Help shooting a car

[VaE39]

I'm pretty new to photography and I've been doing a little practice with scenery. Now my new goals are automotive photography and portraits. My first take is shooting a car thats an alpine white color (Not bright white but not cream) Its a fairly new car 2003 and its a BMW. What are your suggestions for background on where to do it. What time during the day? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

BTW I'm armed with a Nikon D80 with a 50mmf/1.8.
Any lens suggestions for car and portraits?

 

[subimatt]

With a white car, shoot with a darker background, Sunrise/ Sunset is always the best time to shoot. I shoot cars and portraits with both the 24-70L and the 28-235 IS. Feel free to check out my flickr for ideas on cars or portraits n such.

 

[usayit]

I'd go wider... to accentuate the lines of the vehicle. We all see these cars from afar... you want to get in close.

 

[amateursnapper]

Also make sure you get your white balance right - if you're filling the frame with the car your camera might mistakenly darken everything much like they can do when shooting snow scenes.

Pete