The Mental Checklist
Preparation-it's an important part of a photo shoot. I'm not just referring to charged batteries or empty flashcards but rather what I call the mental checklist. Think of it as a way to avoid making those rookie mistakes. I used to keep an actual checklist that I'd refer to during a shoot but after a few it became second nature. It can for you too.
Iso: Check this before shooting anything. Almost every photographer has accidentally left this setting high from a previous shoot and paid for it with washed out images later on.
Background: Before snapping that first picture, take a close look at the background to see what's behind the car. If there are poles or trees, consider repositioning the car, or yourself, to avoid having anything "growing" out of the roofline. Sometimes it's unavoidable, in which case Photoshop comes in handy, but never rely on software for something that could've been avoided by moving 10 feet. Of course, any computer editing will soak up time in which you could be out shooting.
Reflections: Car windows usually reflect light, even during early morning or evening hours when it's best to shoot. Use a circular polarizer with your favorite lens to cut down on the glare. If you've never used one before, experiment. You'll wonder how you lived without one.
Time: Remember how much time you have. If you're shooting early in the morning, take care of the exterior and rolling shots first because interior and engine bay shots can be taken in the shade quite easily with a flash or with a delayed shutter and a tripod. Once the sun gets up too high, you may have trouble getting clean exterior shots. Shooting in the evening can be just as problematic and can easily leave you in the dark should you lose track of time.
Safety: This one is often disregarded. If you're going to be shooting in an area that's not-so friendly, you may want to have a few friends with you at the shoot to discourage would-be troublemakers. I've had a few shoots in bad areas of Los Angeles that prove this point to a tee. Be careful and don't take chances in an unknown area, especially if you're carrying an expensive camera or shooting a flashy car.
Extras: Always be prepared. I bring extra batteries for my camera and flash, extra flashcards for photo space, even extra water. Many photogs spend too much time worrying about equipment and locations, but forget about the basics. Pushing a car back and forth for rig shots and hopping up and down in the heat can take its toll, so drink up.
Your Snaps, Eibach's Schwag
It's official. We ain't playin' around. Your Honda-related photography could just land you fresh Eibach gear: a set of Sportline or Pro-Kit springs or a brand-spankin'-new set of Eibach coilovers. Check out the fine print for contest rules and details.
E-mail submissions to :editorial@hondatuningmagazine.com(include OH SNAPS in the subject)Or via snail mail to: Honda Tuning Magazine/Oh Snaps2400 E. Katella Ave, Suite 1100Anaheim, CA 92806
Keep things Honda/Acura-related and use your imagination. We need high-resolution images sized to a minimum of 4x4 inches-low-res snapshots and 3x5 prints will be tossed into the round filing cabinet. All submissions must be accompanied by complete contact information including your name, phone number, shipping address, e-mail address, and Web site address (if applicable). No contact info, no prize.
Winners will be selected monthly by the Honda Tuning staff. Refrain from watermarking submitted images; the appropriate credit will be displayed next to all published works. Honda Tuning magazine reserves the right to publish, crop, resize, and/or remove watermarks from all submitted images for the sole purpose of OH SNAPS in order to suit publication.
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