reported by the Chigago Auto Show
Interview with Brenda Priddy, Photographer / Company Owner, Brenda Priddy & Company
Brenda Priddy has earned a reputation as one of the world's top automotive "spy" photographers. Her undercover exclusives are a regular feature of LeftLaneNews.com, Auto123.com and other popular Web sites. Her client list also includes publications such as AutoWeek, Car and Driver, Road & Track, USA Today and The New York Times. Priddy’s business has been highlighted in Newsweek, Motor Trend, Sports Car International, along with various domestic and international newspapers, and her pictures have appeared in various books -- from automotive interests to textbooks and even encyclopedias.
Nix the Flash. Unless shooting the interior of the car, don’t use the camera’s electronic flash.
Increase the Film Speed. Set the camera’s ISO to about 800 to compensate for the indoor lighting. At a higher setting, grain and “noise” may be noticeable.
Use a Tripod. The tripod will help to steady the shot when shooting long or time exposures. Try adjusting the camera to a slow shutter speed; this will create a stationary car with people in motion. If you don’t have a tripod, you can still use the slow shutter speed effect; use a shutter speed of 1/30 or 1/60 of a second.
Be Patient. Patience is essential when taking photos at a large event. People may walk in front of your camera numerous times, ruining what could’ve been the perfect picture – so wait it out. Your patience will pay off once you see the final product.
Reduce Glare. Reducing glare also takes patience. You may look through the camera’s viewfinder and see unwanted glare and disturbing reflections caused by spotlights illuminating the cars. If you see glare or hot spots while looking through your camera, simply move a few inches and recompose your shot. You’ll be glad you did!
Get Low. Instead of shooting a car from eye-level, get lower (or higher) than the car for a different perspective.
Change it up. The traditional (and always successful) way to take a photo is by taking "3/4" views: capturing the front (or back) of the car, along with the side, all in the same photo. While these will turn out to be great photos, try tilting the camera slightly sideways for a different and distinctive angle.
Capture the Essence. While cars are the obvious main focus of the show, try taking photos of McCormick Place, interesting banners, unique lighting (while getting the car in the background), or even unique signs at exhibits. Capture the essence of the show and make a collage of the unique photos.
Digital "Film" is Cheap: Don't worry about taking too many pictures. Many times it's the very last one that's the best.
Don’t Forget Yourself. Make sure to get into your favorite car and have someone else take the picture!
photo:Chigago Auto Show
Interview with Brenda Priddy, Photographer / Company Owner, Brenda Priddy & Company
Brenda Priddy has earned a reputation as one of the world's top automotive "spy" photographers. Her undercover exclusives are a regular feature of LeftLaneNews.com, Auto123.com and other popular Web sites. Her client list also includes publications such as AutoWeek, Car and Driver, Road & Track, USA Today and The New York Times. Priddy’s business has been highlighted in Newsweek, Motor Trend, Sports Car International, along with various domestic and international newspapers, and her pictures have appeared in various books -- from automotive interests to textbooks and even encyclopedias.
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Nix the Flash. Unless shooting the interior of the car, don’t use the camera’s electronic flash.
Increase the Film Speed. Set the camera’s ISO to about 800 to compensate for the indoor lighting. At a higher setting, grain and “noise” may be noticeable.
Use a Tripod. The tripod will help to steady the shot when shooting long or time exposures. Try adjusting the camera to a slow shutter speed; this will create a stationary car with people in motion. If you don’t have a tripod, you can still use the slow shutter speed effect; use a shutter speed of 1/30 or 1/60 of a second.
Be Patient. Patience is essential when taking photos at a large event. People may walk in front of your camera numerous times, ruining what could’ve been the perfect picture – so wait it out. Your patience will pay off once you see the final product.
Reduce Glare. Reducing glare also takes patience. You may look through the camera’s viewfinder and see unwanted glare and disturbing reflections caused by spotlights illuminating the cars. If you see glare or hot spots while looking through your camera, simply move a few inches and recompose your shot. You’ll be glad you did!
Get Low. Instead of shooting a car from eye-level, get lower (or higher) than the car for a different perspective.
Change it up. The traditional (and always successful) way to take a photo is by taking "3/4" views: capturing the front (or back) of the car, along with the side, all in the same photo. While these will turn out to be great photos, try tilting the camera slightly sideways for a different and distinctive angle.
Capture the Essence. While cars are the obvious main focus of the show, try taking photos of McCormick Place, interesting banners, unique lighting (while getting the car in the background), or even unique signs at exhibits. Capture the essence of the show and make a collage of the unique photos.
Digital "Film" is Cheap: Don't worry about taking too many pictures. Many times it's the very last one that's the best.
Don’t Forget Yourself. Make sure to get into your favorite car and have someone else take the picture!
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photo:Chigago Auto Show