Shooting Automotive with Strobes?

[lyonsroar]

I got my first flash unit (Vivitar 383) and wireless trigger and I was wondering how to use it to photograph cars in the evening...

I tried a little and all I succeeded in doing was creating god awful reflections from the reflectors on the bumper...but TBH, it was like 10'F outside and I didn't want to be out...

Advice? Links?

 

[dxqcanada]

Really big soft boxes or reflectors ... diffusing the light.
There is a lot of highly reflective material on a car ... small points of light will not do.

Google Image Result for http://www.carstockphotography.co.uk/Carpage/lighting%20sample.jpg

 

[lyonsroar]

Thanks for the link. That's a lot more equipment then I have at the moment...but not totally out of the realm of possibility in the future...

 

[dxqcanada]

That example is what the full-time auto photographers do ... you could utilize one softbox or reflecting the flash off a large card.

 

[lyonsroar]

That example is what the full-time auto photographers do ... you could utilize one softbox or reflecting the flash off a large card.

Full time! What a kick @ss job!

So something like this:
Amazon.com: Lumiquest LQ-119 The Softbox III: Electronics

I'm a complete newb with lighting...

 

[tirediron]

A polarizing filter is also important to help reduce unwanted reflections when doing auto shoots. Get a chunk of translucent plastic, like an old bleach bottle (clear/white translucent, NOT coloured) cut out a chunk and slip it over the flash head. It will cost you 1-2 stops, but will help immensely in softening your light. Even a piece of tissue draped in front of the flash will help. Photography can be expensive, but creativity can save you a LOT of money!

 

[MohaimenK]

There was a video I saw in a forum, it was a guy with only one strobe and a softbox. Basically it was in a dark room. Camera was set to long exposure. He walked around the car and flashed speedlite from different angles and the end result was absolutely stunning!

 

[KmH]

Which points up the fact that if you have a good understanding of how photography really works.......

 

[lyonsroar]

A polarizing filter is also important to help reduce unwanted reflections when doing auto shoots. Get a chunk of translucent plastic, like an old bleach bottle (clear/white translucent, NOT coloured) cut out a chunk and slip it over the flash head. It will cost you 1-2 stops, but will help immensely in softening your light. Even a piece of tissue draped in front of the flash will help. Photography can be expensive, but creativity can save you a LOT of money!

I made a milk jug diffuser and have yet to try it out because the weather is just garbage right now.. cost me exactly...free! :lmao:

I have an el cheapo CPL that does the job, I think I should be looking into a better one though...

There was a video I saw in a forum, it was a guy with only one strobe and a softbox. Basically it was in a dark room. Camera was set to long exposure. He walked around the car and flashed speedlite from different angles and the end result was absolutely stunning!

I've heard about this. Might be worth trying...:thumbup:
If you find the video again please let me know...

Which points up the fact that if you have a good understanding of how photography really works.......

Hmmmm?