Novice: How do I make my subject shiny (cars) ? Please check the images attached

[coolhydro]

Hello,

Is there a tutorial on how to make my subject shiny and standout?
I use aperture and photoshop but was not able to get these kind of results. Please help.

Please check the attachments below, I hope my cacnon t3 would be enough to take pics like these.

Thanks!

Please do not post images to which you do not hold rights. You may post links.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9385274680_d569c1d9fd_b.jpghttp://imageshack.us/a/img542/9025/68ke.jpg

 

[Gavjenks]

Before I even clicked on the thread, I was going to suggest long thin lights, and voila! Picture #2 parked under big long thin fluorescent lights.
But I'm sure there's lots of other lighting tricks. You want lights and an angle to them that reflect in a way that shows off the curves of that car, which are often long and slender, but now always.
As with all photography, worrying about external lighting is the main mover and shaker. I don't do car shoots, but if you google around for lighting setups for pro car photos I'm sure you'll find much more effective stuff than looking for photoshop tips, which it sounds like you've been focusing on instead.

I assume it also has something to do with making sure the car is ridiculously clean and probably waxed or similar.

And THEN after all that, probably some tone-mapping is involved in software. But don't do it badly like the guy in the 2nd photo (look at those black halos around the pillar, blech), and only rely on this for minor extra pop, not to do all the heavy lifting.

 

[coolhydro]

Thank you very much.
I will follow your advice and try some snaps.

 

[480sparky]

BTW... you're not supposed to post photos you don't have the rights to. Change the images to links.

 

[coolhydro]

I am sorry, I din't know that. I will post the links.

 

[Robin Usagani]

Wax the car?

 

[Solarflare]

There was a recent blog post of a professional photographer who did a job like that, maybe that helps ?

On Assignment: shooting a car ? Ming Thein | Photographer

 

[vipgraphx]

NOT sure if you are into HDR but that can really bring out the shine and make the cars pop. Just don't over do it...