How to shoot moving cars?

ckrieg · Nov 18, 2006

Yes, I can shoot driving cars, I've done it before by panning or speed matching in another car. But whenever I look at Easton Chang's pictures, I'm always amazed, and wonder how he does this. Is he able to get two cars at the same speed and at the same turning radius? Is that how it's done? I can't be done by a bracket attached to the car that's being shot, because you can see the whole car.

In the picture of the blue 350, you can't even see a camera in the reflection. Due to post processing maybe? It says in his profile, that basically, all of his pictures are so great because of post processing.

All pictures taken from Easton's website at: www.eastonchang.com

Azuth · Nov 18, 2006

I think you've answered your own question. It's not as much about the photography as the editing.

ClarenceW · Nov 24, 2006

if the car is moving, simply use panning instead:
You set your camera at a lower shutter speed. Then pan the car's way and as you hit the realase, continue your pan. Never tried it though but believe me, a tripod is a need.

otherwise, photoshop.

ckrieg · Nov 24, 2006

oh yea, paning works, but not when the car is making a 360 degree or 180 degree turn like any of the cars above.

Paning only works whenthe car is going in a straight line (at least at that shutter speed) After doing some more research, I've found that a rig is required (camera IS attached to the bottom or side of the car) and then the rid is just edited out in photoshop

Big Mike · Nov 24, 2006

Azuth said:
I think you've answered your own question. It's not as much about the photography as the editing.

I agree

Johno · Nov 24, 2006

ckrieg said:
oh yea, paning works, but not when the car is making a 360 degree or 180 degree turn like any of the cars above.

Paning only works whenthe car is going in a straight line (at least at that shutter speed) After doing some more research, I've found that a rig is required (camera IS attached to the bottom or side of the car) and then the rid is just edited out in photoshop

Actually panning works best when the car is travelling in an arc with you standing somewhere near the centre. Keeping the car in the FOV longer than if it were travelling in a straight line.

kilgtfish · Nov 30, 2006

To shoot moving cars....My friend Abdulla says to use RPG. (rocket propelled grenade)
Just a little light humor

ckrieg · Nov 30, 2006

^ lol

BRABUS27 · Nov 30, 2006

It is definately all editing or I read from Motor Trend or some car magazine that they rig a camera, they bolted on a long metal arm and the camera is bolted on to the arm. Here is a photo I did

This was taken past sunset, it was a little bit hard, too a couple of tries but i got it.

hayden · Nov 30, 2006

Okay. What the hell does "panning" a shot mean?

I've never heard that term used before. Englighten me ears.

hayden · Nov 30, 2006

Speaking of Easton Chang's work, how does he get his shots to look "surreal" like it's kinda cartoon-ish? Things look really HDR.

Lighting???? or Post processing???

CMan · Dec 1, 2006

I don't think it's possible for the amateur photographer to get shots like Easton Chang or Evan Klein...however, good shots can be made if you put your head, your editing skills and your camera together.

tekzero · Dec 1, 2006

u need a rig for those shots, and those are heavily PSd for magazine purposes
edit: nm, saw u found out what is needed

and for above, panning means following an object as it moves, keeping it in focus but with a slower shutter